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FESTIVALS · TAMIL NADU · DECEMBER

Tamil Nadu festivals in December.

5 festivals this month — dates, locations, and travel tips.

Arudra Darshan (Margazhi Tiruvadhirai)

Coimbatore

Main annual festival at Perur Patteeswarar Temple (Shiva temple in Coimbatore). The temple is known as 'Melai Chidambaram' or Chidambaram of the West, and this festival celebrates an important aspect of Lord Shiva.

December/January (Margazhi month)

Chettinad Heritage Walk Festival

Chettinad

Heritage walks through Chettinad mansions, Athangudi tile workshops, cooking demonstrations of Chettinad cuisine, and cultural performances. Organized by heritage hotels and Tamil Nadu Tourism.

December (2 days)

Margazhi Music Season

Chennai

The world's largest classical music festival. 3,000+ Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam performances across 50+ sabhas (auditoriums) in Chennai. Over a million attendees. Runs from mid-December to mid-January.

December 15 - January 15 (month-long)

Vaikunta Ekadashi

Srirangam

The most important day at Srirangam — the Paramapada Vasal (gateway to heaven) is opened. Devotees queue through the night. The 21-day Vaikunta Uthsavam festival surrounds it. Lakhs of visitors.

December (1 day — 11th day of Margazhi)

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

Grand 21-day festival at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. The festival is divided into two parts: Pagal Pathu (10 days before Ekadashi) and Ira Pathu (10 days after). On the main Ekadashi day, elaborate rituals commence at 3 AM. The deity is adorned with bejewelled armor and proceeds to the Swarga Vaasal (Gate to Vaikuntha), where the temple doors are ceremonially opened, followed by a procession to the 1000-Pillared Mandapam.

December-January (21-day festival)

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