Chennai festivals provide sumptuous opportunities to have glimpses of the local culture. The city is inhabited by a population with diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The region is dominated by Hindu majority and as such popular festivals celebrated here have direct association with the popular faith.

Like the rest of India popular festivals comprise of those celebrated by the believers of Hindu faith. Deepavali, Dusshera, Durga Puja, Navratri, are festivals celebrated with equal zeal throught the city and the country at large. Besides these there are some locally celebrated ones and it is these we would be putting forth.

To begin with we have the festival of Arubathimoovar festival. The festival is celebrated to pay homage to the 63 saints of Shiva (Siva) who spent their lives in devotion and penance. The festival is marked by a vibrant procession carried through Mylapore township.

Chitirai festival is celebrated to pay homage to the marriage event between Pandiyan Princess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. The celebration sees a re enactment of the marriage to immortalize the event.

The much popular Dance festival is hosted at Mammalapuram. The celebrations include traditional dance performances like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Odisi. The festival has been preserving the folk dances since time immemorial.

Kanthri festival is dedicated to saint Quadirwali. During this ten day festival devotees pay visits to the tomb of the saint. Offerings are made to the spiritual leader who is one selected follower of the saint. On the last day of the festival the tomb is anointed with sandalwood and the paste is later on distributed. The paste is believed to possess great healing powers.

Kavadi festival dedicated to one of the most popular deities Lord Muruga is celebrated throughout the city. The festival is marked by a procession carrying decorated stage up to the Palani Hills. The air is filled with beating of the drum and followers in trance follow in the procession.

Tayagaraja festival is celebrated in the memory of South Indian saint and composer who lived during the 18th century. The festival is marked by musical performances by the upcoming artists from the region.

Vellankani festival is also one of the most celebrated one in the city. The festival follows a wonderful legend wherein Portuguese sailors were saved from a terrible storm by a divine light. The festival is celebrated at the place where the shrine was erected by the sailors, that is the spot where their ship landed.