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Pondicherry is the capital of the Pondicherry Union Territory of Southern India. This being India’s largest French colony, it is referred to as the ‘French Riviera of the East’. The French architectural buildings have been preserved in their original design and many streets still retain their French name. A beautiful blend of the East and West, there is still a significant French influence, especially in the French quarter with boulevards and rues lined with Mediterranean styled houses, bakeries and cafes.

In the months of February to March, Pondicherry celebrates one of the most significant Hindu Tamil festivals, the Masi Magam, with much reverence and pageantry. Each year Masi Magam is held on the full moon day of the ‘Magam Nakshastra’, which is month of Masi (falling in-between February and March). This festival is also referred to as Masi Ponurnamai, on account of it being held on a full moon day.

On this auspicious day, temple idols of Hindu Gods, in particular Goddess Shakhti, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, are carried in colourful procession to the seashore and bathed in sea water as part of a ritual, with much devotion amidst loud chanting and worshipping. Large numbers of devotees gather on the seashore to view this spiritual experience and receive blessings from the Gods. After the ritual emersion, the idols are brought back to the temples they belong to in huge processions.

Another custom that is observed in all Hindu households on Masi Magam day is the preparation of Payasam, which is a rice pudding made with milk and sugar to offer to the Lord Chandra; the Moon God. It is a Hindu belief that offering of Payasam to Lord Chandra will bring blessings or health and long life to the devotees. People dress in colourful clothes and exchange Payasam and other sweet meats with other neighbours and even strangers. Therefore, it is a must witness festival for tourists wishing to experience local festivities.

To an explorer of India, the laidback city of Pondicherry is the perfect place to relax and experience the slow pace of life, and Hotel Atithi is a tranquil Pondicherry hotel you can choose to stay at. Located in the quaint former French colony, this Pondicherry accommodation is elegant and luxurious. A 10 minutes walk from the beach, the hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool and restaurants, serving international dishes and authentic Goan delicacies.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

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