Festivals of Tamil Land

Lakshmi and Jaya are charged up with excitement as they adjust the davani over their pavadas and ran towards the courtyard of the house where Appa has brought a fresh harvest of rice, turmeric for the preparation of second auspicious day of Pongal, (the Thai Pongal). Leftover hay from agricultural fields and unwanted household goods have been set aside to be added to the fire to keep it going. The clay pots placed on stoves made with stones is ready for cooking Pongal. Amma looks resplendent in bright Kanchivaram sari and hair adorned with jasmine flower ,she is busy decorating the house with Kolam with other ladies of the house.

Pongal is an ancient festival that perhaps originated around 300 BCE. The name of this festival is mentioned during the Sangam Age. It features as a Dravidian Harvest Festivals in Puranas. The festival finds its name in the inscriptions at Veeraraghava Swamy Temple dating back to the Chola Dynasty.

The Tamil Calendar bear testimony to the deep rooted faith and tradition of the Hindus of this land, who have an unshakeable faith in the Astrology.

The festivals of Tamil Nadu can be broadly categorise into three sections :

1) Religious festivals
2) Seasonal and harvest Festivals
3) Dance and Music Festivals

GLORIOUS RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

1. CHITHIRAI THIRUVIZHA: This month-long festival is celebrated during the month of April/May. It is re-enactment of celestial wedding of Lord Sundareswaran and Meenakshi. The first 15 days mark the grand celebrations of the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) who was a daughter of the Pandyan ruler, Malayathuvaja and the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareswaran (God Shiva) and Goddess Parvati. The day after the wedding, the gods are taken out in a procession on a nicely- decorated wooden temple car. This Ther Thiruvizha (Chariot Festival) is a part of Madurai’s tradition.

The next 15 days focus on the celebrations of the Journey of Lord Azhagar or Alagar (God Vishnu) from his near-by abode – Kallazhagar temple in Azhagar Kovil close to Madurai city. Azhagar (Lord Vishnu) comes to Madurai and later gets into the river Vaigai to bless the cursed Mandooka saint. People celebrate this festivity with dedication and faith.

2. MADURAI AZHAGAR AATRILIRANGUMVIZHA: The next 15 days focus on the celebrations of the Journey of Lord Azhagar or Alagar (God Vishnu) from his nearby abode – Kallazhagar temple in Azhagar Kovil close to Madurai city. Azhagar (Lord Vishnu) comes to Maduraiand later gets into the river Vaigai to bless the cursed Mandookasaint, who had become a frog due to the curse of Saint Durvasa. Lord Azhagar comes to give “SaabaVimotchanam” to the Mandooka saint. People celebrate this festivity with dedication and faith.

3. FESTIVAL OF CRADLE IN MADURAI: Lord Sundareswaran and Goddess Meenakshi are placed on a swing for nine days and are gently cradled. As per religious beliefs the cradle is gently rocked to give the deities some rest. This celebrations takes in the month of Chithirai (April-May). This festival brings the whole city to life and people gather to celebrate this festival together.

4. AANI THIRUMANJANAM OR AANI UTTARAM: Celebrated in the month of Aani. It is believed God Nataraja gives darshan to his true devotees on this day at the famous Chidambaram temple. This is one of six ‘Kala Puja’ days offered during six seasons. The six periods are namely the dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. The 3- hour Maha Puja begins at 3 am in the morning to propitiate Lord Nataraja. Devotees gather in millions to witness this ritual.

5. AVANI MOOLAM FESTIVAL IN MADURAI: Celebrated in the month of August – September. This festival celebrates the coronation of Lord Sundareswaran as the ruler of Madurai. Countless devotees flock to the temple to see the bejewelled Lord.

6. KULASEKARAPATTINAM DUSSHERA: Celebrated during the Tamil month of Purattasi, Dusshera signifies the triumph of good over evil. Dasa (means Ten heads of the Demon King Ravana) Hara (defeat– vanquished by Lord Rama). In the coastal town of Kulasekarapattinam, near Madurai the festival gets a twist. Devotees from villages and towns across the state to streets dressed as Goddess Kali and other mythological characters. There is loud singing, dancing with flashy,garish make -up and bizarre clothing and antics which makes for interesting and spellbinding photographs. On the last day, the devotees bathe in the beach as a purifying ritual and discard their outfits. The celebration of Dusshera in this town leaves a memorable impression for a long time.

7. TIRUCHENDUR SKANDA SASTHI VIRTAHAM SOORASAMHARAM: Six-day celebrations of Skanda Sashti begins at Sri Subramanya Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It starts from the Tamil month Aippasi (Pirathamal) Masam and culminates in Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is observed on the next day. The temple idol, Lord Murugan is taken out in procession after abhishekam. A large crowd of devotees gather to have darshan of the deity.

8. THIRUVANNAMALAI KARTHIGAI DEEPAM: One of the oldest festivals of Tamil Nadu it dates back to the Sangam Age, where it is referred to as Peruvizha in a book of poem,Akananuru.It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of Karthigai. Devotees worship God Shiva as an infinite beam of light. Therefore, people decorate their homes with lamps. These lamps symbolise the light that eliminates ignorance (darkness). Rows of AngalVilakkhas (clay oil lamps) are lighted to ward off the evil and usher prosperity and joy. The Holy mountain of Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam is lit at the dusk on the lofty mountain. The entire mountain is Shiva Linga. 3500 kg of ghee is used to lit lamps. Sri Ardhanarishwar blesses the devotees. 16 km Girivalam (circumambulation of the holy mountain) is done. The moist black ash – mai is distributed as prasadam.

9. ARUDRA DARSHAN FESTIVAL: The festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi that falls on December and January. It is celebrated on a full moon night which is also the longest night in a year. This historical festival has been celebrated by people for more than 1500 years. It is celebrated in all Shiva temples where idols of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is taken out of temple and carried in a big procession. Devotees chant Tamil hymns and also known as Thiruvathirai is a festival celebrated annually in Kotagiri. It celebrates the cosmic dance of Shiva. Thiruvathirai’s literal meaning is thesacred big wave in which Lord Shiva created the Universe. This festival holds a great significance to the people of Tamil Nadu.The idol of Shiva in the form of dancing is carried out in processions from every Shiva temple. And in Chidambaram, the previous night, Shiva’s idol is performed with abhishekam also known as the holy shower where they bathe Shiva with nine precious gems.

10. VAIKUNTHA EKADASI: In Tamil Nadu, Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival is celebrated in a grand manner at SriRanganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam. According to the Vishnu Purana, Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu and Ekadasi day is very significant to the Lord. Celebrated in the month of Marghazi (mid December-mid January), the EkadasiodSuklaPalsha is MukkotiEkadasi or VaikunthaEkadasi. Devotees in large numbers gather in Vishnu temples to witness poojas performed in the Vishnu temples where the Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened for the “darshan” of Lord Vishnu.

11. THAIPUSAM: Celebrated on full moon day of Thai month in the Tamil calendar to propitiate Lord Subramaniam (Lord Murugan), the younger son of Lord Shiva. People keep vows. It is believed that Lord Subramaniam shall ensure to keep their vows forever.

It also marks the start of Kavadi festival .People carry kavadi on shoulder ,wooden stick with two pots attached at both the ends. Devotees dress like Pandaren who lives on only alms. They keep the pot empty and fill it by begging alms . It is a festival that blends faith, sacrifice, custom.

12. AURBATHIMOOVAR: Celebrated during March- April Month of Chithirai During the Aurbathimoovar Festival, the 63 saints of Lord Shiva are honoured for leading ideal lives of penance and devotion. A colourful procession through the streets of Mylapore is taken out . The idols are carried around the town and thousands of devotees throng to witness this. Celebrations also include folk music and Kokkalikattai and Koothu dances. The traditional thoippavai puppet show is a part and parcel of this festival.

VIBRANT SEASONAL AND HARVEST FESTIVAL

1. PONGAL: Reference of Pongal features in Sangam age when forms of nature was respected and feared by men. Many historians are of belief that Pongal as “Indra Vizha” was observed in the ancient Chola seaport of Pompupuhar which could be the birthplace of this multi-day festival. One of the most popular festivals which is celebrated in the Thai month of Tamil Calendar. Pongal is a harvest festival and is celebrated to offer their thank the Sun God for providing light and heat which boosted agriculture. A four-day festival, Pongal is celebrated by Tamil people all over.

Bhogi, the first day of Pongal celebration is done to honour Indra who is said to be the main source of water to the farmers in the form of rains. People give up of old items and light a bonfire at the dawn as a part the tradition. It is in this bonfire where people throw their old belongings and buy new clothes. Each house is cleaned and painted and decorated with Kolam. People in village also decorate and paint the horns of their animals like oxen and buffaloes.

The main event of Pongal is the Thai Pongal, the second day which corresponds with Makar Sankranti. The word Pongal denotes “overflowing” that is a symbol of prosperity. Milk is cooked in a vessel and when the milk starts to overflow freshly harvest grains of rice are added to this milk. This is serve to all. People wear new and traditional clothes.

The third day of Pongal is the Mattu Pongal which is mainly celebrated for cows. The cow is also decorated with beads, flowers and bells with garlands. The cows here are fed Pongal and are also worshiped. The Jalikattu festival is also celebrated on this day.

The Kaanum Pongal day is the fourth day of Pongal, also marks the end of Pongal festival. Kaanum in Tamil means to visit or to meet. Families meet each other and exchange of gifts take place. And this is how the Harvest festival of Pongal comes to an end.

Pongal is celebrated with much pomp and feelings of joy and traditions.

VIBES AND AURA OF ARTS FESTIVALS

1. THE INDIAN DANCE FESTIVAL AT MAMALLAPURAM: Dance festival is held every year on December 25 to all Saturdays in this temple town of Madurai. The town of Mahabalipuram witnesses the mesmerising dances in the ornamented stage with the historic stone sculptures rangeas the setting.This festival celebrate the folk dances that are prevailing in various regions and the unique arts that bring out the rich culture of our nation.The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is one of thetop events in the state drawing a hugecrowd in each year. The event is spectacular and seems to be happening amidst a dreamy ambience.

2. MARGHAZI FESTIVALS (KACHERIES IN SABHAS): In the month of Marghazi (December-January ) for a period of six weeks, the biggest Music Festival is celebrated with great fervour. Started in 1927 , this festival is the biggest crowd puller, with almost 1500 artists who come to perform. These performances are held and organised by various Sabhas. The Carnatic Sabha bestows titles to the one who performs best among the lot.

3. NAAMAOORUTHIRUVIZHA AT ISLAND (GROUND): To promote traditional folk art forms, the Department of Art and Culture and Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu have made elaborate arrangements to organise the festival that features instrumental music performances, dance and art performances, adventure shows and ganna music. An Overwhelming participation of more than 400 participated. This event is a part of the 75th Independence Day celebration, with 75 videos on 75 different folk art forms. This has been undertaken to remind the state about their root and culture.

4. THIRUVAIYAARUTHAYAGARAJA ARADHANA FESTIVAL: One of the most popular Music festival (Thiruvaiyuru) is celebrated in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu during the Thai month. This festival is dedicated to the renowned music composer Saint Thygaraja. On Pushya Bahula Panchami day, Saint Thyagaraja attained samadhi, so this festival is celebrated every year on this day. Thanjavur promotes Classical Music.A lot of composers come to Thanjavur for attending the festivities of this grand festival. All music lovers attend this festival and witness the traditions and rituals performed near the Samadhi of Thyagaraja.

OTHER GLORIOUS PLURALISTIC CULTURAL FESTIVALS

Tamil Nadu’s pluralist cultural history is the age-old traditions of tolerance and hospitality, the state celebrates Id, Hijri New Year, Ramzan with great joy and gaiety. Muharram is also observed which is a respectful and mournful occasion for Muslims.

1. ST. MARY’S NATIVITY VELANKANNI FESTIVAL: he magnificent church of San Thome Basilica in Chennai is one of the best places to enjoy Christmas with all its divinity as well as grandeur. Another unique festival is Velankanni Festival. Located in the Coromandel coast, it is called the “Lourdes of the East “,thousands of people throng the shrine to this 11 – day festival which is held between 29 August to 8 September to mark the nativity of Mother Mary. People seek divine blessings from her.

KANDHURI FESTIVAL: This festival reflects a cosmopolitan nature with the Hindus and Muslims participating with equal zest. Celebrated in the Muslim month of JamthulAgir, it is a 14-day festival to celebrate the birthday of a Sufi Saint, Saint Hazrath Syed Sahul Hamid. The festival opens with the hoisting of a saffron flag which is carried to the Dargah. Thousands of devotees across the world flock to see the light of Allah where the Quran and other prayers are recited. In a parade-like chariot sandalwood paste is carried over. The tombs are anointed with is auspicious paste. This spectacular festival draws worshippers across the world.

JAIN FESTIVAL AT CHITHARAL: This is an initiative by the State Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu to promote various structures of Jain Thirthankars unknown to the followers of Jainism and tourists. The department of Tourism has developed a pathway leading to the hillock where a huge cave has rock-cut sculptures about 2000 years stands as the testimony of time and contribute towards the rich religious and cultural heritage of the state.

The heart of Tamils beat for the little joys that they find in the festivals which they proudly celebrates. It is a land that breathes in the natural aura of majestic culture, ancient heritage and tradition. The glimpse of which is seen in the rituals whether it be the religious festivals, or the seasonal and harvest festivals, there is something unique and spellbinding about them.

To wrap it up in the authentic Tamil style ‘Thai piranthal vazhi pirakkum’. With the arrival of Thai all the worries will fade away and there will be peace, love, harmony and prosperity.

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