திருவிழாக்கள்

Tamil Festival Guide

46 festivals celebrated across Tamil Nadu — from harvest celebrations to temple processions, lights festivals to sacred rituals.

temple

Theppam - Temple Float Festival

தெப்பம் - கோவில் தெப்பத் திருவிழா

January-February · Varies by temple, often during specific months like Thai (Jan-Feb) or Panguni (Mar-Apr).

Theppam, or the Temple Float Festival, involves the deities being placed on a decorated float (Theppam) that is then sailed around a temple tank or a large pond. The float is often illuminated with lights, creating a stunning visual spectacle, especially at night. The festival is typically celebrated during specific months and can last for several days, with the float making multiple rounds of the tank each day.

temple

Masi Magam - Holy Sea Bath Festival

மாசி மகம் - புனித கடல் நீராட்டு திருவிழா

February-March · Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), full moon day, Magam Nakshatra

Masi Magam, a vibrant festival, occurs in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) on the full moon day when the moon aligns with the Magam Nakshatra. Deities from various temples are ceremoniously carried in processions to the seashore or sacred water bodies. The deities are then immersed in the water for a symbolic purification, followed by devotees taking a holy dip to cleanse themselves of sins and attain spiritual liberation. The air buzzes with chants, devotional songs, and the joyous energy of thousands of devotees.

lights

Skanda Sashti - Six Day Murugan Festival

கந்த சஷ்டி - ஆறு நாள் முருகன் திருவிழா

October-November · Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), concluding on Sashti

Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, commemorating his victory over the demon Surapadman. It falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), concluding on the 'Sashti' day. Each day involves special prayers, fasting, and the reading of the Skanda Puranam, which narrates the story of Murugan's birth and his battle against evil. The final day culminates in a dramatic reenactment of the Soorasamharam, the destruction of Surapadman and his brothers.

music

Margazhi Season - Music and Dance Festival Month

மார்கழி மாதம் - இசை மற்றும் நடன விழா மாதம்

December-January · Tamil month of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January)

Margazhi is a month-long festival in Tamil Nadu dedicated to music and dance. From mid-December to mid-January, Chennai transforms into a cultural hub, hosting numerous Carnatic music concerts and Bharatanatyam performances. Early morning bhajans and devotional songs fill the air. It's a time of heightened spiritual awareness and artistic expression, attracting musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts from across the globe. The crisp morning air adds to the magical experience.

seasonal

Aadi Pooram - Andal Birth Festival

ஆடிப் பூரம் - ஆண்டாள் திருவிழா

July-August · Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)

Aadi Pooram is a vibrant festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Andal, the only female Alvar saint of the Vaishnava tradition. Observed during the Tamil month of Aadi, devotees flock to temples, especially Srivilliputhur, Andal's birthplace. The festival showcases elaborate processions, cultural performances, and the celestial wedding of Andal to Lord Ranganatha. It's a time of devotion, prayer, and joyous celebration of Andal's divine love and devotion. The air is filled with the chanting of hymns and the aroma of fragrant flowers.

family

Vinayagar Chaturthi - Tamil Ganesh Festival

விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி - தமிழ் விநாயகர் திருவிழா

August-September · Bhadrapada month (August-September) Shukla Paksha Chaturthi

Vinayagar Chaturthi, a grand celebration dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity, is observed with immense enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu. Intricately crafted clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public places. Elaborate pujas, devotional songs, and cultural performances mark the ten-day festival, culminating in the immersion of the idols in water bodies, symbolizing Ganesha's return to his celestial abode. The air resonates with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'.

sacred

Naga Chaturthi - Serpent Worship

நாக சதுர்த்தி - பாம்பு வழிபாடு

July-August · Observed on different Chaturthi tithis throughout the year, especially during Shravana month (July-August)

Naga Chaturthi is dedicated to serpent deities, celebrated with fervor in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Devotees worship live snakes or their images, offering milk, eggs, and flowers. Special pujas are performed at snake temples and anthills (considered serpent abodes). The festival is believed to appease the serpent gods, seeking protection from snakebites and ensuring family well-being.

