List of Tamil Festivals

Tamil Nadu, a land of rich traditions and cultural heritage, celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year based on the Tamil Solar Calendar. These festivals hold deep religious and social significance, bringing communities together in devotion, celebration, and joy. Below is a comprehensive list of major Tamil festivals with their brief descriptions.

1. Thai Pongal

Thai Pongal is one of the most significant festivals in Tamil Nadu, celebrated on the first day of Thai Masam (Tamil month of Thai). It is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and marks the harvest season. Families prepare a special dish called ‘Pongal’ made from freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk, which is offered to the Sun God in gratitude. This festival is equivalent to Makar Sankranti in North India.

2. Puthandu (Tamil New Year)

Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year or Varusha Pirappu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. It is observed on the first day of Chithirai month and is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and cultural events. Families prepare a traditional feast, and people visit temples to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

3. Deepavali

In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is observed on Chaturdashi Tithi during Brahma Muhurat, just before sunrise. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People celebrate by lighting oil lamps, bursting firecrackers, wearing new clothes, and preparing sweets.

4. Kedar Gauri Vrat

Kedar Gauri Vrat is a special fasting ritual observed mainly in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. It is also known as Kedara Vratham and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe strict fasting and worship Lord Shiva for blessings of prosperity and well-being.

5. Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights celebrated when the Karthigai Nakshatra coincides with Pournami in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Vrischika Rashi). Houses and temples are decorated with oil lamps, and the grand celebration takes place at Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, where a huge lamp is lit on the hilltop.

6. Soorasamharam

Soorasamharam is the grand culmination of the six-day Kanda Sashti festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. It marks the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. Devotees perform elaborate prayers and reenact the battle in temples across Tamil Nadu.

7. Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is an important festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni when the Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni) Nakshatra prevails. It is believed that divine weddings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan and Deivanai, and Lord Rama and Sita took place on this day. Devotees undertake Kavadi processions to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

8. Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an auspicious day when the Vaikuntha Dwaram (Heaven’s Gate) is believed to open. Devotees observe fasting and perform prayers to attain salvation. It is an important festival in Tamil Nadu, especially in Vishnu temples such as Srirangam.

9. Vaikasi Visakam

Vaikasi Visakam marks the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan. It is observed during the Visakam Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Devotees perform special prayers, processions, and poojas in Murugan temples.

10. Thai Pusam

Thaipusam, also known as Thai Poosam, is celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai. It is a significant festival for Lord Murugan devotees. Many devotees undertake rigorous vows, pierce their bodies with hooks and spears, and carry ‘Kavadis’ to seek divine blessings.

11. Karadaiyan Nombu

Karadaiyan Nombu, also known as Karadayan Nonbu, is observed during Meena Sankranti (Meena Sankramana). Married women and young girls pray for the well-being of their husbands and future marital happiness by tying a sacred thread and offering special ‘Karadai’ dish to the deity.

12. Masi Magam

Masi Magam, also known as Maasi Makam, is a grand festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. On this day, deities from various temples are taken in processions and immersed in water bodies, symbolizing purification and prosperity.

13. Hanumath Jayanthi

Hanumath Jayanthi is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, observed during Margashirsha Amavasya. In Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated with special prayers and offerings in Hanuman temples.

14. Arudra Darshan

Arudra Darshan is a Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly in his cosmic dance form, Nataraja. It falls during Margashirsha Amavasya and is observed with special poojas in Shiva temples. The grandest celebrations take place at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

15. Avani Avittam

Avani Avittam is a sacred ritual observed by Brahmins, particularly those who follow the Yajurveda tradition. On this day, they ritually change their sacred thread (Upanayanam) and perform various Shrauta rituals to seek purification and spiritual progress.

16. Chitra Pournami

Chitra Pournami is celebrated on the full moon day of Chithirai month. It is dedicated to Lord Chitragupta, the celestial accountant who records human deeds. Devotees offer prayers seeking forgiveness for past misdeeds and divine guidance for righteous living.

Conclusion

Tamil festivals are deeply rooted in tradition and spiritual significance. They not only serve as occasions for religious observance but also bring families and communities together in celebration. From harvest festivals like Pongal to spiritual observances like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, each festival carries its unique importance in Tamil culture. These festivals reflect the region’s devotion, unity, and rich cultural heritage, continuing to be celebrated with great fervor year after year.