Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi) is a 10-day festival honoring the god Ganesha. One of the best known Hindu deities, Ganesha is easily recognized by his elephant head. He is worshiped as the god of beginnings, wisdom, and arts and sciences, and as the remover of obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi begins on the fourth day of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar (usually August or September). Throughout the festival, celebrants offer food, sweets and prayers to clay statues of Ganesha at home and on public stages. Traditions include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, prayers, and vrata (fasting). On the 10th day, people carry the statues to a nearby river or ocean and immerse them. As the clay dissolves, Ganesha is believed to return to his parents, the god Shiva and goddess Parvati, on Mount Kailash.

Raja Raja Cholan Sadhaya Vizha The Great Chola King Raja Raja Cholan’s birth anniversary is commemorated every year by celebrating “Sadhaya Vizha”. The festival is typically observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi, which runs from mid-October to mid-November. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Tanjore Big Temple, hosts this celebration every year. The Raja Raja Chola was a brilliant ruler and administrator of the Chola Dynasty who constructed several temples. There are various wonders to be found inside the Brihadeeswarar temple. The Sathaya Vizha commemorates the celebration by adorning the statue of Raja Raja Cholan, which is located outside the temple, with silk robes. “Rajaraja Cholan brought the glory of the Chola empire to the world. This great temple is not only a spiritual place but also a place of art, culture, and tradition. The event is being organized to throw light on the great ruler’s outstanding contribution to the development of his subjects. The abhishekam (sacred bath) is done to the deity of Lord Peruvudaiyar. The deity, Lord Peruvudaiyar is God Shiva in the shape of a lingam. The Perundheepa vazhipaadu(waving of lamps) and Swami purappadu (holy procession of the deity) inside the temple are observed on the day of the festival. Each year, thousands of devotees congregate at this temple to lavishly celebrate this festival. A special 2-day festival with cultural events will be held in Thanjavur Periya Kovil (Big Temple) on Nov 9th & 10th.

Thanjavur celebrates several major festivals annually, deeply rooted in tradition and agriculture. Starting with the early year, Pongal, the harvest festival, is a significant event in January 2025. I vividly recall the aroma of fresh Pongal dishes and the sight of decorated bulls during my visit. For a comprehensive look at this celebration, consider exploring our Pongal Festival Thanjavur Guide. Later in the year, Navaratri and Diwali also bring immense cheer and elaborate decorations to the city. Understanding the Thanjavur festival calendar 2025 starts with these pillar events, which attract pilgrims and tourists alike, eager to witness the local customs. Beyond the major religious observances, Thanjavur also hosts several unique cultural and arts events that highlight its legacy as a center for art and learning. For instance, the annual dance and music festivals often held in temple premises showcase classical Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, attracting renowned artists. These festivals provide a deeper appreciation for the region’s artistic heritage. To discover more about the diverse array of celebrations, including less-known local festivities, explore our general guide on Thanjavur Festivals. When planning your Thanjavur festival calendar 2025, include time for these immersive cultural experiences that often go beyond just the major dates.

Thiruvaiyaru Thiyagaraja Aradhana , Thanjavur. Thiyagaraja Aradhana, a flamboyant Carnatic music festival, is held at the Thiruvaiyaru village of Thanjavur district annually in the month of January. The renowned saint and music composer Thiyagaraja lived and attained samadhi in the Thiruvaiyaru village. The festival is conducted for 5 days with Carnatic music concerts and other rituals. The “trinity of Carnatic music”—Thiyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dikshidhar, and Shyama Sashtri—are honoured throughout this festival. The trios previously ruled the world of Carnatic music by producing hundreds of compositions while marking their imprints in history. In 1908, the “sishyas” (disciples) of the saint Thiyagaraja organised the first ever Aradhana festival that included Harikathas and Carnatic music concerts. Around the course of the five-day festival, professional Carnatic musicians from all over the country would display their finest performances. The recitation of the Pancharathna keerthanas on Bahula Panchami will mark the festival’s conclusion. Music lovers come from all across the nation to attend this Carnatic Music Festival. In addition to the musical performances, religious ceremonies including poojas and abishekam(sacred bath) are held at the samadhi during the festival. Every year, the chorus recital of Pancharathna Keerthanas is telecasted live on Doordarshan National Channel.