In fact, Puducherry has played a major role in promoting yoga internationally. The International Yoga Festival held every January brings together people from all over the world. Side by side with discussions and demonstrations of different techniques of yoga, concerts of classical dance and music enliven the four-day festival.

Masquerade, a festival held in March/April, is, as the name suggests, a tribute to the art of mask making. During the festival, people sing and dance down the streets of Puducherry, wearing all kinds of innovative masks.

Bastille Day honours soldiers and the day's activities include processions of uniformed soldiers marching through the streets of Puducherry. In deference to the town's Indo-French history and blend of two cultures, the Indian and French national anthems are both sung.

Other festivals like Pongal, Bakr Id, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navaratri, Deepawali and Christmas are also celebrated here with great gaiety and enthusiasm.