Fairs and Festivals are part of Pondicherry culture. Festivals are conducted with a lot of enthusiasm and fervor. Festivals are of various kinds. In Pondicherry you can witness festivals of religious significance, cultural festivals and also food festivals.

Some of the important festivals celebrated in Pondicherry include the likes of Pongal, Masimagam Festival and Villianur Temple car festival. These are all festivals associated with the respective temple traditions and are mainly celebrated by the Hindus. The tourists are attracted to these colorful events.The Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 and Pondicherry witnesses the Indo French Pageantry.

Pondicherry calendar has festivals galore. New Year’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The Republic Day follows soon. The festivals are similar to the South Indian calendar of festivals, which include Bakrid, Good Friday, Summer festival, Sri Aurbindo’s birth anniversary, Navaratri, Deepawali, Christmas etc. Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vijaadashami are also celebrated with equal fervor.

The International Yoga Festival which is integral to Pondicherry is celebrated usually during January .This festival also witnesses demonstration of several classical Indian Dance and art forms. The Festival of Pondicherry is celebrated and it coincides with the Independence Day and a lot of cultural presentations and fete can be witnessed during this time. Food Festivals pertaining to various cuisines are conducted from time.