Seasons and Celebrations of Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is the best-known summer spot in South India, this place was identified and brought to the picture by the US missionaries and Britishers in the late 18th century. The major population are Tamilans while now it’s a blend of general people who migrated from different locations and evolved with the new social life. At present the source of income for people in Kodai is through the tourism industry, plantations, cattle industry, and agriculture. The visitors are also attracted to shopping delights - homemade chocolates, handicrafts, handlooms, sculptures, wood articles, essential and aromatic oils, and medicinal herbs.

Kodaikanal is known for its forestry, weather, and pleasant green view, apart from this there is a combination of religious festive celebrations that happen throughout the year at particular seasons like - Pongal, Jallikkattu, Miladi Sherif, Mother Salette Festival, Natyanjali Festival, Chithirai Festival, Tourist Fair, Summer Festival, Tea and Tourism Festival, Deepavali, etc.

This festival is celebrated all over Tamil Nadu in January, it’s a three-day harvest festival, where people worship the agricultural land, the sun god, and the cattle for the food and fodder they provide. Day one is called the ‘Boge’ which begins by burning all the old clothes and articles marking it as a new start. Day two is ‘Surya Poganal’ the day dedicated to the sun god, he is offered a dessert named ‘Chakkara Pongal’ which is made of rice and jaggery. Day three is dedicated to cattle, they are with a ceremonial bath and adored with garlands this day is called ‘Mattu Pongal’.

This is a traditional bull-taming sport, that holds deep cultural significance in Tamil Nadu, especially during the Pongal festival. Back in thousands of years, Jallikattu is not just a sport but a celebration of valor, strength, and community spirit. The event serves as a tribute to the farmers and their cattle, thanking them for their contributions to agriculture and seeking blessings for a prosperous harvest season ahead. Participation in Jallikattu is a matter of pride for the villagers, and young men eagerly volunteer to showcase their bravery and skill. Spectators gather around the arena, cheering on the participants and marveling at the spectacle of man versus beast. Despite its popularity, Jallikattu has faced controversies and debates regarding animal welfare and safety concerns. In recent years, efforts have been made to regulate the sport and ensure the well-being of both humans and animals involved.

A four-day celebration honoring the God of Dancers, Lord Nataraja, who is the dancing embodiment of Lord Shiva, is held in February or March. Dancers from all over the nation gather at Kodaikanal on the day of Mahashivratri to conduct dances honoring Lord Nataraja's feet. This marks the start of the Natyanjali Festival.

Chithirai Festival - is celebrated during the Tamil month Chithirai, a ten-day traditional celebration honoring Lord Kallazhagar, which takes place in the English month of April. The main event of this religious festival is the imposing and ostentatious parade of Lord Kallazhagar, who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Beyond the tourists, hordes of Lord Vishnu followers take part in this spectacular event with unmatched fervor and devotion.

The Mother Salette Church celebrates its yearly feast, known as the Mother Salette Festival, over nine days in August. This Church is located in Kodaikanal and it was constructed approximately 133 years ago. This fiesta, which is held with unfathomable majesty and grandeur, draws thousands of visitors from all across the state of Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, Kodaikanal tourists participate in this celebration with great fervor and excitement. On August 14 and 15, when the entire Kodaikanal is submerged in a gloomy state of celebration and merriment, the event reaches its fullest.

This celebration honors the birthday of Islam's founder, Prophet Muhammad. This festive is celebrated in April and includes the special prayers dedicated to Prophet Muhammad. The city's several mosques as well as some specially reserved prayer enclosures host community events and prayers. Following these prayers, a lavish social feast is served, and the friends and neighbors are given sweets and other treats. Miladi Sherif is a celebration that showcases harmony and unity throughout the Muslim community.

The foundation of Kodaikanal's Summer Festival is the historical truth that the British and Americans first built this area as a summer vacation. Millions of visitors from around the world and domestically come to Kodaikanal for this May celebration. During the Summer Festival, a plethora of exhilarating sports, adventure activities, and cultural events take place. Besides the hunger and celebration of the fiesta, this hill resort's beauty and its pleasant climate add to the area's allure for tourists at this time of year. Kodaikanal comes alive during the Summer Festival with a plethora of flower displays, fruit shows, boat races, and other events and commercial fairs.

The term ‘Vizha’ is known as a festival in Tamil, Kodai Vizha - a flower show is usually celebrated during the summer when all the tourists visit Kodaikanal to escape the blazing sun. This is conducted by the Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu. This show is put up in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and the landlords of the farm. Visitors get to see a variety of flower species that are exclusively grown in particular seasons. Alongside there are cultural programs like Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music & Vocals, sports tournaments, etc. This year 2024 is the 58th edition of Vizha, welcoming all the tourists throughout the year.

This three-day event, which the Tourism Department hosts, is usually celebrated in the final week of January when travelers arrive worldwide. During the Tea and Tourism Festival, visitors can sample and purchase a wide variety of teas that are on display here.

There are seasons and celebrations throughout the year around the world, and Kodaikanal has its specialty. You can miss out on the 8/9 festival listed above but don’t miss the ‘Kodai Vizha’ which is the major seasonal festival celebrated in Kodaikanal.