Every part of South India is known for its own distinct identity. Today in this episode we are going to talk about Tamil Nadu which presents the best glimpse of culture and traditions. With its distinctive ancient Dravidian culture, Tamil Nadu is a fascinating part of India. Tamil Nadu proves to be a great place in terms of tourism which lakhs of people visit every year. If you too are thinking of visiting Tamil Nadu, then definitely enjoy the festivals here. The reflection of Tamil culture and ethnicity can be seen in the festivals here. It is a state where festivals are considered a way of life. Today in this episode we are going to give you information about the popular festivals of Tamil Nadu. Let's know about them...
Pongal
Celebrated for four days at once, this festival is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu. Pongal is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu which is celebrated for 4 days. The four-day festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu begins on a day called Bhogi. The festival is mainly a celebration of gratitude to the Sun God for showering the land with abundant agriculture. People boil the first rice of the season as a mark of respect to the Sun God. Pongal is also the name of a dish that is very famous in the south and is cooked for most of the festivals there. The main Pongal falls on the second day and is called 'Thai Pongal'. Everyone wears traditional clothes. Gifts also include sugarcane and coconut.
Thiruvaiyaru Festival
Thiruvaiyaru is a famous music festival celebrated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Saint Tyagaraja was a famous music composer and this festival is dedicated to him. On the day of Pushya Bahula Panchami, Saint Tyagaraja attained Samadhi and hence the festival is celebrated on this day every year. Every year in January, a lot of musicians come to Thanjavur to participate in the celebration of this grand festival. One of the most popular festivals of Tamil Nadu, it promotes classical music. This festival is also celebrated in Mauritius, America, and Nigeria. All music lovers must attend this festival and witness the traditions and rituals performed near Tyagaraja's Samadhi.
Natyanjali Dance Festival
Natyanjali Dance Festival is a beautiful festival of the state of Tamil Nadu, which is made up of two words Natya and Nritya. In this, Natya means dance and Anjali means meeting (gift). The festival is celebrated to pay homage to Lord Nataraja, who is considered to be the Lord of Dance. He is the most powerful and loving god in the Hindu tradition. This festival is organized at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. Please tell us that it starts on the day of Mahashivaratri and this festival is for five days. Around 300-400 dancers from all over the country showcase their dance skills at the Natyanjali Dance Festival. Which especially includes Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, etc.
Jali Kattu or bull fight
On the second day of Pongal i.e. Mattu Pongal, Jalli Kattu, or bullfight takes place in almost all the villages. The youths come forward to retrieve the bulls as they come running violently at them. It's a traditional, spine-chilling fight. The winner receives prize money tied to the horns. Alanganallur near Madurai is famous for this game.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is celebrated in Tamil Nadu on the full moon day of the month of Thai in the Tamil calendar. The younger son of Lord Shiva was born on this day. His name is Lord Subramaniam. On this day we take a vow in front of God. They believe that if they take a vow in front of Lord Subramaniam, he will ensure that they keep their vow forever. It is a day of repentance and penance and devotees feel more connected and closer to God.
Mahamaham Festival
The Mahamaham Festival, which is included in the major festivals of the state of Tamil Nadu, is related to Hinduism. Kumbakonam is a small town in Tamil Nadu where this festival is celebrated every 12 years. It is organized on a large scale. The festival has the grandeur of both Indian and Greek festivals. Let us tell you that on the occasion of the festival, people consider it sacred to take a dip in the famous 'Mahamamam Tank'. The tank covers an area of more than 6 acres and is surrounded by temples, wells, etc. After taking a dip in the 20 wells located here, the devotees proceed to visit the Kumbheshwar temple.
Kavadi Festival
It is celebrated in January in all the pilgrimage centers of Lord Muruga. During this festival, people take a vow to offer Kevadi to God to avoid a major disaster. Dancing to the beat of the dhol in a hypnotic trance and taking the Kavadi to the Palani Hills to fulfill his vow is a major feature that characterizes this festival. Strange and clichéd traditions such as lip piercing with mini silver laces, gagged mouths with metal rings, etc. fill onlookers with awe.
Karthigai Deepam festival
Karthigai Deepam is a major festival of the state of Tamil Nadu which is also known as the festival of lights. This festival is celebrated between November and December to mark the conjunction of the moon with the Nakshatra Karthigai. The main purpose of this festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu is to remove evils from life and embrace goodness. On the occasion of the festival, people distribute sweets and wear new clothes.
