Festivals of Pondicherry
Pondicherry, the arresting and peaceful destination of South India has a unique culture. Its culture is a perfect blend of the Indian culture and French culture, which beautifully reflects in its fairs and festivals. There are several fairs and festivals celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Some of its celebrations are truly unique and wonderful. Some festivals are dedicated to heavenly deities, others are cultural and spiritual in nature. One of the interesting festivals is the food festival, which is quite popular with tourists.
It is one of the most famous festivals of Pondicherry, which is celebrated here with great fervor. It is celebrated as a thanksgiving festival after the harvest season and marks the beginning of a new year for the people.
This festival is religious in nature and is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Masi (between February and March). Several traditions are performed during this festival such as idols of the deities from the several temples are brought to the beach for a holy bath. Even the devotees take a holy dip in the sea to wash away their negative karma.
During this festival the beautifully adorned car of the Thirukamemswarara kukilambal temple is taken out in a procession. The car is pulled by hundreds of devotees. It is celebrated in March.
It is a festival which celebrates the Indian and French culture together. It is also known as the 'National Day of France'. Pondicherry was once the French town where the French influence can still be seen. During the festival, Indian and French National Anthems are sung and the National Flags are hoisted. It is celebrated in July every year.
It is an interesting festival dedicated to amazing culinary delights. French cuisine is the main attraction of the festival. Visit this festival and enjoy a variety of dishes. The festival is organized by Tourism Department in the month of August every year.
Celebrated on 15 August, the Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo (a great sage, poet and philosopher) is one of the famous festivals of Pondicherry. Devotees from far and wide come to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to pay homage to the great sage.
