5 Festivals in Chennai You Should Experience

by Manish Kumar Marketing Head

An IIT and IT famous city known for its passion in music, the rich heritage and traditions make Chennai the cultural capital of India. If you cherish the warmth of hearts despite the hot temperature, Chennai is where you should head to for your next vacation. There are plenty of good hotels in Chennai that provide you the hospitality and comfort while you explore this mesmerizing city. This city also has its own set of fairs and festivals that provide a respite to the residents here and attract many tourists.

While you are in the lookout for the best hotels in Chennai, you might want to plan your trip to witness the festivals that Chennai celebrates in the most unique ways. Here’s a list of five festivals that are celebrated with much grandeur in Chennai-

1. Natyanjali Dance Festival:
This dance festival is held every year in the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu near Chennai. As Lord Shiva is often referred to as the ‘Lord of Dances’ the dancers dedicate their devotion through dance. This festival is celebrated for five days where dancers from across India showcase their unique dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kuchupudi, Kathak, Mohini Attam, etc. This festival usually begins in the month of February or March and is unique from other festivals due to its devotional aspect.

2. Pongal:
This harvest bringing festival is celebrated across many places in Tamil Nadu. During this festival, people thank the sun god and Lord Indra for helping farmers yield a good harvest. Thus, this festival is also called the thanksgiving festival. During this festival the devotees clean their houses, paint their doorways, and offer their prayers to the rain god. The significant part of the Pongal festival involves preparing a dish called Pongal which is made out of a lentil called Moong dal, raisins, cashews, and spices. While you are in the lookout for the best hotels in Chennai, you should definitely witness this festival that is celebrated for about five days in the month of January.

3.Tamil New Year:

The Tamil New Year falls in mid-April which is the first month of the Tamil Calendar. Also known as Puthandu, women make beautiful floor drawings in the morning called Kolam at the entrance of their houses. This New Year Day begins by looking at the auspicious sight at dawn called ‘Kanni’ in a belief that it will bring good luck throughout the year. The auspicious things include fruits, nuts, betel leaves, flowers, raw rice, coconuts, etc.

4.Thaipusam:

An intense festival where the devotees pierce their faces and bodies fearlessly, Thaipusam is usually celebrated in January or February. While you’re looking for good hotels in Chennai, you might want to witness the celebrations of this enthralling festival with your own eyes. As the devotees attach hooks and skewers to their bodies and drag heavy sleds using their body, prepare to be amazed. This Hindu festival is celebrated to pay tribute to the Hindu God of War, Lord Muragan who slayed three demons and brought virtue. This festival is celebrated between the months of January to February.

5.Thiruvaiyaru Festival:

This music festival is celebrated for a long stretch during the month of January and is celebrated in the appreciation of the famous music author and Saint Thyagraja. It takes place in Thiruvaiyar which is a town located in the area of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Music lovers from around the nation come to observe this festival is and it is also globally celebrated in the USA, Nigeria and Mauritius.

Finding good hotels in Chennai for your trip isn’t that difficult. But planning a trip to witness these unique festivals in Chennai will require you to plan in advance. So, decide on the festival celebrations you don’t want to miss out on and have a great trip.