FESTIVALS
PONGAL
Pongal, a Hindu festival observed in Tamil Nadu, is a four days festival and the most important day of Pongal is known as Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal which falls in the second day of the four days festivity is also celebrated as Sankranti. The same day is observed as Makar Sankranti in North Indian states when people take holy dip in river Ganges.
The day before Thai Pongal is known as Bogi Pandigai. On this day people clean their homes and light bonfire to discard unused items. In Punjab the same day is celebrated as Lohri by Sikh community.
Thai Pongal day is celebrated by boiling freshly harvested rice with fresh milk and jaggery in a new clay pot. While boiling the concoction, people let the milk spill over the pot as an auspicious sign of material abundance and prosperity. Later the concoction of rice, milk and jaggery, known as Pongal, is topped with brown sugar, Ghee, cashew nuts and raisins. Freshly cooked Pongal is first offered to the Sun God as a gratitude for good harvesting and later served on banana leaves to the people present in the home for the ceremony. Traditionally Pongal is cooked at sunrise at an open place.
Thai Pongal is the first day of Thai month according to Tamil Solar Calendar. Thai is the tenth solar month in Tamil Calendar. Thai Masam is known as Makar in other Hindu calendars.
Next day of Thai Pongal is known as MattuPongal. Cattles are decorated and worshipped on MattuPongal day.
The last and final day of Pongal is known as Kaanum Pongal, a time for family reunions in Tamil Nadu.
13th – 16th Pongal Festival – The harvest, earth and sun festival
Day 1: Pongal Eve (Bogi) – house cleaning and decorating with intricate designs, burning of old clothes, mats and the like.
Day 2: Pongal : Preparation of ritual pongal dish cooked in new pots and prayer for sun god.
Day 3: Mattu Pongal (Cow/Ox Festival) – Cows and Ox are washed, decorated, have their horns painted and are fed pongal; they are raced in villages around.
Day 4: Farmers Day – People dress up and visit their neighbours and friends and relatives houses; there is no busier day for Pondys Park and Beach Road.
Shiva Ratri
February 13
Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to South Indian calendar. But, according to North Indian calendar Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both calendars, it is the naming convention of lunar month which differs. Both North Indians and South Indians celebrate Maha Shivaratri on the same day.
Vrat Vidhi – One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp for a full day fast on Shivaratri and should take food only the following day. During Sankalp, devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seeks the blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference. Hindu fasts are strict and people pledge for self-determination. They seek God blessing before starting them to finish them successfully.
On Shivaratri day, devotees should take second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting the temple. Shiva Puja should be done only during the night and devotees should break the fast the next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one contradictory opinion devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.
Shivaratri puja can be performed either one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar to perform Shiva Puja four times. Drikpanchang.com lists all four Prahar durations for staunch Shiva devotees who perform Shiva Pujan four times in the night. They also list Nishita time when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga and the time window to break the fast on next day.
Shivaratri is also spelled as Shivratri, Shivarathri and Sivaratri.
Mothers Birth Anniversary
Mirra Alfassa (21st February, 1878 – 17th November, 1973) also known as The Mother, was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Her full name at birth was Blanche Rachel Mirra Alfassa.
She came to Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual retreat on 29th March 1914 in Pondicherry, India. Having to leave Pondicherry during World War I, she spent most of her time in Japan where she met the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. Finally she returned to Pondicherry and settled there in the year 1920.
After 24th November 1926 when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded the ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living around the Master. She became the spiritual guide of the community.
Thousands of devotees throng to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram for the “darshan” each year. This “darshan” consists of a visit to the Mothers room.
REPUBLIC DAY

The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26thNovember, 1949 but was adopted on 26thJanuary, 1950 with a democratic government system completing the countrys transition toward becoming an independent republic. A specific time frame, 26thJanuary was selected for this purpose because it was on this day in 1930 that the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.
On this day every year, the police parade in the Indira Gandhi Stadium. All Pondicherrians celebrate the day in a devoted manner. The Chief Secretariat building including the entire beach road and Raj Nivas (Lt. Governors residence) are illuminated attractively.
