A large number of festivals and fairs are celebrated in Chennai throughout the year. Besides the national festivals like the Independence Day and Republic day and religious festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Muharrum, Birthday of Prophet Mohamed, Christmas, Easter, Good Friday etc, Dance festival of Mamallapuram, Kanthuri festival, Pongal and Chennai Music and Dance Festival are celebrated with great fervor in Chennai city. The floating festival in January -February in Mylapore is also very popular. 

Brahmotsavam

The 'Brahmotsavam' (including the Arupathumoovar festival) of  the magnificent Kapaliswarar temple at Mylapore, attracts pilgrims from far and near. The bronze statues of 63 Shaivite saints in the temple who lived in devotion and penance are taken in a colorful procession. It is celebrated in the Tamil Month of Panguni (March-April) which lasts for ten days. 

Karthikai Deepam

This festival of lights with lamps and firecrackers is celebrated on full moon day in Nov-December. 

Tourist Fair 

This colourful Trade and Industrial Fair at Chennai is organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. The exhibition introduces cultural wealth of the state, places of tourist interest, economic scenario and much more in myriad forms and colours. The fair is held January to March. 

Chennai Music and Dance Festival

Chennai music and dance festival is a celebration of classical music and dance of South India held during mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai. Read More.