Musicand Dance Festival December/January Sit before an open-air 'stage' created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Lovers of dance will be treated to a very unique and unforgettably aesthetic event : Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi, presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances.

Pongal January The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvested rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts is offered to the sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adorned with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal.

Natyanjali Dance Festival February/March The temple city of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja the 'Cosmic dancer'. The setting is truly divine-Chidambaram's gold-roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses from Bharatha Natyam - Tamil Nadu's classical dance.

Arubathimoovar Festival March/April 'Arubathimoovar' refers to the 63 saints of Shiva canonised for leading exemplary lives of devotion and penance. Bronze figures of these 63 saints adorn the magnificent Kapaliswar Temple at Mylapore, Chennai. Once, every year, t hey are carried in a colourful procession through the streets of Mylapore.

Chithirai Festival April/May Madurai brings you a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. You can witness an ancient legend unfold right before your eyes as Lord Vishnu rides to his sister's wedding on gleaming golden horse chariot. Don't miss it, if visiting during this time of year.

Kavadi Festival April/May Dancing in a hypnotic trance to the rhythm of drums, devotees of Muruga carry the 'Kavadi' a flower decked decoration, all the way up the Palani Hills to fulfil their vow. According to Hindu mythology, Idumban is said to have carried two sacred hillocks on two ends of a pole laced on his shoulders.

Tayagaraja Festival April/May Tyagaraja was a South Indian composer and saint born in 1767, and is celebrated for many Telugu songs he composed in praise of Rama. His life and works are a source of great inspiration to young poets and musicians. At Tiruvaiyaru, about 13km from Tanjore, South Indian musicians gather at the composer's memorial to sing in his memory. Young artistes believe that they will be blessed with a melodious voice if t hey anoint the shrine with honey and sing Tyagaraja's songs at his memorial.

Summer Festival May/June The summer festival might find you in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the evergreen Ooty; the exquisite Kodaikkanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud - where boat races, flower and fruit shows are specially organised. Also, a splendid opportunity to go trekking in any of Tamil Nadu's other hill stations that promise unforgettable holidays off the beaten track .

Kanthuri Festival July/August A truly secular festival - where devotees flock to the shrine of saint Quadirwali, believed to do equal good to people of all faiths. One of the descendants of the Saint is chosen as a Peer or spiritual leader and is honoured with offerings. On the tenth day of the festival, the Saint's tomb is annointed with sandalwood - and later the holy sandal paste, renowned for its healing powers, is distributed to everyone.

Velankanni Festival August/September Wondrous legends surround the church-the most famous being that of the ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors, who in the 16th century, vowed to build a great shrine for the Virgin Mary, for saving their lives in a terrible storm. The Velankanni festival attracts thousands, clad in orange robes to the sacred spot where the ship landed. Equally famous are the Virgin Mary's miraculous healing powers- earning for the church the name 'Lourdes of the East'.

Navratri September/October as the nine days preceding Dushera is popularly known, is considered to be the most auspicious time of the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with due pomp and reverence albeit in different forms in the different states of India. This festival is devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, the epitome of shakti (power), wealth and knowledge.

Karthigai Deepam or Deepavali October/November Rows of glittering earthen lamps outside every home, and the joyous burst of fire crackers mark Karthigai Deepam which falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the star Krithigai is on the ascendant and usually occurs on a full moon day. This festival is also called "the Festival of Lights".

Mahamagam Festival This festival is held in Kumbakonam once every twelve years. Lord Brahma, the Creator, was holding Kumbha - the divine pot containing nectar and the seed of creation when Lord Shiva, in the form of a hunter shot an arrow at the pot spilling the nectar into the famous Mahamagam tank at the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple thus giving the city this name.