MASI MAGAM

On Masi Magam day, temple idols are taken in a procession to a water body – sea, pond or lake – for a ceremonial bath. It is believed that the devotees who flock the procession and take dips in the water body on this day would get rid of their sins.
Masi Magam is observed not only in India but also in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
HOLI FESTIVAL
Holi is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Holi is considered as the second biggest festival of the Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi is also known as festival of Colors.
Places related to life of Lord Krishna are known as Braj regions. Holi rituals in Braj regions – Mathura, Vrindavan, Gowardhan, Gokul, Nandagaon and Barsana – are the most famous. Lathmar Holi – the traditional Holi festivity in Barsana is world famous.
In most regions Holi is celebrated for over two days. The first day is known as Jalanewali Holi – the day when Holi bonfire is done, and is also known as Chhoti Holi and Holi ka Dahan. Holika Dahan is referred to Kama Dahanam in South India. The second day is known as Rangwali Holi – the day when people play with coloured powder and coloured water. Rangwali Holi which is the main Holi day is also known as Dhulandi or Dhulendi. The other less popular pronunciations of Dhulandi are Dhuleti and Dhulheti.
On the first day, bonfires are lit after sunset at Right Holi ka Dahan Muhurta. The main Holi day when people actually play with colours is the next day of Holi ka Dahan or Holi bonfire. On that day, people play Holi with dry and wet colours in the morning. People are more willing and comfortable to play Holi with dry coloured powders which are known as Gulal. However many people feel that Holi celebrations are incomplete without wet colours. Wet colour is applied on the face and are made on the spot by mixing little amount of water with dry coloured powder. More enthusiastic Holi folk mix dry coloured powder in full bucket of water to drench their body completely in wet colour.
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, many Christians in India attend special services or pray in the church. Some people also fast or abstain from meat on this day. Many Christians hold parades or open air plays to portray the last days and hours of Jesus life in some areas of India.
Good Friday is a day of sadness, in which churches are empty and dark. Services are held in the afternoon. Many churches have a bitter drink prepared from leaves, vinegar, and other ingredients. This drink is for everyone to taste after the service.
National, state and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed on Good Friday. Christian stores, businesses and other organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Those wishing to use public transport on the day may need to contact the local transport authorities to check on timetables.
Large prayer meetings and parades may cause local disruption to traffic. This is particularly true in areas with a large Christian population.
Good Friday is the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is an important event in Christianity, as it represents the sacrifices and suffering in Jesus life. The crucifixion was the culmination of a number of events in Holy Week, including Jesus triumphal return to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus washing his disciples feet and Jesus last supper on Maundy Thursday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.
TAMIL NEW YEAR
Tamil New Year is also known as Varushapirappu and is observed on first day of Tamil month Chithirai.
In Tamil Nadu when Sankranthi takes place after sunrise and before sunset, the year begins on the same day. If Sankranthi takes place after sunset then the year begins on the following day.
This rule is good to start first day of the year for civil reckoning. However, auspicious time for Dan-Punya activities during Mesha Sankranthi is independent of all above rules and should be done after considering the exact moment of Sankranthi because only a small duration of time before and after Sankranthi moment is considered auspicious for Sankranthi related activities.
AADI AMAVASAI
The new moon day is considered special in almost all civilizations for one reason or the other. While some civilizations ascribe demonic qualities to this day, others consider this day as auspicious and benevolent.
In Tamil society, the two new moon days which matter most in a calendar year are the Thai Amavasai and Aadi Amavasai. Aadi Amavasai comes in the Utharayanam period (generally from middle of January to middle of July) and the Thai Amavasai comes is celebrated during the Dhakshanayanam period (from middle of July to middle of January). The Aadi Amavasai day is specially marked for offering prayers and food to the dead forefathers.
Hindus believe that the offerings they make during this period of 15 days starting from this new moon day would reach their forefathers and appease them quickly. So the Hindus are expected to perform “Tharpanam” on this day, which is a recitation of certain mantras along with some rituals that would appease the dead forefathers and protect the children of the performer of the Tharpanam.
