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Home :: South India
Festivals
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South
India consists of four states namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh and the Union territory of Pondicherry. Boasting of a rich culture and
heritage, the population of South India is an eclectic mixt of Hindus, Muslims
and Christians. Despite the difference in their religions, the people celebrate
many festivals with equal enthusiasm. In fact, the region remains colorful all
through the year, with several religious and regional festivals. Mysore in Karnataka
is known for its Dussehra celebration, while Tamil Nadu is famous for the Pongal
Festival. On the other hand Andhra Pradesh is popular for the annual harvesting
festival of Makar Sankranti.
Aaranmula Boat Race (Kerala)
Famous Festivals of South India -
The boat race is organized every year in the beautiful village of Aaranmula
during August-September. The Aaranmula boat race is the part of the Aaramula
Temple festival. People gather on the shores of the river Pamba, to see a
huge cluster of snake boats called Palliyodams. The boats measuring 100 ft
long, resemble the hood of snake and a tampering bow. Nicely decorated with
silk and gold spangled umbrellas, each boat is oared by a crew of more than
100 men.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Kerala)
The annual water festival at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey, is regarded as the
largest snake boat race in the world. This most famous boat race of Kerala
is held every year to commemorate the visit of Late Prime Minister of India,
Jawahar Lal Nehru, to this place in 1952. About 100-120 oarsmen, oar these
magnificent snake boats or Chundans to the rhythmic accompaniment of local
songs.
Onam (Kerala)
Famous
Festivals of South India and the
national festival of Kerala is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingham
(August/September). Onam celebrates the return of the legendary king
Mahabali, who ruled over a golden age. The ten-day-long festival marks the
month of harvest suggesting prosperity and happiness all around. People
decorate their yards with flowers. Dressed in their new clothes they
assemble in their homes for the traditional Onam meal.
Thrissur Pooram Festival (Kerala)
Thrissur Pooram Festival is the most colourful and spectacular temple
festival of Kerala. It is believed that during the festival the gods and
goddesses of nearby province meet together for celebration. The festival
falls in the spring months of Pooram Asterism, and is conducted at the great
Vadakkunnatha temple of Thrissur.
Pongal Festival (Tamil Nadu)
The Pongal festival of Tamil Nadu is celebrated to mark the end of the
southeast monsoons and the reaping of the harvest as well. The four-day
festival falls in the month of Thai and is mainly a rural festival. The
festival is considered auspicious for begining a new venture. The Sun is
worshiped during the festival.
Natyanjali Dance Festival (Tamil Nadu )
Dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer, Lord Shiva, the Natyanjali Dance festival is
celebrated every year during February/ March. The festival starts on the
occasion of the Maha Shivaratri, at the 'Prakar' of the Chidamaram Temple.
The temple built around thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop to
the event.
Mysore Dussehra (Karnataka)
The
ten-day-long festival falls every year in the month of October. Dedicated to
Goddess Chamundeshwari, the festival is celebrated by the people of
Karnataka with great pomp and glamour. The last day of the festival sees a
colourful procession of elephnats, carrying the the idol of goddess
Chamundehswari.
Karaga Festival (Karnataka)
The festival is celebrated in the capital city Bangalore, in the honour of
the queen of Pandavas, Draupadi. Karaga is celebrated annually on the full
moon day of April.
Makar Sankranti (Andhra Pradesh)
This harvesting festival is celebrated in Mid January for three days. The
first day of the festival is called Bhogi, second day is Samranti while the
third day is known as Kanuma. During the festival many families arrange a
doll show and invite their friends and give alms to the poor. They also
decorate and worship their cattle.
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