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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Planning A Trip To Karur? Don't Go Before You Know These 10 Wild Facts!
Karur in Tamil Nadu state of South India is a picturesque town that may be visited by many travellers. Those people who undertook the journey to this place considered themselves lucky because there is much to explore and learn about the town's history, culture as well as artwork. Prior to embarking on your journey to this hidden treasure, there are some key points you need to know in order to make the most out of your visit. 1. Historical Importance and Heritage: Karur has a deep-rooted historical background which goes back over 2000 years making it one among the oldest inhabited places within Tamil Nadu. It was an important centre during the Sangam Age, known for its trade and textiles. The ancient temples such as Pasupatheeswarar Temple and Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple in this area reflect past glory with outstanding architectural designs that were created through a mix of artistry and spiritual devotion. 2. Cultural Insights: The cultural fabric of Karur is woven with traditions that have endured through centuries. However, Karur cotton textiles from its handloom industry are famous throughout the world. An examination of local weaving units will reveal how hard work goes into these fabrics whose names have been on everyone's lips for years now. Besides, karur celebrates lively festivals like Chithirai Festival and Adi Thabasu Festival where traditional rituals and ceremonies happen. 3. Cuisine and Culinary Delights: You cannot go back home without sampling authentic food flavours found in Karur hence it forms part of the must do things when visiting this place within Tamil Nadu district of India.. In relation to agriculture covered by this area foods prepared here reflects abundance while others expose culinary heritage dishes here are several options such as steaming idlis accompanied by dosas ,mouthwatering biryanis plus tangy curries hence a variety for your taste buds to explore. Some of the signature sweets such as Karur Halwa which has a peculiar taste and smoothness cannot be missed. 4. Practical Travel Tips: It is crucial to reflect on certain aspects related to one's practical journey before setting out. Karur is well connected by road and rail with easy access through buses and trains from cities like Chennai or facilities cater for all kinds of budgets from affordable guest houses to mid-range hotels. It is better if you schedule your visit between October and March where the weather is cool avoiding the summer heat. 5. Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity: It is highly essential that while in Karur or any other place, one should observe local outfits are preferable when you enter sacred places, at least it will show that you respect their traditions, remove shoes when entering religious buildings including temples among it comes up during festivities or market activities, then people may not agree with you taking photographs without first seeking tourists wishing to enjoy themselves when travelling; they should be respectful towards others as this would enhance their experience through promotion cultural integration. 6. Exploring Nearby Attractions: One can also tour nearby attractions while still staying in Karur if he wants more insight into Tamil Nadu's culture and beauty of its Bull and Kangayam cattle market located very close to this place are famous for native breeds of cows as well as agricultural River which flows into Kaveri provides a peaceful environment that suits picnics or relaxed walks along its paths. 7. Considerations of Safety and Health: Like any tourist place, safety precautions and health needs should be taken into account. Appreciate your trip by ensuring that you apply the correct sunscreen and keep hydrated during hot months. It is a good idea to have some basic medicines together with a first aid box in case of any emergencies. While Karur is normally very safe, it would be wise to be cautious about your property while there and avoid lonely areas at night. 8. Promoting Local Handicrafts: Karur's reputation as India's handloom centre transcends admiration itself; it is an opportunity to contribute towards local artists' welfare while buying home unique souvenirs. Shopping in Karur adds value to one's travels because it leads directly to the livelihoods of master craftsmen including intricately woven saris and colourful home furnishings among others. 9. Being Conscious About The Environment: Environmentally conscious travel means being aware how our actions can affect the environment we are visiting. Dispose waste properly to avoid single-use plastics. A lot has been done in Karur to promote sustainable development such as eco-friendly hotels and community-led conservation groups among others, therefore supporting these initiatives will help conserve its pristineness for future generations who may want to visit this town. with Local Festivities Lastly, soak up the vibrant heartbeat of Karur by getting involved in local activities or cultural events happening around you such as witnessing a traditional dance show or joining religious processions that provide insight into the cultural heritage of Karur & sow its community spirit. Final Thoughta In summary, travellers seeking an authentic South Indian experience will find Karur with its rich amalgamation of history, culture and craftsmanship most rewarding. As guests embrace the long-standing traditions through exploring hidden treasures within it while relating well with locals creates a deeper connection between them which will remain forever memorable about Tamil Nadu's inviting nook. You should know that Karur is not only about the places and sounds you will experience but it's also about the warmth as well as kindness of its people who welcome you to become part of their legacy.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kallazhagar enters Vaigai, lakhs gather for Chithirai festival spectacle