AKSHAYA THRITHIYA
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as “Akha Teej” is a very auspicious and holy day for Hindu communities. It falls during Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini Nakshatra day with Wednesday is considered very auspicious. The word Akshaya means never diminishing. Hence the benefits of doing any Jap, Yagya, Pitra-Tarpan, Dan-Punya on this day never diminish and remain with the person forever.
Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring good luck and success. Most people purchase Gold on this day as it is believed that buying Gold on Akshaya Tritiya brings prosperity and more wealth in the coming future. Moreover, it is believed that Gold, bought on this day, will never diminish and would continue to grow or appreciate.
Akshaya Tritiya day is ruled by God Vishnu who is the “God of preservation” in the Hindu Trinity. According to Hindu mythology, Treta Yuga began on Akshaya Tritiya day. Usually Akshaya Tritiya and Parashurama Jayanti, birth anniversary of 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, falls on the same day but depending on staring time of Tritiya Tithi ParashuramaJayanti, it might fall one day before Akshaya Tritiya day.
Vedic astrologers also consider Askshay Tritiya an auspicious day free from all malefic effects. As per Hindu Electional Astrology, three lunar daysnamely Yugadi, Akshaya Tritiya and Vijay Dashami dont need any Muhurta to start or perform any auspicious work as these three days are free from all malefic effects.
VILLIYANUR TEMPLE FESTIVAL
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple, also referred to as Villianur Temple, is a famous place of worship for Hindus. The most popular festival being the Brahmotsavam, which is observed for ten days continuously and devotees from all over India come here to receive the blessings of the Lord.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of a ‘Shivlinga’. There are other temples, which are devoted to the Devi and Murugan and they were constructed during the 12th century Chola period.
This temple has a little bit of French heritage attached to it, though not in its architecture, but in some of its traditions. The annual Temple Car Festival which is held between the months of May and June involves the pulling of a 15 metre tall chariot through the streets by a large crowd of devotees.
Devotees believe that pulling this holy chariot will fulfil their wishes. Other devotees offer curds, buttermilk and ‘sundal’ to the multitude that follows the chariot. This in itself is considered a very pious act and demonstrates the devotion of the one making the offering.
BASTILLE DAY
Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly Le Quatorze Juillet (The Fourteenth of July).
The French National Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille on the 14 July 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on the 14 July 1790.
Being an erstwhile colony of France, Puducherry is a venue for an Indo-French gala.
PONGAL
January 15
Pongal, a Hindu festival observed in Tamil Nadu, is a four days festival and the most important day of Pongal is known as Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal which falls in the second day of the four days festivity is also celebrated as Sankranti. The same day is observed as Makar Sankranti in
REPUBLIC DAY
January 26
In India, Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on
SHIVARATRI
February 21
Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to South Indian calendar. But, according to
MOTHER'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
February 21
Mirra Alfassa (21st February, 1878 – 17th November, 1973) also known as The Mother, was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Her full name at birth was Blanche Rachel Mirra Alfassa.
MASI MAGAM
March 09
Masi Magam, also known as Maasi Makam, is a Tamil Hindu festival which is celebrated by Tamil speaking people. It is celebrated in the Tamil month “Masi” during the Makam Nakshatra. Usually Makam Nakshatra prevails during Pournami or on full moon day but that is not always true.
HOLI FESTIVAL
March 10
Holi is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Holi is considered as the second biggest festival of the Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi is also known as festival of Colors.Places related to life of Lord Krishna are known as Braj regions.
GOOD FRIDAY
April 10
On Good Friday, many Christians in India attend special services or pray in the church. Some people also fast or abstain from meat on this day. Many Christians hold parades or open air plays to portray the last days and hours of Jesus life in some areas of India
TAMIL NEW YEAR
April 14
Tamil New Year is also known as Varushapirappu and is observed on first day of Tamil month Chithirai.In Tamil Nadu when Sankranthi takes place after sunrise and before sunset, the year begins on the same day. If Sankranthi takes place after sunset then
AKSHAYA THRITHIYA
April 26
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as “Akha Teej” is a very auspicious and holy day for Hindu communities. It falls during Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini Nakshatra day with Wednesday is considered very auspicious. The word Akshaya means never diminishing.
