Bastille Day |Bastille Day in Pondicherry
Pondicherry experiences a background which is different from other parts of India. The place is itself a retreat; you can enjoy the blend of west and east which unites to form a new tradition.Festivals in Pondicherry, Pondicherry Festivals, Traditions Of Pondicherry, Historical Background, Cultural Tradition Pondicherry was under the French dominance for a period of 300 years. This created a French heritage in the society of Pondicherry.
The land has experienced various historical significances as Pondicherry witnessed fierce battles between British and French in the by gone days.
The rich history and heritage of Pondicherry is well evident in the fairs and festivals and in the culture.
Description
Bastille Day, one of the main festivals in Pondicherry is also known as the ‘National Day of France’. Festivals in Pondicherry, Pondicherry Festivals, Traditions Of Pondicherry, Historical Background, Cultural Tradition Being an important French colony Pondicherry celebrates this day with great honor and pride. Located on the coast of Coromondal, Pondicherry was once the center of all French business and transactions in the southern part of India as well as in Asia.
On the eve of the Bastille Day retired soldiers engage themselves in parade and celebrate the day with Indian and French National Anthems.
On the day uniformed war soldiers march through the street to honor the French soldiers who were killed in the battles. Festivals in Pondicherry, Pondicherry Festivals, Traditions Of Pondicherry, Historical Background, Cultural Tradition You can perceive French and the Indian flag flying alongside that project the mishmash of cultures and heritages.
Time to celebrate
Bastille Day is celebrated with great honor, on 14th July Bastille Day is observed in Pondicherry when this small territory adorns and decorates herself to give a special tinge to the occasion. Being an important French colony, this day is calculated as one of the important dates in Pondicherry’s calendar.
Different Fairs and festivals of Pondicherry:
On July 14, the Bastille Day, Pondicherry witnesses Indo-French pageantry. Donning their uniforms, war veterans march through the streets singing 'Marsellaise'. More interestingly, the French flag can be seen flying alongside the Indian flag on many housetops.
South India Holiday Tours provides information on Bastille Day and different types of Festivals around Pondicherry.
Fairs and Festivals of Pondicherry offer a good insight into its culture. Said to be the abode of Lord Sulramaniar and Devi temples such as Muthumariammam and Angalamman and a profound southern French influence, there are some very interesting festivals in Pondicherry.
The fire walking festival is one of the most awe-inspiring festivals of Pondicherry, in which the participants who vow to take part in the ritual observe severe austerities and a fast of 40 days. During this period they wear saffron colored clothes. On the main night of the festival, they take a purificatory bath after which they walk bare-footed through the stretch of fire stretch! All the more amazing is the fact that there are hardly any burns after the walk, which is often attributed to the deep faith and devotion of the participant.
| PONDICHERRY FAIRS and FESTIVALS | |
| Pongal Festival | Masimagam Festival |
| Bastille Day | French Food festival |
| Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo | Fete De Pondicherry |
| Villianur Temple car Festival | Manginapudi Beach |