Madurai : As the first light of dawn coloured the sky over the Vaigai on Monday, chants of "Govinda, Govinda" echoed across Madurai as Lord Kallazhagar stepped into the riverbed—a defining moment of the annual Chithirai Festival that draws lakhs of in green silk symbolising prosperity, and mounted on a golden horse, the deity's ceremonial entry around 6 am marked the spiritual high point of the festival, which re-enacts the legend of Lord Vishnu arriving late for his sister Meenakshi's wedding and blessing devotees in festivities began on April 29, with Kallazhagar's journey from Alagar Kovil. On Saturday, the deity set out on a golden palanquin, stopping at over 450 decorated mandagapadis across the city. On Sunday night, he reached the Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Thallakulam, where rituals including Thirumanjanam and the garland offering from Goddess Andal were performed before the deity mounted the Ayirampon Sapparam and then the golden horse for his river tradition dictates, Lord Veera Raghava Perumal from the Venkatachalapathy Temple greeted Kallazhagar on a silver horse at the Vaigai's northern bank, symbolising divine riverbed, adorned with lotus leaves, marigolds, and fabric canopies, became a sacred stage for devotion. Devotees—many camping overnight—lined the banks with sakkarai deepams (jaggery lamps), while women performed deeparadhana. Children in traditional dress splashed water joyfully, continuing a generational ritual. Kallazhagar performed three symbolic circumambulations in the riverbed, giving devotees close darshan before the procession moved toward Ramarayar security and civic arrangements were in place. Madurai city police set up barricades for crowd control, while fire services, ambulances, and medical teams were deployed along the banks. Over 430 sanitation workers were on duty to manage the festival waste, which is expected to spike by 40–50 metric tonnes daily. Drinking water tanks and over 20 public toilets were made year, special viewing spaces were arranged on Albert Victor Bridge for persons with disabilities. "We could stand on our two-wheelers and get a better view," said N Manikandan from K K devotees also performed nerthikadan (ritual head shaving) along the river, offering personal vows to the deity. Later, Kallazhagar moved to Ramarayar Mandagapadi, where the Theerthavari (sacred water offering) was performed. The Vaigai zone and adjoining streets remained lit through the night, matching the spiritual fervour with festive deity will continue to visit other mandagapadis before returning to Alagar Kovil on Thursday, following rituals at Thennur Mandapam and Dashavathara 121112407 413 |
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Grand celestial wedding of goddess Meenakshi and lord Sundareswarar held in Madurai
MADURAI: Amid thousands of devotees, the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar was held at the Thirukalyanam Mandapam at the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai on Thursday. Following the traditional rituals by the bhattars, the celestial wedding took place between 8:35 am and 8:59 am in Mithuna Lagna, with priests chanting the Vedas. The Thirukalyanam ritual was held on a special stage set at the junction of North-West Aadi Street within the temple premises. Earlier, the ceremonies began at 4 am with Odhuvamurthigal singing 'Thirumurai'. The procession of deities, Lord Pavala Kanivai Perumal and Lord Subramaniya Swamy from the Thiruparangundram Temple, arrived at the temple by 6 am. Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were brought to the Thirukalyanam Mandapam by 8:15 am. Adorned in traditional green attire and gem-embedded ornaments and armour, Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were brought to the Mandapam following a procession. The deities will remain in the Thirukalyanam Mandapam for devotees to have darshan. The traditional wedding feast for the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam was arranged at Sethupathi School. Being the major event of the ongoing Chithirai Festival, the temple car procession is scheduled to be held at the Meenakshi Temple on Friday (May 9) following the Thirukalyanam ritual. Thousands of devotees gathered at the Thirukalyanam Mandapam to witness the ritual inside the temple. State ministers P Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, along with other dignitaries from Madurai, were present at the temple to participate in the event. A large number of devotees thronged the Chithirai streets around the temple and watched the entire ritual through LED screens placed around the temple. Police were stationed at all entry points to regulate crowd movement at the Meenakshi Temple. Detailed security arrangements were made in and around the temple in view of the festival. Philanthropists were seen distributing Annadhanam around the temple specially for the festival. Despite the scorching summer heat, devotees continued to flock to the temple on Thursday. They were seen gathering under shades as the temperature began to rise in the morning hours. "Since the seating inside the Thirukalyanam Mandapam is limited, we had to wait outside the temple and watch the Thirukalyanam ritual through the LED screens. As the celestial wedding took place at the same time as per tradition, married women who had gathered around the Meenakshi Temple changed their mangalsutra during the occasion," said S Haritha, a devotee who arrived at the temple to take part in the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam.