VILLIANUR TEMPLE FESTIVAL
June 03
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple, also referred to as Villianur Temple, is a famous place of worship for Hindus. The most popular festival being the Brahmotsavam, which is observed for ten days continuously and devotees from all over India come here to receive the blessings of the Lord.
BASTILLE DAY
July 14
Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly Le Quatorze Juillet (The Fourteenth of July).
AADI AMAVASAI
July 20
The new moon day is considered special in almost all civilizations for one reason or the other. While some civilizations ascribe demonic qualities to this day, others consider this day as auspicious and benevolent.In Tamil society, the two new moon days which matter most in a calendar year are
BAKRID
August 01
Bakrid is also known as Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid-al-Adha which means the Eid of sacrifice. This festival is celebrated with great joy and fervour all over the world. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated by the Muslim community on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Zul-Hijja. On this auspicious day, the Muslims
VEERAMPATTINAM FESTIVAL
August 14
Veerampattinam is the biggest coastal village in the Union Territory of Puducherry – situated between Pondicherry and Cuddalore. This village is 7 km from Pondicherry city centre and frequent bus services are available from Pondicherry for almost once in every 10-15 minutes.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
August 15
Independence Day is a day when people in India pay homage to their leaders and those who fought for India’s freedom in the past. The period leading up to Independence Day is a time when major government
SRI AUROBINDOS BIRTH
August 15
Sri Aurobindo (15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950), born Aurobindo Ghosh, was an Indian nationalist, freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet. He joined the Indian movement for freedom from British rule for
DE JURE TRANSFER DAY
August 16
At the time of Indias Independence in 1947, Pondicherry was under the French control. It took seven years for Pondicherry to achieve freedom. During these years, Pondicherry witnessed spontaneous uprisings
VINAYAKAR CHATHURTHI
August 22
Also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, this day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. It is
MUHARRAM
August 29
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year. The word “Muharram” means “Forbidden” and is derived from the word har?m, meaning “sinful”. It is held to be the most
GANDHI JAYANTHI
October 02
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), the “Father of the Nation” (though not officially). The United
NAVRATRI
October 17
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning night. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra”
AYUDHA PUJA
October 25
Ayudha Puja falls during Maha Navratri and it is popular only in South India mainly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Ayudha Puja is done on Navami Tithi during Navratri. Most of the time, it falls on Maha Navami during Navratri. Ayudha Puja is also known as Shastra Puja and Astra Puja.
MILAD UN NABI
October 30
Many Muslims in India observe Milad un-Nabi, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammads birthday. Milad un-Nabi is a gazetted holiday in India and is also known as Nabi Day, Mawlid, Mohammads Birthday or the
DEEPAVALI
November 14
Diwali also called the “festival of lights” is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil,
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
November 29
Karthikai Deepam, also known as Karthika Deepam in Telugu, is specially a Tamil and Telugu Hindu festival. It is observed in every home and every temple. The festival falls in the month of Karthikai (mid-November to mid-
X MAS EVE AND NEW YEAR
December 25 & 31
The annual commemoration of the Birth of Christ, is a cultural holiday that is celebrated widely in Puducherry as well. Many Christians (and some non Christians too) attend midnight mass at various Churches.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
August 15
Independence Day is a day when people in India pay homage to their leaders and those who fought for India’s freedom in the past. The period leading up to Independence Day is a time when major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and the tri-colour flutters from homes and other buildings.
Broadcast, print and online media may have special contests, programs, and articles to promote the day. Movies about India’s freedom fighters are also shown on television.
The president delivers the “Address to the Nation” on the eve of the Independence Day. India’s prime minister unfurls India’s flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort in Old Dehli. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs are held in the state capitals and often involve many schools and organizations.
Puducherry too celebrates this day enthusiastically with the rest of the country.
MILAD UN NABI
October 30
Many Muslims in India observe Milad un-Nabi, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammads birthday. Milad un-Nabi is a gazetted holiday in India and is also known as Nabi Day, Mawlid, Mohammads Birthday or the Prophets Birthday.
