Chennai is truly the cultural capital of India as it is bestowed with rich cultural heritage. Chennai fairs and festivals are the part of lifestyle of people there. Let us learn about some important festivals of Chennai.

Arubathimoovar Festival
There are 63 bronze figurines of 63 saints of Lord Shiva in the magnificent Kapaliswar Temple at Mylapore in Chennai. ‘Arubathimoovar’ mean 63 saints of Shiva who lived exemplary lives of penance and devotion. All these figurines are carried in a colorful annual procession during this festival.

Pongal
This is a major festival, celebrated not only in Chennai but in entire Tamil Nadu. This is the festival of prosperity. This festival is marked with great devotion and great celebrations. You can hear the chants of Pongal right from the morning.

Natyanjali Dance Festival:
Held every year in Chidambaram, near Chennai, Natyanjali Dance Festival is very popular. It is celebrated as a tribute to Lord Natraja, the Comic Dancer. Chidambaram is a gold roofed temple. Pillars of the temple depict Lord Nataraja in his 108 Bharatnatyam poses. Bharatnatyam is the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. Chennai festival tours are incomplete without mentioning about this festival.

Dance and Music Festival
Dance and music are the important part of lifestyle in Chennai. Whether people love to learn and perform them or they want to enjoy the various recitals taking place in different parts of the city. Held during mid December to mid January, Dance and Music festival is highly reputed one. This festival is the right event for enjoying Carnatic Music and Classical dances of Chennai. Performances by various artists are held throughout the city.

Travel and Tourism Fair
This is another excellent event to enjoy the city culture. This is the opportunity to gain information about the city attractions. People visit the various stalls which exhibit their merchandise and best of the artifacts from all over India. The fair is held every year and the venue of this fair is Island Ground in Chennai.

Karthigai Deepam
This is the festival of lights celebrated all over Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. Rows of lit earthen lamps and candles adorn all the homes and streets. Joyous burst of firecrackers can be heard in the air. This festival is called Deeawali in other parts of India.

Navratri
Navratri means festival of nine nights. These are the holy nine nights which are devoted to various forms of Goddess Sakthi. This festival is marked with fasting, feasting and great devotion. Tours to Chennai festivals will let you explore various magnificent temples of Chennai, dedicated to various God and Goddesses.
Chennai travel Guide is the excellent source of information about this city.