Sri Thirukameswarar Gokilambal Temple, Villianur Car Festival 2024

The festival is held at the Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple, wherein thousands of people get together on the streets and pull a 15-meter long chariot with their own hands, in which Lord Thirukameswarar and his consort preside. It’s a magnificent sight to look at, although, it is a part of a larger festival known as the Brahmotsavam festival, which goes on for 10 days, this particular event is the charm of this festival. The streets, men, women, children, in fact, the entire town of Villianur dresses up and welcomes the chariot with open hearts, irrespective of their religion. This is perhaps, the only festival that includes the Dalits, as this is a ritual that 10 days before the procession, two Dalit guards would protect the chariot and their Lord for 10 nights.