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 - Kanyakumari
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.
INCREDIBLE TOURISM
