Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Venue: A number of venues in the city
Time: Mid December to mid January  (Shedule 2008-2009)

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, Tamil Nadu. The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various 'sabhas' or organizations. Besides the auditoriums, well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows are being used as venues. The month long dance and music extravaganza will have performances of eminent artistes from various parts of India.

The 'Margazhi festival of Dance and Music' started early back in 1927, to commemorate the anniversary of Madras Music Academy every December, was later adopted by various organizations which held art festivals in different parts of the city. The Tamil month of 'Margazhi' (December) is a sacred month of the Hindus. South Indian classical music (Carnatic Music) which has its roots in devotion to the gods, has been a traditional form of worship from time immemorial. 

The city comes alive with the festival which has now developed into a cultural extravaganza with more than 2000 artists participating in over 300 concerts. The festival also known as 'December Season' attracts expatriate Indians and scholars from around the world as well. Performances include Vocal and Instrumental music, Dance - solo and group, both by junior and senior artistes. Even upcoming artists get a chance to perform along with well-established artists. The music include classical vocal renditions in various South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu and Kannada and instruments like Flute, Veena (a large string instrument), Goottuvadyam (similar to Veena but without frets), 'Nagaswaram' (pipe), 'Thavil' (percussion instrument), 'Mridangam' (drum), and even 'Ghatam' (a mud pot). The season goes on till mid January when the scene shifts to Tiruvaiyaru, near Tanjore, where 'Thyagaraja Aradhana' a week long music festival is held to celebrate the birth of one of the greatest Carnatic composers and one among the trinity of music - Thyagaraja.  Information about the tickets and the venues can be had from the tourist office, Chennai. The weather is cool and pleasant at this time of the year. November- December is the best season to visit the city.

Contacts : 

• Tamil Nadu Tourism Development
  Corporation Ltd,
  Tourism Complex,
  No.2,Wallajah Road,
  Near Kalaivanar Arangam,
  Chennai - 600 002
  Ph: 00 - 91 - 44 - 25383333, 25389857, 25360294
  Fax: 00-91-44-25381567/Fax : 25361385
  Email : ttdc@md3.vsnl.net.in

• T.T.D.C. Sales Counter,
  No. 4, E.V.R. Road,
  Opp. Central Railway Station
  Park Town, Chennai - 600 003,
  Ph : 00 - 91 - 44 - 25382916, 25384356

Accommodation

Click here for a list of hotels in Chennai

How to get there

Air: Meenampakkam Airport (7 km) in Chennai has both domestic and international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major cities within the country and also with countries abroad.

Rail: Chennai is well connected by rail with the important towns and cities within and beyond the state.

Road: State transport buses and private buses connect Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country. For local transportation local trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.