Pondicherry, on the Coromondal coast in India reflects a perfect blend of all cultures, religions and heritages. This Union Territory is the best place to experience the mishmash of the west and the east. There are various festivals and occasions that are celebrated here that paint the town with various colors. Villianur Temple Car Festival is one of the main festivals in Pondicherry. Pondicherry gives you the scope to enjoy all the festivals and the friendly nature of the locals and show you the true morale of the place where celebration never stops.

Description

Villianur Temple Car Festival is an ancient tradition about the famous deity named Thirukamemswara Kukilambal. On the occasion day the famous god is taken out for a procession in a decorated chariot. The long procession visits the local areas and then ends its journey in the temple. This chariot is pulled by the devotees and is regarded as one of the holiest traditions of pulling the sacred chariot. The festival is a typical Hindu custom where the devotees supply curd, rice, sandal, buttermilk and it is believed that their wishes are fulfilled by serving the crowd. These are the local beliefs which are very popular among the people of Pondicherry and neighboring states.

Time to celebrate

This festival takes place in the months of May and the date depends on the full moon and the local calendar. Tourists come and gather to get the true essence of the festive mood.

Time

On the full moon day in middle of May the Villianur Festival is celebrated. An exact date for the festival cannot be cited since it depends on the lunar cycle.

Activities

During the Villianur Temple Car Festival the decorated car of the Thirukamemswarara Kukilambal Temple is taken out in a procession to be pulled by hundreds of devotees. Devotees die for a touch of the holy carriage.

The Chariot has always had a special place in Indian mythology and history. The gods, the demons, the heroes and the kings all had a chariot and some of them with extra fittings to make the rival have a nice time out of the encounter. So the temple car festival is in a way celebrating the power, the martial prowess and also of course the generosity and kindness of the deity for his devotees.

In fact, the Villianur Temple Car festival is quite close to the legendary Ratha yatra of the Jagannath Temple of Puri when the temple deity is taken out in a majestic colorful procession.