Festivals of South India

In India festivals have always been an integral part of its culture. All the festivals in India have their own unique style of celebration. Similarly the festivals of South India are celebrated in their unique ways.

The different festivals of South India are:

Festivals of Kerala

Aaranmula Boat Race: this festival of South India 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. Nicely decorated with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, each boat is oared by a crew of more than 100 men.

Onam: this famous festival 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. During this festival of South India people decorate their yards with flowers. Dressed in their new clothes they assemble in their homes for the traditional Onam meal.

Festivals of Tamil Nadu

Pongal Festival: Pongal Festival is the main festival of Tamil Nadu. It is a festival of South India is celebrated as a Thanks giving to the Sun, the Earth and the Cow. This festival of South Indian is celebrated with joyous festivities and rituals to mark the harvesting of crops by farmers, and it usually falls in the month of January every year.

Karthigai Deepam: The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated in the Tamil Month of Karthigai which falls in November/December. This festival of South India is celebrated for nine days and considered as the oldest festival of Tamils. Karthigai deepam is celebrated lighting rows of agal vilakkus in front of every house. The lighted lamps are considered as auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy.

Festivals of Karnataka

Karaga: This festival of South India 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.

Mysore Dushera: This ten-day-long festival of South India 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 this festival of South India sees a colourful procession of elephants carrying the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari.

Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

Makar Sankranti: Makara Sankranthi is the harvest festival of the people of Andhra Pradesh. This festival of South India is celebrated for three days with all grandeur and usually falls in the middle of January.

The few other prominent festivals of South India are Thrissur Pooram, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Kavadi Festival, Yugadi, Ramzan, Ugadi, Vinayak Chaturth and many more. Celebrate these with the locals and you will realize the uniqueness in the festivals of South India.