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 offers an excellent glimpse of culture and traditions. With its distinct ancient Dravidian culture, Tamil Nadu is a fascinating part of India. Tamil Nadu proves to be a great place in terms of tourism where lakhs of people come to visit every year. If you are also 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 us know about them...

Pongal
Celebrated for four days together, 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 the day named Bhogi. This festival mainly expresses 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 which 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. The gifts also include sugarcane and coconut.

Thiruvaiyaru Festival
Thiruviaru 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 this 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 should attend this festival and witness the traditions and rituals performed near the Samadhi of Tyagaraja.

Natyanjali Dance Festival
Natyanjali Dance Festival is a beautiful festival of Tamil Nadu state which is made up of two words, drama and dance. In this, Natya means dance and Anjali means meeting (offering). This festival is celebrated to pay homage to Lord Nataraja, who is considered to be the Lord of dance. He is the most powerful and most loved God in the Hindu tradition. This festival is organized at the Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram. Let us tell you that it starts on the day of Mahashivratri and this festival lasts for five days. Around 300-400 dancers from across the country showcase their dance skills at the Natyanjali Dance Festival. Which especially includes Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam 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 bull as it comes running at them violently. 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 Thai month in the Tamil calendar. Lord Shiva's younger son was born on this day. His name is Lord Subramaniam. On this day we take a vow before God. They believe that if they take a vow in front of Lord Subramaniam, he will ensure that they will keep their vow forever. It is a day of repentance and penance and devotees feel more connected and closer to God.

Mahamaham Festival
Mahamaham Mahotsav, one of the major festivals of Tamil Nadu state, is related to the Hindu religion. Kumbakonam is a small town in Tamil Nadu where this festival is celebrated every 12 years. It is organized on a large scale. This 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 ‘Mahamahaam Tank’. This tank is built on an area of more than 6 acres and is surrounded by temples, wells, etc. After taking a dip in the 20 wells located here, devotees visit the Kumbheshwar temple.

(PC: Lifeberrys)