Festivals: If you are planning to travel to Pondicherry then this piece of information might be of help to you. October to March is the right season to be in Pondicherry. The weather is comparatively pleasant for you to discover the city. After March it really gets hot and humid. Other than the peak period for tourists ( oct- mar) there are some other events which seas people thronging to this coastal place. Some of the important festivals are highlighted here for you to think and decide for yourself.
Christmas and New Year Rendezvous ( 24th to 31st Dec )
Christmas and New Year are a big celebration time in Pondicherry. The whole Pondicherry wears a festive look during the whole week. Visitors can look forward to having a gala time out there. Shopping, feasting on special menus offered at restaurants, hanging out in the public beaches, dance at beach parties organized by various resorts outside the city, etc. On Ist January you can head to Aurobindo Ashram to participate in morning meditation with New Year music.
Pongal (13th to 16th January )
Pongal the festival of harvest at Pondicherry is celebrated among local Tamil populace with pomp and gaiety. During Pongal, the city parks and beaches are given a colorful look and the whole place flooded with people. There is an air of celebration all over the place. Visit for an altogether different experience.
French Republic Day (July 14th )
 French Republic Day or `Fete National` or Bastille Day is another popular attraction of Pondicherry. You get a feeling that you are in any French city as the French anthem is sung and a wreath placed at the foot of an Unknown Soldier on the premises of the War Memorial. The war Memorial illuminated during the night looks spectacular.  As a part of the celebration, the day`s activities include march past by uniformed war veterans singing ``Marsellaise``as well as ``Jana Gana Mana``through the streets of Puducherry. Though Pondicherry is hot at this time but misses this regal event at your own cost.
Masquerade ( March/ April )
Masquerade is a popular mask festival held annually. People in bright and piquant costumes put on masks and dance on the streets of Pondicheryy, to the musical tunes.
Villianur Temple Car Festival
The annual car festival of the Thirukameeswarar temple in Villianur is a major attraction of Pondy. In this event, the temple deity Thirukamemswara Kukilambal is taken out for procession in a decorated chariot. People join in hauling this chariot. Join the event if you are religiously minded.
Fete De Pondicherry (15th to 17th August)
Fete De Pondicherry is a cultural pageant that is held to coincide with the Liberation Day and Independence Day. A cultural extravaganza takes place here for three days. Though the event is slated from 15 to 17 th August, the cultural fest is now held in the month of May due to rains. Fete de la Musique organized by Alliance Francaise of Pondicherry is turning out to be an annual event that is held in the month of August.
Activities & Adventure
We at kiomoi.com have identified 10 solid reasons that have a magical charm to beckon you time and again to Pondicherry. Here are those.
Move around the Colonial Architecture: Puducherry`s Architecture of the resplendent past is sure to attract visitors. Colonial buildings and bungalows with shuttered windows and color-washed facades, courtyards spilling over with bougainvilleas. Buildings like the French Institute, French Consulate, Raj Nivas are the finest examples of French Architecture.
Revitalize Your Spiritual Aura: There is a distinct spiritual aura about Pondicherry that catches your attention right at the moment you enter Puducherry. You are bound to feel something changing inside your heart. You are filled with joy and peace. The atmosphere is more serene and silent. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother of Pondicherry is still alive in the hearts of the local populace and helps keep Pondicherry as an oasis of serenity.
Play Boules or Petanque: This amazing game is played nowhere else in India. Petanque is an outdoor game popularized by the French. There are around 30 Bolues clubs in the city. It is sure to give cricket a tough fight.
Savor French Cuisines: Pondicherry is a gastronomer`s delight. Food in Pondicherry is really very good as well as reasonably priced. You can expect authentic South Indian food, exotic seafood, French cuisines, North Indian delicacies and Chinese food on a platter. Some real Sattvik treat too awaits you at Ashram Dining room.
Enjoy Beaches and backwaters: With a 45 km of coastline, Pondy offers some exotic beaches. Watching the sunrise at the beaches is a heavenly experience. Paradise Beach and Auroville Beach with golden sands and beautiful palm trees is a memory of an unparalleled kind. Sea Cruise is also an attractive option. Chunnambar( 8 km) and Pichavaram provide excellent sight of the famous backwaters. As you cruise along in a boat past the lush greenery is a treat for the eyes.
Take Leisurely Walks: Nothing is better in discovering Pondicherry than to walk along the city streets, monuments and the Beach road. Wandering can be a truly rewarding experience if you just drift along without caring about particular locations.
Stay at Tree Top Houses: This is perhaps one experience that you will remember for your life. This is possible at the Chunnambar Beach resorts run by PTTDC. It`s an adventure worth trying.
Play Water Sports: Chunnambar is also a renowned center for water sport that offers yachting, wind-surfing, high speed rides on hydro-plane and boating.
Do Yoga: Pondy is a prolific center for Yoga. There are well-known institutes that take cares of both your physical as well as mental wellness. Visit in January during the International Yoga festival is an enlightening experience
