Complete guide to Hindu festivals and celebrations
பொங்கல்
Tamil harvest festival celebrating the sun god Surya. Four days of thanksgiving
for a bountiful harvest. Homes are decorated with kolam, and pongal dish is prepared.
Day 1: Bhogi - Cleaning and discarding old items
Day 2: Thai Pongal - Main celebration with cooking pongal
Day 3: Mattu Pongal - Honoring cattle
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal - Family gatherings
தமிழ்ப் புத்தாண்டு
First day of Tamil month Chithirai. Marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and prepare special feasts. The day begins with viewing auspicious items called Kanni.
தீபாவளி
Festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness. In Tamil tradition, it commemorates Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, fireworks are displayed, and sweets are shared.
நவராத்திரி
Nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. In Tamil tradition, Kolu (display of dolls) is arranged. Each day honors a different form of the goddess. Ends with Vijayadashami, an auspicious day for new beginnings.
சங்கடஹர சதுர்த்தி
Observed on the fourth day of the waning moon (Krishna Chaturthi) every month. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Fasting and special poojas are performed to remove obstacles.
பிரதோஷம்
Observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of both waxing and waning moon phases. Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special abhishekam is performed at Shiva temples during the pradosh kaal (twilight period).
சஷ்டி
Sixth day of the waxing moon, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Special poojas and fasting are observed. Skanda Sashti (in Tamil month Aippasi) is the most important.
விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி
Birthday of Lord Ganesha, celebrated on the fourth day of the waxing moon in Bhadrapada. Clay idols of Ganesha are installed, worshipped, and immersed in water. Modak sweets are offered as prasadam.
மகா சிவராத்திரி
The great night of Shiva, observed on the 14th night of the waning moon in Phalguna. Devotees observe fasting and stay awake all night praying to Lord Shiva. Special abhishekams are performed in Shiva temples.
கந்த சஷ்டி
Six-day festival honoring Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman. Observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi. Kanda Sashti Kavasam is recited. The festival concludes with Soorasamharam reenactment.
கிருஷ்ண ஜெயந்தி
Birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated on the eighth day of the waning moon in Shravana. Devotees fast until midnight, the time of Krishna's birth. Butter and milk sweets are offered. Dahi Handi is celebrated in some regions.
சித்திரை திருவிழா
Annual festival at Madurai Meenakshi Temple celebrating the divine marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. A grand procession with deities on chariots attracts millions of devotees.
வைகாசி விசாகம்
Birthday of Lord Murugan, celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi when the Vishakha star is prominent. Special abhishekams and processions at all Murugan temples.
கார்த்திகை தீபம்
Festival of lights in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Rows of oil lamps are lit in homes and temples. At Thiruvannamalai, a huge beacon is lit on the holy hill. Extends the Diwali celebrations.
மார்கழி உற்சவம்
Sacred month dedicated to worship. Early morning poojas, recitation of Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai. Vaikunta Ekadashi is the most important day when the Paramapada Vasal (gate to heaven) is opened in Vishnu temples.
விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. Clay idols are installed in homes and pandals, worshipped for 10 days, then immersed in water. Modak is the favorite offering to Ganesha.
ராம நவமி
Birthday of Lord Rama, celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing moon in Chithirai. Ramayana is recited, and temples organize special poojas. Some observe fasting.
ஆடி பெருக்கு
Celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi. Honors the rising water levels in rivers. People worship rivers and offer prayers for prosperity. Special foods are prepared and picnics are held near water bodies.
ஆடி அமாவாசை
New moon day in Aadi month dedicated to ancestors. Tarpanam (offerings to ancestors) is performed at rivers and seashores. Thousands gather at Rameswaram and other holy places.