Events

Thaipusam in Ambattur, Chennai, involves the Tamil community celebrating Lord Murugan’s victory over evil with devotion, carrying kavadis, fasting, and performing rituals, with local shops like those on Mounasamy Madam Road offering related items, highlighting the festival’s spiritual purification and penance, even in urban areas like Ambattur.What is Thaipusam?A Hindu festival for Lord Murugan, God of War, symbolizing good triumphing over evil.Marked by devotees undertaking vows, fasting (sometimes 48 days), and carrying kavadis (burdens/offerings).How it’s celebrated in Ambattur:Local Focus: While grand events happen elsewhere (Palani, Batu Caves), Ambattur’s Tamil population observes the festival with prayers and rituals.Spiritual Practices: Devotees focus on self-reflection, penance, and purification, often participating in milk pitcher processions or piercing rituals as vows.Community Support: Family and friends join processions, chanting and offering support, even if not carrying a kavadi.

Karthigai Deepam is a Tamil festival associated with the Tiruvannamalai Mahadeepam, where lamps are lit in homes and temples to commemorate the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a torch to Brahma and Tirumal. In Ambattur, people also celebrate this divine festival of light by lighting lamps, decorating homes, and worshipping in temples. In Ambattur areas, on Deepam day, special pujas, lighting of lamps, and celebrations with family are held in local temples and homes. 

Ambattur, as in the rest of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated primarily with Golu doll displays, temple festivities (especially at the Varahi Amman Temple), and cultural events like Dandiya nights. The festival focuses on worshipping the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati over nine nights.Key Celebrations and Traditions in AmbatturGolu Displays: A central part of the celebration is setting up ‘Golu’, a display of various dolls and figurines of gods, goddesses, and everyday life, in homes and public spaces. You can find Golu doll dealers in Ambattur and the surrounding areas.Varahi Amman Temple: This temple in Ambattur is a significant site for worship during Navaratri (known as the Aadi Month festival in this context, referring to a different Navaratri period). Devotees offer special rice varieties to the goddess during the festival.Cultural Events: Local organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Ambattur, host large cultural events like “Dandiya Darbar,” which feature traditional music and dance, reflecting a blend of South Indian and North Indian Navaratri traditions.Ashrams and Pujas: Religious institutions like the Sri Yohamaya Bhuvaneswari Peetam in Kallikuppam (near Ambattur) conduct elaborate pujas, homams (fire rituals), and other ceremonies throughout the nine days.Community Gatherings: The festival is a time for community engagement, with event organizers in Ambattur and Chennai planning various functions.Culinary Delights: Special Navaratri-friendly meals, often without onion or garlic and using specific fasting spices, are available from local food services.