SRI AUROBINDOS BIRTH
August 15
Sri Aurobindo (15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950), born Aurobindo Ghosh, was an Indian nationalist, freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet. He joined the Indian movement for freedom from British rule for a while and became one of its influential leaders. He then turned into a spiritual reformer, introducing his visions on human progress and spiritual evolution.
Sri Aurobindo studied for the Indian civil service at Kings College, Cambridge, England. After returning to India he took up various civil service works under the Maharaja of Baroda and started to involve himself in politics. He was imprisoned by British governance in India, for writing articles against British rule. He was released when no evidence was provided. During his stay in the jail he had mystical and spiritual experiences, after which he moved to Pondicherry, leaving politics for spiritual work.
During his stay in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo evolved a new method of spiritual practice, which he called Integral Yoga. The central theme of his vision was the evolution of human life into a divine life. He believed in a spiritual realization that not only liberated man but also transformed his nature, enabling a divine life on earth. In 1926, with the help of his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa (“The Mother”), he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. He died on 5 December 1950 in Pondicherry. He was the first Indian to create a major literary corpus in English.
His main literary works are The Life Divine, which deals with theoretical aspects of Integral Yoga, Synthesis of Yoga, which deals with practical guidance to Integral Yoga and Savitri, an epic poem which refers to a passage in the Mahabharata, where its characters actualise integral yoga in their lives. His works also include philosophy, poetry, translations and commentaries on the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
Thousands of devotees throng to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram for the “Darshan” each year. This “darshan” consists of a visit to Sri Aurobindo’s room.
DE JURE TRANSFER DAY
August 16
At the time of Indias Independence in 1947, Pondicherry was under the French control. It took seven years for Pondicherry to achieve freedom. During these years, Pondicherry witnessed spontaneous uprisings against its rulers culminating in the setting of a free government.
India and France, following talks, issued a joint statement on March 13, 1954 announcing a modality for deciding the status of the French settlements. A treaty of cession was signed between the two countries in May 1956. It was ratified by the French Parliament in May 1962. On August 16, 1962 India and France exchanged the instruments of ratification under which France ceded to India’s full sovereignty over the territories it held.
Pondicherry and other enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam came to be administered as Union Territory of Pondicherry from July 1, 1963.
VEERAMPATTINAM FESTIVAL
August 18
Veerampattinam is the biggest coastal village in the Union Territory of Puducherry – situated between Pondicherry and Cuddalore. This village is 7 km from Pondicherry city centre and frequent bus services are available from Pondicherry for almost once in every 10-15 minutes.
The village has rivers on both sides which help the fishermen to protect their craft during cyclones. The surrounding area of the village always looks green as it is enriched with water and nutrient resources. It has quite a lengthy and one of the most beautiful beaches in India which attracts tourist locally as well as abroad.
The village is famous for its Car Festival. This is a 6 weeks long celebration of the village temple (Shri Sengazhuneer Amman Temple) since date immemorial. It attracts thousands of people from far and near.
Veerampattinam is also famous for Masi Magam (a gathering of several deities in front of the beach) which is held in February or March of every year.
BAKRID
August 21
Bakrid is also known as Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid-al-Adha which means the Eid of sacrifice. This festival is celebrated with great joy and fervour all over the world. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated by the Muslim community on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Zul-Hijja. On this auspicious day, the Muslims are supposed to sacrifice a goat and offer prayers at the mosque.
Bakrid is celebrated in commemoration of Abrahams willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at Gods command. On this day, goats are sacrificed as an offering. Bakrid is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor among Muslims. Men and women dress up in new clothes and go to mosques. They offer special prayers or Dua for the peace and prosperity of all Muslims. After the prayer, sacrifice is done. Muslims greet one another Eid Mubarak and share their warmth. They visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts. Special delicacies and dishes are prepared and served amongst family and friends.
MUHARRAM
September 10
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year. The word “Muharram” means “Forbidden” and is derived from the word har?m, meaning “sinful”. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan.
