Festivals of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Pongal Festival: Pongal, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a widely celebrated and one of the famous festivals of Andhra Pradesh, which is also observed throughout the country. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. It also marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the journey of the Sun northward. In Andhra Pradesh, it takes on a unique character as people dress up as mythological characters, extending warm invitations to guests for feasts and sweet treats. The four-day festival includes Bhogi Panduga, dedicated to burning old articles; Pedda Panduga, marked by new clothing; Mattu Pongal, honoring cattle; and Kanuma Panduga, culminating in joyful family gatherings. This rich tapestry of traditions and communal spirit makes Andhra Pradesh's Pongal celebrations truly special.

Ugadi Festival: Ugadi, known as Gudi Padwa in certain regions of India, is a prominently celebrated festival in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Ugadi is the first day of Hindu Lunisolar calendar which is officially known as New year day for Andhra Pradesh. The day is marked by the preparation of delectable sweets like Puran Poli and Bhakshya. As part of the tradition, people fashion garlands from banana leaves and hang them on their doors. The festivities include the donning of new attire, the illumination of homes with lights, and the offering of special puja, collectively making Ugadi a cherished and distinctive occasion.

Srivari Brahmotsavam: The Brahmotsavam is a grandly celebrated in Andhrapradesh and this is a nine-day festival dedicated to Bhagavan Venkateshvara takes place annually in October, with the belief that Brahma Deva initiated the tradition. During these nine festive days, numerous rituals are meticulously observed. The pinnacle of the Brahmotsavam is the procession of Bhagavan Venkateshvara on the final day, attracting a massive crowd as it winds its way through various streets before arriving at the temple. This awe-inspiring event continues until midnight, leaving the town of Tirumala with unforgettable memories. The Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a cherished annual celebration held in October.

Visakha Utsav: is a prominent cultural and a famous festival in Andhra Pradesh organized by the state government, with its inception dating back to 1997. Drawing large crowds, this four-day event showcases a rich tapestry of cultural shows, sports competitions, traditional crafts, garment exhibitions, vibrant flower shops, and immersive heritage tours. Renowned as one of the most celebrated cultural festivals in South India, Visakha Utsav, held annually in December, offers an enticing opportunity for those who relish exploring diverse cultures.

Festivals of Tamil Nadu

Puthandu

The Tamil New Year is celebrated on the 14th of April and is the commencement of the Tamil calendar year. This is a festival of Tamil Nadu, whereby the Tamilians could renew themselves, and so it is celebrated with great fervour. The houses are decorated with mango leaves and vibrant rangoli, which are done on the floor, while traditional dishes such as vadai and payasam are prepared specially during this occasion.

Mahamaham

One of the bigger Hindu festivals, Mahamaham is conducted once every 12 years in the temple town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This festival occurs in the month of Megha, February/March, and is celebrated in honour of goddess Mahamaheswari. The devotees hold the belief that during this time, a holy dip in the sacred tank of Mahamaham washes away sins and brings spiritual merit. There are big processions and ritual bathing, accompanied by cultural programs.

Marghazi Festival

The Margazhi Festivals of Tamil Nadu, literally translated to the Margazhi season, is celebrated for a month during December and January. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is characterised by the rendition of classical music and dance performances. These concerts and dance recitals are conducted in temples and cultural centers all across Tamil Nadu, with some of the finest forms of traditional Bharatnatyam, Carnati music, and Nadaswaram.

Chithirai Thiruvizha

Chithirai Thiruvizha falls in April-May and forms a very significant event at the temple town of Madurai. It is the celestial marriage of Lord Sundareswarar, or Shiva, with Goddess Meenakshi. Beautifully decorated chariots, with deities placed on them, formed part of the grand procession taken through the streets of Madurai. Devotees participate in a range of rituals, right from the “Meenakshi Kalyanam”, or the marriage ceremony, whereupon the festivals of Tamil Nadu end in a grand culmination at the Meenakshi Amaan Temple.

Karthigai Deepam

Well, Karthigai Deepam literally means “Festival of lights”, celebrated in November-December. It is basically regarding Lord Shiva, celebrated by lighting rows of oil lamps in homes and temples. Basically, the lighting of a huge beacon on the hilltop of the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai marks this festival, symbolizing the divine light of Lord Shiva. Thousands of lamps twinkle in the dark, which is a sight both beautiful and spiritually elevating.

Prominent Festivals of Kerala

Vishu Festival

Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and is a significant festival celebrated with zeal in Kerala. The day starts with "Vishu Kani," where people view a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items and seasonal fruits as the first thing in the morning. This tradition is believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year. Vishu is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam usually falls on April 14th.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram, celebrated in Thrissur's Vadakkunnathan Temple in Kerala, is renowned as the "Festival of Festivals." Characterized by the grand assembly of caparisoned elephants, resounding drum performances, and the dazzling display of fireworks, it is a cultural spectacle drawing tourists and devotees alike. The festivities symbolize the religious harmony of the region, as people of all faiths participate and revel in the celebrations.

Onam Festival

Onam is the most celebrated festival in Kerala, marking the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It's a ten-day event that showcases Kerala's rich culture and heritage, replete with intricate flower arrangements, sumptuous feasts, and traditional boat races. The festivities culminate in Thiruvonam, the most important day, which celebrates the mythical king's annual visit to see his subjects.

Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira, also known as Thiruvathirai or Arudra Darshan, is a unique festival of Kerala celebrated by Hindu women. It commemorates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. On this day, women observe fasting, perform traditional dances, and partake in various rituals praying for marital bliss and the well-being of their spouses.

Prominent Festivals of Karnataka

Ugadi

It is a popular festival in the Karnataka, Andhra, and Telangana regions which is celebrated with a lot of joy and fervor. According to the locals, this period is believed to be very auspicious especially for the ones making new beginnings. Ugadi is a portmanteau of the words - ‘Yuga’ (which means period or generation) and ‘Adi’ (which means beginnings) since it is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. The houses are decorated with lots of flowers and fresh mango leaves. A significant event in temples and homes during the celebrations is the reading of Panchangam or the Hindu calendar bearing the list of events for the year. The speciality dishes prepared on this day include Bevu Bella, Holige, Hesaru Bele Payasa, and Mavinakayi Chitranna.

Hampi Festival

Hampi festival which is also known as Vijaya Utsav is a famous festival to celebrate the birthday of the ancient poet Purandaradasa who lived in Hampi and is normally celebrated in the month of either October or November over a period of 3 days. In this festival, the Kannadigas show their talent in dance, art, and music. There are also other activities like fireworks and puppet which is an eye-catcher for tourists everywhere. There is a concert of folk songs called ‘Janapada Kala Vahini’ which is a very big attraction. There is an elephant marth across the ruins of Hampi which is almost 15 km known as ‘Jumbo Savari’.

Gowri Habba

This is a festival celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi as a day to pay tribute to Maa Gowri. It is said that on this day the Goddess Gowri like any other wife comes to her parents’ home and the next day Lord Ganesha comes to take her back home. On this day the ladies and females of the house have a clean bath and dress up in new clothes and do Sthapana of the Jalgauri which is the statue of Goddess Gowri in turmeric. The goddess is mounted on a plate and a puja is done which is supposed to be done with suchi (cleanliness) and devotion.

Karaga

Performed on a full moon day the Karaga is a folk dance performed as a ritual dedicated to Draupadi. It is led by the men because in the last part of Mahabharatha the demon Tripurasura was still alive and Draupadi took the form of a shakti goddess and created soldiers called Veerakumaras. After the war, the soldiers asked her to stay but she could not, so she promised to come to visit them on the first full moon of the Hindu Calendar. There is a Karaga carrier, dressed up as a woman carries the Karaga which is a pyramid covered in flowers and visits all the Veerakumaras in his temporary Devi State. Nobody knows what is inside the Karaga, the carrier balances it very well on his and is not to drop it or else will die as is believed. The Karaga returns to the temple the next day by dawn.

Kambala Festival

Kambala festival is a traditional buffalo race organised annually in Dakshin Kannada and Udipi districts of Karnataka by the farming communities. It is held between November and March. A pair of buffaloes is tied to a plough and is made to run through a field of slush, anchored by a farmer. The origin of this festival can be traced back to over 1000 years when the festival was celebrated to appease gods for a good harvest.

Festivals of India serve as vibrant expressions of faith, heritage, and communal harmony.

They transcend boundaries, fostering unity amidst diversity, and perpetuate traditions that have been cherished for centuries, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation. Not only family, but the diversity of festivals in India binds all the citizens of the country as one for the day. Stress escapes the minds of people, and they immerse themselves totally in the spirit of festivals. To see a country unite and celebrate their special occasions while respecting each other’s ethnicities is truly a wonderful sight.

Special Festivals of all the 28 States of India (Part-4)

This is the last part of the above-mentioned series which covers the festivals of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.