One of the major festivals of Tamil Nadu celebrated in October or November is Deepavali or Diwali. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Deepavali instills the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Oil lamps light up, crackers burst, and traditional sweets and savouries are prepared by people during the festival. Rangoli and lamps decorate houses, and families come together to rejoice in the festival.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated in the months of August or September in the reverence of Lord Ganesha, who was the lord over wisdom and prosperity with an elephant head. It involves the preparation of clay images of Ganesha that are put inside many homes and public places. The idol is worshipped with prayers, sweets, and flowers. Huge processions and immersion of the idol in water mark the culmination of the festivals of Tamil Nadu. Vinayaka Chaturthi is a colourful and festive occasion. There are beautiful decorations and cultural programs.
A nine-night festival like Navaratri in Tamil Nadu is celebrated with a lot of devotion. September or October is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. Fasting, prayers, and high-energy dance like Garba and Dandiya characterise the festival. In fact, the culmination of the nine nights of Navaratri happens to be Vijayadashmi or Dussehra – literally meaning victory of good over evil. On this day, grand processions and cultural troupes with the burning of effigies signify righteousness.
The Margazhi Festivals of Tamil Nadu, literally translated to the Margazhi season, is celebrated for a month during December and January. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is characterised by the rendition of classical music and dance performances. These concerts and dance recitals are conducted in temples and cultural centers all across Tamil Nadu, with some of the finest forms of traditional Bharatnatyam, Carnati music, and Nadaswaram. The Margazhi Festivals of Tamil Nadu is a celebration of classical arts and its promotion by inviting artists and lovers of the art from everywhere. Best time to visit: December – January Celebration highlights: Classical music and dance performances, temple events
The Tamil New Year is celebrated on the 14th of April and is actually the commencement of the Tamil calendar year. This is a festivals of Tamil Nadu, whereby the Tamilians could renew themselves, and so it is celebrated with great fervour. The houses are decorated with mango leaves and vibrant rangoli, which are done on the floor, while traditional dishes such as vadai and payasam are prepared specially during this occasion. This day is marked by visiting temples, participation in processions, and indulging in traditional sweets with family and friends.
