Tamilnadu Public Holidays List 2023-2024. The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is renowned for its vibrant customs, historic temples, stunning scenery, and rich cultural history. Tamil Nadu is renowned for its Dravidian architecture, with magnificent temples that showcase intricate carvings and sculptures. The state is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. These architectural marvels attract tourists from all over the world and provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu is also famous for its classical arts, literature, and music. The state takes pride in its Tamil language, which has a rich literary tradition dating back to ancient times. Tamil Nadu is known for its classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and music genres such as Carnatic music. Festivals play an integral role in Tamil Nadu’s cultural fabric, with the Pongal festival being the most important harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. Other major festivals in Tamil Nadu include Diwali, Navaratri, and Tamil New Year (Puthandu). The state is also known for its delectable cuisine, which includes popular dishes like dosa, idli, sambar, and filter coffee.
what are the principal holidays celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu?
Pongal: Pongal is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Tamil Nadu. It is a four-day harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God and marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai. People decorate their homes, cook a special dish called “Pongal,” and offer prayers to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Tamil New Year (Puthandu): Puthandu is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which usually falls on April 14th. It is a time for new beginnings and is marked by traditional rituals, feasting, and cultural festivities. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and exchange greetings and gifts with family and friends.
Navaratri: Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Tamil Nadu. People set up elaborate displays of idols and figurines of the goddess and engage in religious rituals, devotional singing, and energetic folk dances like Garba and Dandiya.
Diwali: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus all over India, including Tamil Nadu. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. People decorate their homes with oil lamps, burst fireworks, exchange sweets, and participate in family gatherings and feasts.
Thaipusam: Thaipusam is a major Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Tamil Nadu. It commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. Devotees observe fasting and undertake a pilgrimage to temples, carrying kavadis (decorative structures) on their shoulders. The festival is known for its vibrant processions, body piercings, and fervent devotion.
Karthigai Deepam: Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It involves lighting traditional oil lamps called “deepams” in homes and temples. The celebration culminates in the lighting of a giant bonfire atop the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, attracting thousands of devotees.
1)How many public holidays are there in Tamil Nadu? Ans In Tamil Nadu, there are around 25 public holidays observed throughout the year. These holidays include both national holidays celebrated across India and regional holidays specific to Tamil Nadu.
2)What are some of the major public holidays in Tamil Nadu? Ans Some of the major public holidays in Tamil Nadu include Pongal, Tamil New Year (Puthandu), Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, Christmas, and Eid. These holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are observed as non-working days.
3)Are all public holidays in Tamil Nadu fixed dates? Ans While some public holidays in Tamil Nadu have fixed dates and are celebrated on the same day each year, there are also holidays that are determined based on the Tamil calendar or religious observations. Festivals like Pongal and Tamil New Year vary in their dates based on the Tamil calendar.
4)Do public holidays in Tamil Nadu apply to all districts and cities? Ans Yes, public holidays in Tamil Nadu are observed in all districts and cities across the state. Government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses remain closed on public holidays.
