Festival in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Normally all feast of Hindus, Muslims and Christians are celebrated in this territory. However, tribal celebrations differ. Varli and Kokna tribals celebrate Diwali in the name of Barash. Akhatrij is celebrated by Kokna tribes where ladies are the main participants. Divaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes. Rakhi-Bandhan is celebrated by Dhodia.

Other festivals are Bhawada amongst Varli and Koli tribes, Kali Puja by all tribes after harvesting of crops and Gram Devi before harvesting. Festival Calendar of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Pongal (January)

Pongal Date is the winter solstice in the Hindu solar calendar. It is marked by the passing of the sun into the sign Capricorn. Pongal is celebrated on this date itself and also to celebrate the coming of spring. There are several ways of calculating the Hindu solar calendar, so Pongal date may vary by up to one day in various parts of India depending whether local custom dictates the use of the old or new Hindu calendar or astronomical tables.

Masimagam Festival (February/March)

The Masi Magam Festival of Pondicherry is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Masi, corresponding to the months of February-March by the Gregorian calendar. The focus of the festival lies on the bathing of the deities in the waters of `theerthavari' or Bay of Bengal. Idols from as many as 64 temples are brought in the early morning to the sea front near Kuruchikuppam in Pondicherry and given a ceremonial bath through various rituals.

Villianur Temple Car Festival (May)

The Villianur Temple car Festival is celebrated around the middle of May, the exact date depending on the appearance of the full moon. The decorated car of the Thirukameswarar Kokilambal Temple is taken out in a procession, pulled by hundreds of devotees. Festivals are conducted with a lot of enthusiasm and fervor. Festivals are of various kinds.