Prominent Tamil Festivals
List of important Tamil festivals with brief description which are based on Tamil Solar Calendar.
Thai Pongal – Pongal is a Hindu festival which is observed by people of Tamil Nadu on the first day of Thai Masam.
Puthandu – Puthandu is also known as the Tamil New Year or Varusha Pirappu. It is observed on first day of Tamil month Chithirai.
Deepavali – In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is observed when Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during Brahma Muhurat i.e. just before sunrise.
Karthigai Deepam -The day when Karthigai Nakshatra coincides with Pournami in Tamil month Karthikai (Vrischika Zodiac) is known as Karthigai Deepam.
Soorasamharam – For Tamil Hindus, Soorasamharam is the final and the most important event of the six days Kanda Sashti festivities.
Panguni Uthiram – Panguni Uthiram is an important day for Tamil Hindus. It is observed in Panguni month when Nakshatra Uthiram or Uttara Phalguni prevails.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi – It is believed that Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened on this day and devotees who observe fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi attain salvation.
Vaikasi Visakam – Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated as birthday of Lord Murugan. It is celebrated during Visakam Nakshatra in the Tamil month Vaikasi.
Thai Pusam – Thaipusam or Thai Poosam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. It falls in Tamil Solar month Thai.
Karadaiyan Nombu – Karadaiyan Nombu or Karadayan Nonbu is a major Tamil festival which is celebrated at the time on Meena Sankranti or Sankramana.
Masi Magam – Masi Magam, also known as Maasi Makam, is a Tamil Hindu festival which is celebrated by Tamil speaking people.
Hanumath Jayanthi – Hanumath Jayanthi is observed during Margashirsha Amavasya and falls in January or December.
Arudra Darshan – Arudra Darshan is observed during Margashirsha Amavasya and falls in January or December.
Avani Avittam – On Avani Avittam, Brahmins ritually change their Upanayana thread along with Shrauta rituals.
Chitra Pournami – Chitra Pournami is dedicated to Lord Chitragupta.