Some Muslims fast during this day, because it is recorded in the hadit that Musa (Moses) and his people obtained a victory over the Egyptian Pharaoh on the 10th day of Muharram; accordingly Muhammad asked Muslims to fast on this day that is Ashura and on a day before that is 9th (called Tasu`a).
Muharram is a month of remembrance & Modern Shia Meditation that is often considered synonymous with the event of Ashura. Ashura, which literally means the “Tenth” in Arabic, refers to the tenth day of Muharram. It is well-known because of historical significance and mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad.
On the tenth day of Muharrum, they pray for Hussein till the magrib. With the sighting of the new moon the Islamic New Year is ushered in. The first month, Muharram is one of the four sacred months that [Allah] has mentioned in the Quran.
VINAYAKAR CHATHURTHI
September 13
Also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, this day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Currently, Ganesh Chaturthi day falls in month of August or September in English calendar.
The Ganeshotsav, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan day. On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse idols of Lord Ganesh in a water body after a gala street procession.
GANDHI JAYANTHI
October 02
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), the “Father of the Nation” (though not officially). The United Nations General Assembly announced on 15th June 2007 that it adopted a resolution which declared that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2nd October. It is one of the three officially declared National Holidays of India, and is observed in all of its states and union territories. The other two are Independence Day (15th August) and Republic Day (26th January).
Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India especially at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi at the place where he was cremated. Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are granted for projects in schools and the community on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi’s effort in Indian Freedom Struggle. Gandhi’s favourite devotional song, Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram, is usually sung in memory of him.
NAVRATRI
October 10
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning night. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasara). Navratri is an important festival and is celebrated with great zeal all over India. Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasara.
The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother Durga. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.
Navaratri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba, (the Power), and happens to be the most auspicious and unique period of devotional celebrations of Mother Goddess-Durga, whose worship dates back to prehistoric times before the dawn of the Vedic age.
AYUDHA PUJA
October 10
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning night. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasara). Navratri is an important festival and is celebrated with great zeal all over India. Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasara.
The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother Durga. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.
Navaratri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba, (the Power), and happens to be the most auspicious and unique period of devotional celebrations of Mother Goddess-Durga, whose worship dates back to prehistoric times before the dawn of the Vedic age.
DEEPAVALI
November 06
Diwali also called the “festival of lights” is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartik. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja (prayers), fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.
Diwali is an important festival for Hindus. The names of festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India. In many parts of India, the festivities start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Diwali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife-husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhau-beej dedicated to sister-brother bond on the fifth day. Dhanteras usually falls eighteen days after Dussehra.
XMAS AND NEW YEAR EVE
December 25
The annual commemoration of the Birth of Christ, is a cultural holiday that is celebrated widely in Puducherry as well. Many Christians (and some non Christians too) attend midnight mass at various Churches.
Christmas eve and New Years eve celebrations are famous for the lavish spreads and parties by Hotels and Restaurants in Puducherry during this time.
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
November 23
Karthikai Deepam, also known as Karthika Deepam in Telugu, is specially a Tamil and Telugu Hindu festival. It is observed in every home and every temple. The festival falls in the month of Karthikai (mid-November to mid-December) as per Tamil calendar. Houses and streets are lit up with rows of oil lamps (Deepam) in the evening of the festival day.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared as an endless flame of light before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, who each considered themselves as supreme, and said that the matter could be tested if the two could search for Lord Shiva’s head and feet. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and delved deep into the earth, while Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew towards the skies. Lord Vishnu failed in his search and returned. But Lord Brahma, chancing upon a piece of Thazhambu, a flower, learned from it that it had been floating down for thirty thousand years from Lord Shiva’s head. He seized this and claimed to Lord Shiva that he had seen the others top. Lord Siva realized the falsehood and pronounced that there would never be a temple for Lord Brahma in this world.
Karthikai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy. While the lighted lamp is important for all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is indispensable for Karthikai.
This festival is also celebrated to commemorate the bonding between brothers and sisters in south India (analogous to Bhaiya-Dhuj and Raakhi). Sisters pray for the prosperity and success of their brothers and light lamps to mark the occasion.