Pongal
It is the harvest festival of thanks giving to Sun, Earth
and the Cow. The festival is celebrated in the month of
January for three days. Sugarcane, turmeric, sheaves of
paddy, newly prepared jaggery, vegetables and pulses are
offered to the Sun god. The earth and the cow are also worshiped
and offerings were made. The festival ends with 'Kanum Pongal'
on the third day when children enjoy watching the celebrations.
Vinayaka
Chathurthi
Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka, the elephant headed god is among
the most worshiped deities of the State. The Ganesa Puja
is performed with fervor and gaiety. The celebration ends
on the ninth day when the idols of Vinayaka will be carried
in procession chanting his name and submerged in water in
wells, lakes, rivers or ocean. The festival falls on the
month of september.
Navarathri
Navarathri , another festival lasts for nine days as the
name indicates. The goddesses of Durga, Lakshmi and Sarawathy,
the consorts of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma
are worshiped. The festival falls in the months of September
- October and is marked with traditional displays of handmade
dolls.
Deepavali
This festival of lights is usually celebrated in Oct.- Nov.
It generates an atmosphere of gaiety, friendliness and excitement.
Aruvathimoovar Festival
The bronze statues of 63 Shivite saints in the magnificent
Kapaliswarar temple at Mylapore, who lived in devotion and
penance are taken in a colorful procession, once in every
year, through the streets of Mylapore, Chennai.
National festivals like Independence Day, Republic day,
Gandhiji's birthday etc. are celebrated throughout the state.
Muslim festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Muharrum,
Birthday of Prophet Mohamed and Christian festivals like
Christmas, Easter, Good Friday etc. are celebrated harmoniously
as in other regions of the country. |
