Veerampattinam Festival: A Colorful Celebration of Culture and Devotion in Pondicherry
Veerampattinam does colourful masks for six days, from the first Friday to the following Friday. During this period, people from across Tamil Nadu flock to Veerampattinam to revel in the festive atmosphere. It is widely believed that Amman, the deity of this temple, protects the local fishermen, who honor her by celebrating this festival.
Veerampattinam Festival:
The festival spans six days, featuring daily activities such as car dragging, Padayatra, and milk pot lifting, among others. The annual car festival is inaugurated by the Governor of the Union Territory. Following the inauguration, devotees come together to pull the chariot bearing the goddess. Many families in Pondicherry worship Sengazhuneer Amman as their patron deity and offer sweet and rice puddings to the goddess during the festival.
Day of Celebration:
The festival is held in August and lasts for a week in Veerampattinam, a village in Pondicherry.
Travel Mode:
Bus: A plentiful supply of buses runs to Pondicherry from major cities in Tamil Nadu.
Train: The Pondicherry railway station is close to the village; from there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Veerampattinam.
Airport: Pondicherry airport offers extensive national and international connections.
FAQs:
What is the significance of the Veerampattinam festival?
The Veerampattinam festival is dedicated to Sengazhuneer Amman, believed to protect local fishermen. It spans six days, filled with traditional activities and rituals to honor the goddess.
When does the Veerampattinam festival take place?
The festival begins on the first Friday of August and continues for six days, concluding on the following Friday. It is a significant event drawing devotees from across Tamil Nadu to Veerampattinam village in Pondicherry.
What are the main activities during the Veerampattinam festival?
Activities include car dragging, Padayatra (procession by foot), milk pot lifting, and other rituals. The highlight is the chariot procession where devotees pull the goddess' chariot, inaugurated by the Union Territory's Governor.
How do devotees honor Sengazhuneer Amman during the festival?
Devotees offer sweet and rice puddings to Sengazhuneer Amman as part of their worship during the festival. Families in Pondicherry consider her their patron deity and participate in the festivities with great devotion.
How can visitors reach Veerampattinam for the festival?
Visitors can reach Pondicherry by bus from major cities in Tamil Nadu. From Pondicherry, local buses or taxis can take them to Veerampattinam. The Pondicherry railway station is nearby, and Pondicherry airport offers flights connecting nationally and internationally.
Is there any specific day or event not to be missed during the Veerampattinam festival?
The inauguration of the car festival by the Governor of the Union Territory marks the beginning of the celebrations and is a notable event not to be missed. The chariot procession where devotees participate in pulling the goddess' chariot is also a highlight of the festival.