The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu boosts of a rich and colourful repertoire of cultural & heritage. Fairs & festivals are an integral part of the state and the state capital, Chennai, with its liberal array of festivals and fairs offers a colorful picture to visitors all the year round.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This festival of lights is usually celebrated in Oct, Nov. It generates an atmosphere of gaiety, friendliness and excitement. Diwali is celebrated with new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the company of family and friends. Dhanatrayodashi; Narakchaturdashi, Amavasya (Laxmi poojan), Balipratipada and Yamadvitiya (Bhaubeej) are the five days which comprise Diwali, and each day has a peculiar religious significance.

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