harvest

Kaanum Pongal - Outing Day

காணும் பொங்கல் - சுற்றுலா தினம்

January · Day after Mattu Pongal (January)

Kaanum Pongal, celebrated the day after Mattu Pongal, is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy outings. People visit beaches, parks, zoos, and other recreational spots. It's a day for relaxation, fun, and strengthening bonds with loved ones. Special dishes are prepared and shared, and gifts are exchanged. The atmosphere is filled with joy and camaraderie.

harvest

Pongal

பொங்கல்

January · January 14-17 (Thai 1-4)

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, marking the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of Uttarayana. It is THE most important festival for Tamil people worldwide, celebrating the Sun God and agricultural abundance.

temple

Vaikasi Visakam

வைகாசி விசாகம்

May-June · Visakam star in Vaikasi month (May-June)

Vaikasi Visakam celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). It is one of the most important festivals at all Murugan temples, especially the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu).

sacred

Aavani Avittam

ஆவணி அவிட்டம்

August · Full moon day in Aavani month (August)

Aavani Avittam (Upakarma) is when Brahmin men change their sacred thread (Poonool) and renew their commitment to Vedic studies. It marks the beginning of the Vedic academic year.

lights

Skanda Sashti

ஸ்கந்த சஷ்டி

October-November · Six days ending on Sashti in Aippasi month (October-November)

Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival celebrating Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadman. The dramatic Soorasamharam event is the highlight, especially at Thiruchendur.

lights

Deepavali

தீபாவளி

October-November · Amavasya (new moon) in Aippasi month (October-November)

Deepavali (Festival of Lights) is celebrated with great fervor in Tamil Nadu. Unlike North India, Tamil Deepavali commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.

temple

Panguni Uthiram

பங்குனி உத்திரம்

March-April · Uthiram star in Panguni month (March-April)

Panguni Uthiram celebrates divine marriages - Murugan with Deivayanai, Ranganathar with Andal, Shiva with Parvati. Considered highly auspicious for weddings.

sacred

Maha Shivaratri

மகா சிவராத்திரி

February-March · 14th day of Krishna Paksha in Maasi (February-March)

Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Shiva) is one of the most important festivals for Lord Shiva devotees. Devotees observe night-long vigil, fasting, and worship.

seasonal

Aadi Perukku - Monsoon Water Festival

ஆடிப் பெருக்கு

July-August · 18th day of Aadi (July/August)

Aadi Perukku, also known as Pathinettam Perukku, celebrates the monsoon's arrival and the life-sustaining power of water. Held on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi, it's a festival of gratitude to rivers, especially the Cauvery. People gather near riverbanks, offering prayers and celebrating the river's abundance. New brides often tie yellow threads around their wrists for prosperity.

temple

Panguni Uthiram - Divine Wedding Festival

பங்குனி உத்திரம்

March-April · Panguni month (March/April)

Panguni Uthiram is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). It commemorates the celestial marriages of several deities, including Shiva and Parvati, Murugan and Deivanai, and Rama and Sita. Temples dedicated to these deities are beautifully decorated, and special rituals are performed. It's a celebration of love, devotion, and the union of divine forces.

temple

Chithirai Thiruvizha - Meenakshi Kalyanam

சித்திரை திருவிழா - மீனாட்சி கல்யாணம்

April-May · Chithirai month (April/May)

Chithirai Thiruvizha, celebrated in Madurai, is a grand ten-day festival in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May). The highlight is the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. The entire city transforms into a festive spectacle, with processions, music, dance, and elaborate decorations. Lakhs of devotees throng the Meenakshi Amman Temple to witness the divine union.

temple

Ther Thiruvizha - Temple Chariot Festival

தேர் திருவிழா - கோவில் தேர் திருவிழா

April-May · Typically during Brahmotsavam (main temple festival), varies by temple.

