| Sani Peyarchi
Festival: Karaikal is known
all over the country for its unique and the only temple devoted to the Lord
Saneeswara (Lord Saturn) at Thirunallar. Those
who are troubled by vicisitudes in life and wish bright future do spare their time to pay
obiesance to the Lord Saturn. The Sani Peyarchi festival is the
"Kumb Mela of Pondicherry" attracting lakhs of devotees.
Mangani Festival:
Although situated within Karaikal
municipality, Karaikal Ammayar temple which holds the annual 'Mangani"
festival which is a well attended 'Mela', as also Kandoori
festival celebrated by Karaikal Darga and the Feast of
Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated by Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Masi Magam
This annual festival takes place on the full moon day of
the Tamil month of Masi (Between February and March). Deities from as many temples
in and around Karaikal are brought in ceremonial processions to the seashore for a
symbolic immersion ceremony. Thousands of people go to the seashore to have a dip in the
sea which is said to wash away one's sins.
The most important deity, which takes part in the festival,
is Sowriraja Perumal of Thirukannapuram village in Tamil Nadu area. The
saying goes that Sowriraja Perumal married a fishermen community woman and hence the
moment the deity enters Tirumalairayan-pattinam village of Tirumalairayanpattinam commune
for the festival, the fishermen take charge of the deity and charges are replaced after
the festival is completed i.e. after the holy bath. This festival is held with all pomp
and glory although it cannot be compared to the degree of celebration in Pondicherry.
Fire-walking festivals:
Three or four times in a year, local temples conclude their
annual festivals with hundreds of men, women and children walking on fire for fulfilment
of their vows.
Sedal festivals are the commonest annual
features of temples of this district. |