ARUBATHIMOOVAR FESTIVAL Literally, 'Arubathimoovar' refers to the 63 saints of Shiva declared sacred and honorable for leading exemplary lives of devotion. Bronze figures of these 63 saints decorate the magnificent Kapaliswar Temple at Mylapore, Chennai. Once, every year, they are carried in a colorful procession through the streets of Mylapore.
CHITHIRAI FESTIVAL Celebrated in Madurai a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. You can witness an ancient legend unfold right before your eyes as Lord Vishnu rides to his sister's wedding on gleaming real-gold horse chariot.
Dance Festival, MAMALLAPURAM Sit before an open-air 'stage' created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Watch a very unique dance event where traditional dance forms of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi, presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances.
KANTHURI FESTIVAL A truly secular festival where devotees gather to the shrine of saint Quadirwali, believed to do equal good to people of all faiths. One of the descendants of the Saint is chosen as a Peer or spiritual leader and is honored with offerings. On the tenth day of the festival, the Saint's tomb is anointed with sandalwood - and later the holy sandal paste, renowned for its healing powers, is distributed to everyone.
MAHAMAHAM FESTIVAL A holy festival celebrated in Kumbakonam, Chennai once in 12 years. Legend has it that Brahma, held a pot containing nectar and the seed of creation. Lord Shiva in the form of a hunter shot an arrow at the pot - spilling the nectar into the famous Mahamagam tank at the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple.
PONGAL At dawn on this day families everywhere gather around a new earthen pot. As the pot of milk boils over, signifying prosperity, a shout of "Pongalo Pongal" rents the air.
NATYANJALI DANCE FESTIVAL The temple city of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja the 'Cosmic dancer'. The setting is truly divine-Chidambaram's gold-roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses from Bharatha Natyam - Tamil Nadu's classical dance.
Tourist Fair In January, the sun gets into a pleasant holiday mood and Chennai gets a cool respite from her famous hot weather! Time for family outings to the colorful TTDC Trade Fair. The exhibition presents a panorama of Tamil Nadu - all her places of tourist interest, her cultural wealth and economic progress.
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