Ther Thiruvizha, or the Temple Chariot Festival, is a vibrant and grand celebration where the deities of a temple are placed on a massive, elaborately decorated chariot (Ther) and paraded through the streets. It's a spectacle of devotion and community spirit. The chariot is pulled by hundreds or even thousands of devotees using thick ropes. The festival is usually a part of the Brahmotsavam, the main temple festival that can last for several days.

harvest

Chittirai Puthandu - Tamil New Year

சித்திரை புத்தாண்டு - தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு

April · First day of the Tamil month of Chittirai (April)

Chittirai Puthandu marks the beginning of the Tamil New Year, falling on the first day of the Tamil month of Chittirai (April). It celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a new agricultural cycle. Families decorate their homes with colorful kolams (rangoli), prepare special dishes, and visit temples to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. The day is filled with joy, hope, and new beginnings.

harvest

Mattu Pongal

மாட்டுப்பொங்கல்

January · January 16 (Thai 3 — third day of Pongal)

Mattu Pongal is the third day of the four-day Pongal festival, dedicated entirely to cattle and livestock. "Mattu" means cattle in Tamil. On this day, cows, bulls, and oxen are bathed at dawn, decorated with painted horns, flower garlands, jingling bells, and silk cloth, then paraded through villages with drums and music. The entire community gathers to feed and honour the animals that have sustained Tamil agriculture for millennia. Sisters also perform the Kanu Pidi ritual — placing coloured rice and offerings on banana leaves for crows, representing departed ancestors and praying for their brothers'wellbeing.

music

Arudra Darisanam - Cosmic Dance of Shiva

ஆருத்ரா தரிசனம்

December-January · Margazhi month (December/January)

Arudra Darisanam is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu, commemorating the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. It falls on the Thiruvathirai (Arudra) Nakshatram in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). The festival emphasizes the significance of Shiva's dance as a symbol of creation, preservation, and destruction, highlighting the cyclical nature of the universe.

music

Arudra Darisanam

ஆருத்ரா தரிசனம்

December-January · Full moon with Arudra star in Margazhi (December-January)

Arudra Darisanam (Thiruvathirai) celebrates Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The festival at Chidambaram temple is especially significant where the cosmic dance is enacted.

temple

Chithirai Thiruvizha

சித்திரை திருவிழா

April-May · April-May (Chithirai month), 12 days

The grand annual festival at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple celebrating the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). One of the largest temple festivals in India attracting millions.

family

Krishna Jayanthi

கிருஷ்ண ஜெயந்தி

August-September · Ashtami (8th day) in Aavani month (August-September)

Krishna Jayanthi (Gokulashtami/Janmashtami) celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated with great devotion across Tamil Nadu.

sacred

Mahalaya Amavasai

மகாளய அமாவாசை

September-October · New moon in Purattasi (September-October)

Mahalaya Amavasai is the most important day for ancestor worship, falling in Purattasi month. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha - the fortnight dedicated to ancestors.

harvest

Tamil New Year

தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு

April · April 14 (Chithirai 1)

Tamil New Year (Puthandu/Chithirai Vishu) is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai month. It marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year with prayers, family gatherings, and feasting.

temple

Vaikasi Visakam - Birthday of Lord Murugan

வைகாசி விசாகம் - முருகனின் பிறந்தநாள்

May-June · Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) on Visakam Nakshatra

Vaikasi Visakam celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan, the Tamil God of War and Victory. It falls on the Visakam Nakshatra (star) during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June). Temples dedicated to Murugan are adorned with vibrant decorations, and special pujas are performed. Devotees undertake pilgrimages to Murugan temples, especially the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu). The day is filled with devotional music, dance, and the distribution of prasadam (blessed food).

temple

Velankanni Festival

வேளாங்கண்ணி திருவிழா

August-September · August 29 to September 8 (11 days)

The annual feast at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni attracts millions of pilgrims of ALL faiths. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Asia.

seasonal

Thai Amavasai

தை அமாவாசை

January-February · New moon day in Thai month (January-February)

Thai Amavasai is observed on the new moon day of Thai month for performing rituals for departed ancestors at sacred water bodies like Rameswaram.

lights

Karthigai Deepam

கார்த்திகை தீபம்

November-December · Full moon day in Karthigai month (November-December)

Karthigai Deepam is the Tamil festival of lights, older than Deepavali in Tamil tradition. The highlight is the lighting of the Mahadeepam (giant lamp) on Thiruvannamalai hill visible for miles.

seasonal

Aadi Pooram

ஆடி பூரம்

July-August · Pooram star in Aadi month (July-August)

