Fairs & Festivals in
Tamil Nadu
PONGAL
FESTIVAL
Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. People extend their tribute to
the Sun, Nature and the Cattle wealth for helping them with a rich harvest and
Prosperity. The traditional preparation of 'Pongal' i.e. boiling rice with jaggery
and milk, takes place at every home. The tourist offices will organise celebrations
for the benefit of foreign and domestic tourists. This thanks- giving festival
is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil Month Thai (Middle Of January).
CHITHIRAI FESTIVAL
APRIL - MADURAI
The Chithirai Festival is held in the famous Madurai temple, 500 kms. from Chennai.
Starts from the Tamil month Chithirai, and ends on the tenth day. The highlight
is the procession of Lord Kallagar (Lord Vishnu), the elder brother of Goddess
Meenakshi, who proceeds from his abode Alagarmalai, 30 kms. from Madurai, to
give away his sister in marriage to Lord Sundareswar. The celebration is filled
with pomp and festivity. The Kallagar entering the river Vaigai is indeed a
spectacular soul-ful sight
SUMMER FESTIVAL
May-June/ Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri Hills. There are several
beautiful Hills Stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, The hills
are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. Cultural Programmes, adventure
sports, boat races, flower shows and fruit shows add to the splendour of the
festivals.
MANGO FESTIVAL - KRISHNAGIRI
LAST 3 DAYS OF JUNE
Krishnagiri is the venue for the famous mango festival. Mangoes of different
varieties are kept on display. It is also an event for the buyers and sellers
to meet. You are welcome to taste and enjoy the succulent sweety Mangoes of
Selam!
SARAL FESTIVAL- COURTRALLAM- JULY
The monsoon brings happiness. And waterfalls at Courtrallam, the Spa of India
receives an influx of visitors, tourists and excursionists. The water falls
on rocks and tiny droplets are sprinkled into the air. Thus giving a 'fog-like'
appearance. The breeze carries this 'fog' far. The phenomenon is called 'Saral'
in Tamil. The waters are known for medicinal value. Cultural Programmes, Competitions,
fun and frolic make this festival remarkable. Held in July.
CAPE FESTIVAL - KANNIYAKUMARI
Kanyakumari is the southern tip of the Sub-continent, surrounded by the Indian
Ocean, the Bay Of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Hindus consider a bath in
this confluence as very sacred. The Vivekananda Memorial set amidst the sea
is a place known to give mental peace and poise. The Cape Festival held in October
is marked by a series of cultural programmes. Lasts for 3 days.
DANCE FESTIVAL - MAMALLAPURAM
DECEMBER
The Dance Festival starts on the 25th of December every year and conducted on
all Saturdays. Sundays and Government holidays, upto February first week. Dancers
and musicians of repute from India and abroad thrill the crowds every year.
Folk dances of India are other added attractions.
TOURIST FAIR - CHENNAI
Welcome to the colourful Trade and Industrial Fair at Chenai organised by the
Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation. The exhibition introduces you to
Tamil Nadu. It's cultural wealth, places of tourist interest, economic scenario
and much more are presented to you in myriad forms and colours.
TEA AND TOURISM FESTIVAL- UDHAGAMANDALAM/ COONOOR
A 3-day festival at the Hill Stations. Varieties of tea are on display. Also
available for tasting. Cultural extravaganza, cuisines of the South and the
pleasant climate add more flavour. Yes…. this attractive 'Get- together'
is held on the last week of January. For the right blend.!
NATYANJALI FESTIVAL- CHIDAMBARAM
Starts from the day of Mahashivarathri for 5 days. Chidambaram is situated along
the coast of the Bay of Bengal, 75 kms. south of Pondicherry. Lord Nataraja,
according to Hindu mythology is a cosmic dancer. He is called the Lord of Dances.
This is an opportunity for all dancers, from all over India, to perform and
to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. The 'Tribute By Dance' to the Dancing
Lord is held some time in February - March.
