FESTIVALS OF DAKSHINACHITRA
Festivals Celebrated: Pongal, Vasanth Vizha, Ugadi, Tamil New Year, Ayyanar, Adiperrukku, Onam, Dassera, Deepavali, And Christmas
Dakshinachitra is a unique Heritage village situated at
Muttukadu on the new Mamallapuram
coastal road, 20-km from Chennai.
Dakshinachitra offers the visitor an unforgettable and authentic insight
into the lifestyles of diverse people of South India. The traditional
craftsmen and folk artists are seen at work in the settings representing
the century-old houses and work sports of the crafts community.
FESTIVALS OF DAKSHINACHITRA
Pongal (January
15th -18th) Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians for
four days. At Dakshinachitra, Pongal is ritually prepared in the open air
and served. Bullock cart rides and folk performances are organized for the
festival.
Vasant Vizha (February 18th - 28th)
Vasant Vizha, festival of craft is celebrated in the month of February
and provides a special occasion to see the unique crafts of South India.
Ugadi (March 12th - 21st)
Ugadi is the beginning of New Year for the Telugus, Kannadigas, Sindhis
and Maharashtrians. At Dakshinachitra, a ten-day Telugu festival is held
highlighting the cultural, religious, cuisine and costumes of the regions
of Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka
.
The Tamil New Year (April 14th - 17th)
The first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai is the New Year's Day for
the Tamilians, also called the "Chaitra Vishu". The ritual is
offering of 9 grains to the sun is organized.
Ayyanar Festival (July 3rd - 11th)
At Dakshinachitra, a procession of the deity is taken through the
streets, to remove problems. As a religious ritual the devotees offer
insects and rodents in terracotta to Ayyanar.
Adiperukku (July 30th -August 2nd)
Adiperukku is an age-old Tamil festival, celebrating water as a life
sustaining force. At Dakshinachitra it is a festival of fun-especially for
children with traditional games and activities.
Onam (August 21st -29th)
Onam, a harvest festival, celebrated by all Malayalis, is being recreated
in the beautiful setting of Dakshinachitra with exotic floral decorations.
The main attractions of different performing arts of Kerala can be seen
during this festival and authentic Kerala food is also provided.
Navaratri/ Dassera or Dusshera (October 9th -19th)
Navaratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in the Tamil month of "Purattasi".
Special program for Navaratri in Dakshinachitra would include traditional
Kolu (festival of dolls) with cultural discourses.
Deepavali/ Karthikai (November 13th - 21st)
At Dakshinachitra, Deepavali and Karthikai are celebrated with the
traditional pomp and gaiety, displaying variety of lamps and decorations
significant to South.
Christmas (December 20th - 30th)
At Dakshinachitra, Christmas is marked by a crib, singing of Tamil
Carols, exhibitions on old churches of South India, sale and exhibition of
festive gifts and decorations.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Chennai
is the nearest airport.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at
Chennai, which is
well connected with all the important cities and towns within and beyond
the state.
Road: Tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus from
Chennai to reach
Dakshinachitra.
WHERE TO STAY
Being a capital city of the state Chennai is well equipped with various kinds of accommodation options, varying from economic class to luxurious ones.