Aadi Pooram celebrates the birth of Goddess Andal (Kodhai), the only female Alwar saint. Grand celebrations are held at Srivilliputhur, her birthplace.

seasonal

Aadi Amavasai

ஆடி அமாவாசை

July-August · New moon day in Aadi month (July-August)

Aadi Amavasai is the new moon day in Aadi month, dedicated to performing rituals for departed ancestors (Pitru Tharpanam). It is one of the most important days for ancestor worship.

seasonal

Aadi Perukku

ஆடிப்பெருக்கு

July-August · 18th day of Aadi month (August 3)

Aadi Perukku celebrates the rising water levels in rivers during monsoon, especially the Kaveri. Women gather at river banks to offer prayers and celebrate the life-giving waters.

seasonal

Thaipusam

தைப்பூசம்

January-February · Full moon with Poosam star in Thai month (January-February)

Thaipusam is a major festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated on the full moon with Poosam star in Thai month. Famous for kavadi attam and ritual body piercing as acts of extreme devotion.

family

Navaratri

நவராத்திரி

September-October · Purattasi month (September-October), 9 nights + Vijayadashami

Navaratri is a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine (Shakti). In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated with elaborate Golu (Kolu) displays - stepped arrangements of dolls depicting gods, goddesses, and daily life.

family

Vinayaka Chaturthi

விநாயக சதுர்த்தி

August-September · Chaturthi (4th day) in Aavani month (August-September)

Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha (Vinayaka/Pillayar), the elephant-headed god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. Every new venture begins with his worship.

family

Eid ul-Adha

பக்ரீத்

Varies · 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (varies)

Eid ul-Adha (Bakrid) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Coincides with Hajj pilgrimage season.

family

Eid ul-Fitr

ரம்ஜான் பெருவிழா

Varies · 1st day of Shawwal (after Ramadan - varies)

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Tamil Muslims celebrate with special prayers, feasting, and sharing sweets with all communities.

family

Christmas

கிறிஸ்துமஸ்

December · December 25

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In Tamil Nadu, Christians celebrate with midnight mass, carol singing, and feasting. Churches are beautifully decorated with stars.

family

Easter

உயிர்த்தெழுதல் பெருவிழா

March-April · March-April (varies with lunar calendar)

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Preceded by Good Friday (crucifixion) and Lent (40 days of fasting). Churches hold special services and processions.

sacred

Chitra Pournami

சித்ரா பௌர்ணமி

April-May · Full moon day in Chithirai (April-May)

Chitra Pournami is the full moon day of Chithirai month, considered highly auspicious. Special worship is offered to Chitragupta, the divine accountant who records human deeds.

sacred

Saraswati Puja

சரஸ்வதி பூஜை

September-October · 9th day of Navaratri (Mahanavami)

Saraswati Puja on the 9th day of Navaratri honors Goddess Saraswati, deity of knowledge, music, and arts. Ayudha Puja is performed for tools and vehicles.

sacred

Karadaiyan Nombu

கரடையான் நோன்பு

March · Last day of Maasi/First day of Panguni (March 14)

Karadaiyan Nombu is a unique Tamil festival observed by married women for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. Celebrated during the transition of Maasi to Panguni month.

harvest

Thiruvalluvar Day

திருவள்ளுவர் தினம்

January · January 15-16 (second day of Pongal)

Thiruvalluvar Day honors the great Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. Celebrated as part of Pongal festivities to commemorate Tamil literature and ethics.

heritage

Jallikattu

ஜல்லிக்கட்டு

January · January 15-17 (Thai 2-4, Pongal season)

Jallikattu is one of the oldest surviving sports in the world — a traditional Tamil bull-taming event held each year during the Pongal season. Competitors attempt to hold onto the hump of a charging bull for a set distance. The most celebrated events are at Alanganallur, Avaniapuram, and Palamedu (Madurai district) — each drawing hundreds of bulls, thousands of competitors, and hundreds of thousands of spectators. In 2017, a Supreme Court ban triggered one of the largest peaceful protests in Tamil history, with over a million people gathering at Marina Beach for 10 consecutive days until the government restored the tradition.

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