India has a long history, and every part of the country has a rich cultural heritage. Every little corner of our land has a story to tell. Indian holiday festivals are known for being big, loud, and complicated. Even in the modern day, you can see how strict and organized they are about their holidays. The best place to see this is probably in Southern India, which takes things to a new level. People interested in nature get drawn to the festivals in south India, and everyone who sees how beautiful those festivals are is amazed by them.
South India has many different states, each with its own set of festivals to show off its culture. There are other ways to celebrate these holidays, each with its history and stories. The cultural variety of the South is made better by what each state does well.
List of 8 Festivals To Attend This Year In South India:
1) Onam
Onam is a festival to fit back King Mahabali, who, according to a legend, comes back to his people every year on this day. This festival goes on for between 4 and 10 days. The first day is called Atham, and the most important day is Thiruonamare on the tenth day.
People row the snake-shaped boats in races like the Aranmula Uthrattadhi Boat race and the Nehru Trophy Boat race, which are part of this festival. One can also watch the Atthachamyam parade, in which elephants march beautifully to the beat of drums and join by people in masks dressed in bright colours. Read More: Onam Festival Kerala 2022: Date, Traditions, Activities, Story, and How Celebrate?
2) Pongal
The most famous festival in Tamil Nadu is Pongal, which is held every year on January 14. “To boil over” is what the word “Pongal” means in English. In Tamil culture, milk overflowing from a clay pot is visible as a good sign of prosperity in the home. So, during this festival, people make lovely meals from rice steamed in milk and then give them to the Sun God.
Sugarcane syrup, turmeric, and grains harvested this season are also used to make other delicious foods that are a part of the festivities. Check more: Why is the Pongal Festival Celebrated? See How South India Celebrates Harvest Festival
3) Hampi Festival
The Hampi Event also called the Vijaya Utsav, is one of the most significant events in Hampi. Dance puppet displays, pyrotechnics, music shows, water sports, pomp possessions, and rock climbing are all part of the festivities in the first week of November. The state of Karnataka spreads the word about this festival.
4) Mysore Dasara
Dussehra is one of the most well-known Indian holidays in the South. This holiday is a celebration of the fact that good won over evil. Dasara is a celebration in Mysore that honors Goddess Chamundeswari of Chamundi Hill, who killed the powerful demon Mahishasur. In Mysore, the Darasa celebrations take place over ten days.
At Mysore Dasara, the palace is lit up with more than a million bulbs, and a large march of the Goddess called a “jumbo savari” passes by. There are also elephants with music, dance, traditional folklore, and a torch-light parade called Panjina Kavayithu that starts at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Bannimantap. Read More: Mysore Dasara Festival Celebration 2022 – A Complete Guide
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5) Thrissur Pooram
People think of Thrissur Pooram as the “Mother of all Poorams”. The Vadakkunnathan Temple serves as the event’s focal point, which Raja Rama Verma established. Lord Shiva is thought to be the festival’s main god. Temples send out processions to show Shiva respect.
On the first day of the festival, the flag gets raised. On the fourth day, called Sample Vedikettu, fireworks are set off. Different kinds of crafts, like the golden elephant caparison, elephant accessories, and decorative fans, are made and put on display. Check more details: Thrissur Pooram Festival Kerala 2022: Dates, History, Celebrations Complete Guide
6) Ugadi
Ugadi is famous as Kannada new year in the South. It happens on Chaitra Shudha Paadyami. Most people between Vindhyas and Kaveri, which includes the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Konkan, are celebrating the new year. It is a harvest festival celebrated with food, music, and stirring.
In Maharashtra, people make dishes like pulihora, bobbatalu, and pachadi. In Karnataka, they make pouligare, while Maharashtrians make Puran poli and Konkanis make Kanangachi. Gudi Padwa is the Hindu name for this holiday in Maharashtra.
Read More: Why Visit South India in October
7) Mahamaham Festival
It is a unique festival that only happens once every twelve years. People dip in the holy Mahamaham pond during this festival because they believe it washes away their sins.
The devotee bathes with the festival gods from the temples of Kumbakonam. The Theerthavari is the name of this event. Many people come to worship on this day because it is a good day.
Even though these places may be crowded, you must see the beauty of these Indian festivals. They will give you a new perspective on life. Make sure you visit these places at least once in your life so you can learn more about the rich diversity and lively culture of South India.
8) Karaga
This festival is one of the oldest in Karnataka. It honors the godlike and powerful Draupadi, who saved the lives of her five husbands in the battle of Kurukshetra.
The Thigala community celebrates this happy festival for nine days with a procession that starts at the Dharmarayaswamy temple and ends at the Dargah-e-Sharif of Hazrat Tawkal Mastan. Veerakumaras leads the parade, who carry their swords out in the open. People from all over the world come to this festival because it is famous that the power of the god can be felt in the air during these nine days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which festival is the most important in southern India?
One of the most well-known festivals in Southern India is Mysore Dussehra. This festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Over ten days, this festival takes place in Mysore.
How does the Onam Festival happen?
Pongal is a holiday in South India.
Pongal is a holiday in the South of India, especially in the Tamilnadu region, that lasts for four days. This festival is usually held in the winter when the sun is in the southern hemisphere.
Why is South India's Hampi Festival so well-known?
The Hampi festival is also famous as the Festival of Victory or the Festival of Victory. Since Vijayanagara ruled, this festival has been held in the Southern Indian town of Hampi. People in the area set off fireworks and decorated for this event.
Here are more details about South India:
