The abundant and vibrant culture of South India is reflected in the special festivals of each state, from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, encompassing Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Each state brings its unique flavour to the diversity of the southern culture. These festivals have their unique histories as well as legends connected with them along with the different ways which they are celebrated.
Festival of South India
Let’s explore the Festivals of South India – the culturally vibrant states, go back in time, travel throughout linguistic borders and also experience the pleasure of our abundant heritage.
1. Onam
A festival that celebrates success and fertility, Onam is celebrated during the harvest season in Kerala. It brings together people of various castes, communities and also religious that with each other celebrates the harvest for the year. The legend behind Onam is that a mythical king called Mahabali comes to examine his subjects throughout this moment of the year. The event takes place for 10 days; however, the first and last days are the most essential during the celebration.
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2. Pongal
Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal each year on the 14th of January, their most popular festival. The translation of words ‘pongal’ means to boil over.It is considered advantageous in Tamil culture when milk outrage from a clay pot; it signifies prosperity in the household. Hence, during this festival people prepare various sweet meals with rice steamed in milk that is then offered to the Sun God.
Other sweet dishes made with sugarcane syrup, turmeric and also cereals that are harvested throughout this time also develop part of the celebrations.
3. Hampi Festival
Also called the Vijaya Utsav, the Hampi Event is one of the largest festivals in Hampi. Celebrated in the first week of November, it includes events such as dance puppet shows, fireworks, music shows, pomp possessions, water sports and rock climbing. This festival is propagated by the Government of Karnataka.
4. Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is taken into considered as the Mother of all Poorams. The festival was begun by Raja Rama Verma as well as is centred at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Lord Shiva is considered the presiding deity of the festival. Processions are sent by the temples to pay obeisance to Shiva.
The festival starts with flag hoisting followed by fireworks on the fourth day called Sample Vedikettu. Various crafts like the golden elephant caparison, elephant accoutrements and also ornamental fans are prepared and exhibited.
5. Ugadi
The event is celebrated as Kannada brand-new year. It falls on Chaitra Shudha Paadyami. It is predominantly a new year for people between Vindhyas and Kaveri, covering the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Konkan. Special dishes are made in each state such as people of Maharashtra cook pulihora, bobbatalu, as well as pachadi; pouligare is prepared in Karnataka, Maharashtrians cook puran poli as well as Konkanis cook Kanangachi. It is a harvest festival celebrated sumptuously together with a large celebration and also fanfare. The Hindu term for this festival in Maharashtra is Gudi Padwa.
