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Upcoming Events & Festivals in Mahabalipuram

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It's known for its temples, beaches, and traditional architecture. The name Mahabalipuram means "the place where two religions meet" and it was here that Lord Shiva married Parvati in the form of Mohini before their departure for heaven after killing demons such as Surpanakha and Bhanda demon king.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival

In December, Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held every year.

It features classical dance performances by renowned artists from across India.

Pongal

Pongal: Celebrated in January, Pongal is a harvest festival that involves the boiling of rice and milk in pots decorated with turmeric leaves. The festival was originally celebrated by the Tamils but has become popular among non-Tamil people as well.

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival

In January, the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival takes place and features traditional dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak.

The festival was first held in 2014 under the patronage of the Government of Tamil Nadu. This year, it will be held on January 28 to 31 at various venues around town including Nellai Beach Resort & Spa (NBR) Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Kovalam Beach Resorts Pvt Ltd., Sri Venkateshwara International School for Boys, St Antony's College for Women and Kancheepuram District Court Complex

Mahabalipuram Dance and Music Festival

Mahabalipuram Dance and Music Festival: Another event that celebrates dance and music, this festival takes place in February and features performances by local artists.

The Mahabalipuram Dance & Music Festival is one of the most popular cultural events in Mahabalipuram. It's held every year on the last weekend of February and lasts for five days before it ends with a grand finale on Sunday evening. The main event is held at Arjuna’s Penance Temple and includes performances by local dancers, musicians, vocalists and more!

Mahabalipuram Art Festival

The Mahabalipuram Art Festival is held in March and showcases the works of local artists and artisans, including paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. This festival has been organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu since 1968.

The highlight of this event is its annual exhibition that presents over 200 works by eminent artists such as Shakuntala Devi (1903–1994).

Mahabalipuram Heritage Festival

The Mahabalipuram Heritage Festival is a series of events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mahabalipuram. It includes heritage walks, storytelling sessions, and traditional games like kite flying and carnival rides.

Mahabalipuram Food Festival

The Mahabalipuram Food Festival is a great opportunity to try local cuisine and delicacies from across Tamil Nadu. This festival offers visitors a chance to sample local cuisine and delicacies from across Tamil Nadu.

The festival is held in April, which is considered as the beginning of summer in Tamil Nadu. The event showcases various cuisines like fish curry, dosa, idli etc., along with traditional beverages such as coconut water or chai (tea).

Tamil New Year

Tamil New Year: Celebrated in April, Tamil New Year marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar and is marked by feasting, gift-giving, and traditional rituals.

Garuda Jayanti: Marks the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnu's eagle mount Garuda. The day is celebrated with great pomp with people fasting all day long while they perform poojas at temples across India.

Mahabalipuram Beach Festival

In May of each year, the Mahabalipuram Beach Festival is held in honor of the beach culture of Mahabalipuram. This festival celebrates the beach culture with events such as beach volleyball, sand sculpting, and water sports.

The celebration includes performances by local artists and musicians as well as parades through town with floats representing various aspects of Tamil Nadu's history tied together by cotton ropes or saris worn by women who are partaking in these festivities.

Mahabalipuram Summer Festival

Mahabalipuram Summer Festival: This festival takes place in June and features a variety of cultural events, including dance and music performances, theatre shows, and poetry readings.

The festival kicks off with the annual Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram boat race on the Bay of Bengal. The next day is dedicated to cultural activities such as puppet shows, folk songs and dances by village artists from around Chennai (Madras). On the last day of this seven-day event there are also music concerts by famous musicians such as Asha Bhosle & Lata Mangeshkar who will perform at St Joseph's Church grounds near Pondicherry Beach Road along with other artistes like Suresh Wadada & Srinivas Prasad..

Mahabalipuram Monsoon Festival: Held in July, this festival celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season and includes events such as nature walks, bird watching, and cultural performances.

Mahabalipuram Independence Day Celebrations

Mahabalipuram Independence Day Celebrations: August 15th marks India's independence from British rule, and Mahabalipuram celebrates this event with parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cultural performances.

Kathakali Dance Festival: Kathakali dance forms an integral part of the culture of Kerala. This festival showcases these talented artists performing classical dance forms such as Kathakali and Adalapattu in various locations across India including Mahabalipuram.

Navaratri

Navaratri is a nine-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is marked by fasting, prayer, and cultural events.

The origins of this tradition are unclear but it may have started as an attempt to counter evil spirits who were thought to be active during these months.

The main celebration takes place on Vijayadashami (Vijaya Dashami) when devotees gather at temples to worship Durga or Devi (goddess).

Mahabalipuram Diwali Celebrations

Mahabalipuram Diwali Celebrations: Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in October or November and involves the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. The festival is believed to have originated from a Hindu mythological story where Lord Rama's wife Sita visited her father's kingdom with him on his exile. The people there were celebrating this event by lighting diyas (lamps) at nightfall so that they could see them clearly even though it was dark outside. The tradition has now become an integral part of Indian culture because it reminds us to be thankful for what we have been given by God who protects us all year round but especially at these special times like Christmas or Easter when we celebrate our faith through prayers while looking up at Him above all things else

Christmas

Christmas: Mahabalipuram celebrates Christmas with church services, carol singing, and festive decorations. Many hotels and resorts also offer special Christmas packages and events.

Christmas is a great time to visit the beach at Mahabalipuram because it’s less crowded than in other months of the year. You can enjoy watching traditional carols performed by locals on the beach or join in yourself!