Festivals

Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu to thank the Sun God and nature for a bountiful harvest. It marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and is observed with joy, gratitude, and traditional rituals. Families prepare the special dish “Pongal,” allowing the milk to spill over as a symbol of prosperity. Homes are decorated with kolams, and people wear new clothes and visit temples. The festival brings together families, farmers, and communities in a spirit of hope and celebration. Highlights:

Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest and most sacred festivals of Tamil Nadu, celebrated with beautiful rows of oil lamps. It honors Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Houses and temples glow with thousands of deepams, creating a serene and divine atmosphere. The grandest celebration takes place at Tiruvannamalai, where the Maha Deepam is lit atop the Annamalai Hill. The festival brings families together in prayer, peace, and spiritual joy. Highlights:

Aadi Brahmotsavam is a significant annual temple festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi, especially in major Vishnu temples like Srirangam and Tirumala. The festival honors Lord Vishnu with grand rituals, special pujas, and majestic processions of the deity on various vahanams. Devotees gather in huge numbers to witness the ceremonies and seek divine blessings for prosperity and protection. The temple streets come alive with music, chants, and vibrant decorations throughout the celebration. Aadi Brahmotsavam symbolizes devotion, spiritual cleansing, and the renewal of positive energy. Highlights:

Theppa Thirunaal, also known as the Float Festival, is a vibrant celebration held in many major temples of Tamil Nadu. The highlight of the festival is the beautifully decorated temple deities taken on a float around the temple tank at night. Devotees gather in large numbers to watch the illuminated float, enjoy devotional music, and offer prayers. The serene movement of the float over water symbolizes peace, prosperity, and divine grace. This festival reflects Tamil Nadu’s rich temple traditions and devotional culture. Highlights:

The Chithirai Festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai, is one of the grandest cultural and religious events in Tamil Nadu. It marks the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar in Madurai. The festival also commemorates the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi as the queen of Madurai. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the vibrant processions, cultural performances, and traditional rituals. The celebration reflects the rich heritage, devotion, and festive spirit of Tamil culture. Highlights:

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most sacred festivals for Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day, the gates of Vaikunta, known as Vaikunta Dwaram, open for devotees to attain spiritual blessings. Temples witness huge gatherings as people observe fasting, offer prayers, and participate in special rituals. Many devotees stay awake the whole night chanting Vishnu’s names and reading sacred texts. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the path to spiritual liberation. HIGHLIGHTS: