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Pongal
January is the best time for vacations
in Chennai, the exciting local festival
of Pongal-the four-day Harvest Festival
is celebrated all over the state in
January. The festival begins on the last
day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal
followed by Surya Pongal on the next
day. It is on this day that Chakkara
Pongal, a delicacy of harvested rice
cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew
must is offered to the sun God. The
third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to
the Cattle when cows are bathed and
adorned with colourful beads and
flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is
held on the last day known as Kannum
Pongal.
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.
Navarathri
Another festival that 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 respectively
are worshiped. The festival falls in the
months of September - October and is
marked with traditional displays of
handmade dolls.
Diwali
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. |
