Festivals of Tamil Nadu
Pongal Festival
Pongal Festival is one of the biggest harvest festival, celebrated for four days. The traditional preparation of sweet dish ‘Pongal’ by boiling rice, moong dal, jaggery and milk, takes place in every home. The festival begins with “Bhogi Pongal”, a day for the family, on second is the “Surya Pongal”, people pay homage to the Sun God and the third day of Pongal is “Mattu Pongal” in which cattle is worshiped.
Natyanjali Festival
Natyanjali festival is dedicated to the cosmic dancer Lord Shiva. The festival starts on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivratri and continues for next five days. The festival is celebrated with a great enthusiasm and fervor, where prominent dancers of India performs dances in front of the Nataraja Temple, to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja.
Tea and Tourism Festival
The Tea and Tourism festival is celebrated in the Nilgiris, in the month of January- February. The festival lasts for three days and varieties of tea are on display, also available for tasting. Cultural programs, delicious cuisines of the South, visit to tea estates etc., marks the celebration.
Chithirai Festival
Chithirai Festival takes place in the famous Madurai temple., 500 km from Chennai. The festivals begins on the Tamil month – Chithirai and lasts for ten days. It presents a spectacular procession of the marriage of the elder sister of lord Vishnu to Lord Sundareswarar. The celebration is filled with enthusiasm and festivity.
Dance Festivals
The Dance festival starts on the 25th of December every year and is held on all Saturdays, Sundays and Government holiday’s, till February first week. The event is marked with the performances of eminent dancers and the classical dances such as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi dances.
Navarathiri
The festival of Navarathiri lasts for nine days. It starts from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin according to the Hindu calender. During these days Goddess Durga and her nine forms are worshiped. The festival is celebrated with true devotion by visiting temples of Goddess and offering prayers.
Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam festival is the festival of lights. People decorate their homes with lights and lamps to celebrate the birth of Murugan, son of Lord Shiva. The festival lasts for nine days and during these days beautiful procession of many deities are held.
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