Fairs and Festivals in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is an abode of temples dedicated to Lord Sulramaniar and various forms of ammans viz, Muthumariammam, Angalamman, etc. The famous fire walking and Sedal festival are generally the most important festivals of these temples.

Fire walking - Those who vow to take part in the fire walking ordeal observe 40 days fast and wear saffron coloured clothes and after a purificatory bath, walk through the fire stretch to the astonishment of the spectators.

Sedal - The famous sedal is understood to mean self-imposed physical torture undertaken by devotees who pierce small silver hooks and spears in their body or tongues in fulfillment of some vow. It is said that as many as 100 needles are pierced over their body. They then go in a procession after a bathclad in turmeric strained clothes.

Mascarade festival - Mascarade or Mask festival is celebrated sometime during March-April in Pondicherry It reflects one more facet of the French sense of humor with fantastic mask and fancy costumes, revelers go round the streets in joyous merriment indulging in a kind of gimmic dance to the accompaniment of beating accordion the trumpets.

International Yoga Festival - Yogis and Yognis from the world over assemble in Pondicherry from the 4th to the 7th January every year. Through live show and talks, through the display and sample of the varied yogic food and through Indian dance and music, they keep alive the art of Yoga. Its science. And its Pondicherry.

Other festivals/fairs include, one in Karaikal Ammayur temple which holds the annual ‘Mangani’ festival (July) which is a well attended ‘Mela’ as also Kandoori festival celebrated by Karaikal Durga and the feast of our lady of Lourdes celebrated by our lady of Lourdes church.

The St. Theresa Church in Mahe celebrates St.Theresa festival in October every year which is attended by even non-Christians.