‘Sevvai Perum Thiruvizha’ Festival of Horses in Chettinad
During my visit to Chettinad in Tamil Nadu I witnessed their ‘Sevvai Perum Thiruvizha (Tuesday big fair)’ festival. 10 day long festival celebrated between mid April to mid May. After the day tour of visiting old mansions of Chettinad, the evening was planned for attending this festival.
This Chettinad Festival of horses is so different! Big sized terracotta models of horses and cows, freshly painted and decorated with flowers were lined up and worshiped. The design of these terracotta horses are different from Bankura Horses of West Bengal.
Cows are worshiped, that is understandable because they are considered holy! But I witnessed horses being worshiped for the first time. Which other state of India worships horses? Do you know any?
Sevvai Perum Thiruvizha – Festival of horses in Chettinad
Legends of Sevvai Perum Thiruvizha Festival
There is an interesting story to that:
The horses are believed to belong to two Gods Ponnan and Karuppar. These two Gods belonged to a village 25 km from Moolangudi, village in the Pudukottai district near Ponnamaravathi.
Once a girl of Moolangudi got married to a boy of that village. When Moolangudi people went to that village after the marriage, they slept in the temple of Ponnan. That night Ponnan came in their dream and asked them to take Him along with them.
The villagers told him that taking a God from the boy’s place would lead to trouble. But when both Gods assured that they would make Moolangudi prosperous the locals agreed.
Karuppar and Ponnan kept their promise and Moolangudi became a very prosperous village. Two of their horses (statues) are always kept in readiness so that they can start to do any job at any time. People believe that daily night they go to their native village riding on these horses.
Horses of Karuppar and Ponnan worshiped
Festival of Horses in Temple Grounds
A big fair was on in the temple grounds with lots of lighting and decorations. Like everywhere else in India this festival too is celebrated with lots of music and mela (fair). Lot of stuffs was on sale, I found these handmade idols and statues interesting.
Handmade dolls for sale
Travel Tips:
- This is a 10 days long festival. Plan your visit from last Tuesday of Chaitra month in Lunar calendar (April-May) till the First week of Vaishakha month (May-June).
- Dress modestly.
- Use discretion and ask permission before taking pictures.
- Ideal opportunity to practice responsible tourism, buy freshly made local products.
- Love horses? Here is a story of a brave horse – Story of Chetak
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This is interesting! Folklores are so intriguing……. Thanks for sharing Indrani.
Glad you found it interesting 🙂
village festival always give us lot of enjoyment…vert interesting .
Concise story sharing,i love the legends…:) Thanks for the tips… specially in taking photos… It really hurts when your camera is checked and the photos were being deleted because it is not allowed 🙁
Very interesting. Horses are been part of history’s victory and loses, and no wonder many countries (during ancient times) treat them as holy.
India is part of the list I have to visit before turning 30. If I get to travel within those months, I’ll make sure to go and participate on this festival. Yea!
thejerny.com
It’s always fascinating to know about the local folklore. Though I stay in southern part of India, I rarely get to know about such rituals and festivals which are indigenous to some localities. Thanks for sharing the details along with lovely captures.
Never been to Tamil Nadu and thank you for letting me know a little bit more their culture and legend!
@ knycx.journeying
Love the story about the horses. I think horses are the most beautiful animals on earth. Festivals like these are so colorful and revealing of a culture.
Fascinating – I didn’t know that horses were ever worshipped either – really enjoyed your explanation why. It sounds like an interesting festival – would like the chance to mooch around those stalls too.
a great post and also congratulations on your blog being listed in the top list…
I love the statues, so colorful and pretty. What a fun festival. Thanks for sharing, enjoy the rest of your week!
This is the first time I'm seeing pictures of this festival…thanks a lot for sharing Indrani… 🙂
I love the bright colors and learning about another culture. Thanks for sharing this with us!
That's the beauty of India!
Amazing celebrations 🙂
Never heard of it before! Lovely images.
Very interesting …..!!
Great pics and a really interesting read!
Wow! That's very interesting to know! So cute the terracotta models are! And your wonderful captures virtually takes us to the festival…
TC! Keep smiling 🙂
Interesting post, must be fun !
just beautiful
Beautiful post
What festive horses!
That is an interesting story about making Moolangudi prosperous.
I felt sure I had left a comment earlier this afternoon, but it's not there??? I really love the very colorful festival it is and your photos are superb as always! Hope your week is off to a great start, Indrani!! Enjoy!!
Wonderful post! Thank you
Namaste & ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Oh, how colorful and fun, Indrani!! Wonderful captures as always! Thanks for sharing the smiles and the giggles!!
I enjoyed reading this post, thank you Indrani and your photos are fantastic!
I know horses are believed as Karuppan’s vehicle and even in my grandfathers’ village there are horse statues with karuppan sitting on it. You captured the village festival mood and set well!
Happy Deepavali 🙂
Superb images Indrani.
Looks like another wonderfully colourful festival!
beautiful statues.