Chennai Hotels

Aadi Krithigai

Aadi Krithigai is a Tamil festival honoring Lord Murugan, celebrated on the Krithigai star in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August). Devotees perform special prayers, offer kavadi, and participate in vibrant temple processions, symbolizing devotion and divine energy.

• Start date: August 16, 2025
• End date: August 16, 2025

Golu (festival)

Golu, a vibrant South Indian festival, celebrates Navaratri with elaborate displays of dolls and figurines, arranged on tiered steps called "padis." Families come together to worship, sing, and share traditional foods during the nine-day festival.

• Start date: October 3, 2025
• End date: October 12, 2025

Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with vibrant decorations, diyas, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings, it marks a time of joy, hope, and prosperity across India and beyond.

• Start date: October 20, 2025
• End date: October 20, 2025

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Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights falls on the new moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin coinciding with winter. Streets take on a festive look with electric and oil lamps lit across balconies and windows. Sweets are exchanged between families and friends amidst the bursting of crackers.

• Start date: October 31, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2025

Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam, the Festival of Lights in Tamil Nadu, celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Devotees light oil lamps in homes and temples, with the grand climax at Tiruvannamalai, where a massive flame atop the hill symbolizes Lord Shiva's eternal light.

• Start date: December 4, 2025
• End date: December 4, 2025

Chennai International Film Festival

The Chennai International Film Festival is an annual event that showcases a wide variety of films from around the world. In addition to film screenings, the festival also hosts workshops, panel discussions, and other events aimed at promoting the art and craft of cinema.

• Start date: December 12, 2025
• End date: December 19, 2025

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Chennai Book Fair

The Chennai Book Fair is a major hub for book lovers from all over the state and beyond. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of literature, including regional language books, academic books, fiction, non-fiction, children's literature, and much more.

• Start date: January 3, 2026
• End date: January 21, 2026

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Mylapore Festival

The Mylapore Festival is an annual cultural celebration in Chennai's historic Mylapore neighborhood. It features classical music, dance performances, traditional kolam art, heritage walks, and street food. The festival vividly showcases South Indian traditions and community spirit.

• Start date: January 9, 2026
• End date: January 12, 2026

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Pongal

Pongal is the harvest festival of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu that marks the end of the winter solstice and corresponds with Makar Sankranti. Devotees thank the Sun God Surya for the abundance of grains by offering pongal - a dish prepared with freshly harvested rice, milk and jaggery.

• Start date: January 14, 2026
• End date: January 14, 2026

Chennai Sangamam

Chennai Sangamam is a vibrant cultural festival celebrating Tamil Nadu's rich heritage, held annually across Chennai. The festival brings the city's streets, parks, and beaches alive with traditional folk performances, music, dance, theater, and food. It's a joyous fusion of urban and rural culture.

• Start date: January 14, 2026
• End date: January 17, 2026

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Jallikattu

Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, during the Pongal festival. Participants attempt to grab a bull by its hump and hold on as it tries to escape. Jallikattu is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and is seen as a symbol of bravery and valor.

• Start date: January 15, 2026
• End date: January 15, 2026

The Hindu Lit for Life

The Hindu Lit for Life is a prestigious literary festival in India that celebrates the world of literature and the arts. Held annually, it features a diverse lineup of authors, poets, and thinkers. The festival fosters creativity, intellectual exchange, and a love for storytelling.

• Start date: January 18, 2026
• End date: January 19, 2026

• Event website

Chennai Comic Con

Chennai Comic Con is a vibrant celebration of pop culture, comics, anime, gaming, and cosplay. Fans gather to meet creators, shop exclusive merchandise, enjoy panels, and showcase creative costumes, making it a must-attend event for geeks and enthusiasts!

• Start date: February 8, 2026
• End date: February 9, 2026

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Holi

Of India's many Hindu festivals, Holi takes the cake as the most jovial and rambunctious of them all. On this day people throw colored powder and colored water on each other, which is why it is known as the festival of colors. People sing and dance merrily to welcome the spring season.

• Start date: March 14, 2026
• End date: March 14, 2026

Holi Rangawali

Holi, the festival of colors, is a vibrant Indian celebration marking the arrival of spring. Participants throw colored powder, dance, and sing to spread joy and unity. Rooted in mythology, it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time for forgiveness, renewal, and festivity.

• Start date: March 14, 2026
• End date: March 14, 2026