️ Culture,
Tradition, and Lifestyle
Viluppuram is a stronghold of rural Tamil folk culture and diverse
traditions.
·
The Troy of the East: The district's
identity is anchored by Gingee (Senji). The
local ballads and folklore are filled with tales of the brave King Desingu
(Raja Desingu), who fought valiantly against the Nawabs.
·
Folk Arts: This region is the heartland of Therukoothu (Street Theatre). During village temple
festivals, artists perform epic stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana all
night long.
·
Transgender Festival: The village of Koovagam hosts the annual Koothandavar festival, the
largest gathering of transgender people (Aravanis) in India, celebrating their
divine marriage to Lord Aravan.
·
Coastal Life: In the Marakkanam region, life
revolves around salt pans and fishing, contrasting with the agrarian lifestyle
of the interior.
???? Culinary Heritage
and Famous Food
The cuisine here is rustic, spicy, and relies heavily on local millets
and dry lands produce.
·
Koozh (Millet Porridge): In the hot
summers, roadside stalls selling Kamba Koozh (Pearl
Millet porridge) with spicy sides like dried fish (Karuvadu) or raw
mango are a staple.
·
Dried Fish: Marakkanam is famous for its
high-quality dry fish. A spicy dry fish curry (Karuvadu Kuzhambu)
with brinjal and drumstick is a local delicacy.
·
Vada Curry: A popular breakfast side dish for
Idli/Dosa in this region, made with crumbled lentil dumplings in a spicy gravy.
·
Jackfruit: While Panruti (nearby) is the
capital, the markets in Viluppuram are flooded with sweet jackfruit during the
season.
Administration
and Infrastructure
Viluppuram is a major transport and administrative hub connecting
southern Tamil Nadu to Chennai.
·
District Profile: The district was bifurcated in 2019
to create the Kallakurichi district. The current Viluppuram district comprises
taluks like Villupuram, Gingee, Tindivanam, Marakkanam, and Melmalayanur.
·
Parliamentary Constituency (MP): The district falls
under the Viluppuram (SC) and parts of the Arani Lok Sabha constituencies.
·
Assembly Constituencies (MLA): Key legislative
assemblies include Viluppuram, Gingee, Mailam, Tindivanam (SC),
Vanur (SC), and Vikravandi.
·
Economy:
o Agriculture: Paddy, sugarcane,
and groundnut are major crops.
o Salt: Marakkanam is a
major salt-producing center (after Thoothukudi).
o Sugar: The district
houses several cooperative sugar mills.
Education Hub:
Schools and Colleges
Viluppuram has seen significant growth in higher education institutions
recently.
·
Medical: Government Villupuram Medical
College in Mundiyampakkam is the premier healthcare and education
center.
·
Engineering: University College of
Engineering, Villupuram (Anna University) provides technical
education.
·
Law: The Government Law College
in Villupuram is a notable institution for legal studies.
·
Schools: The district has a wide network of
government schools, crucial for the rural population's literacy.
Major Festivals
·
Koovagam Koothandavar Festival: Held in the Tamil
month of Chithirai (April-May). Transgender individuals from
across the globe gather here to marry Lord Aravan and mourn his death the next
day. It is a poignant and colorful event.
·
Melmalayanur Mayana Kollai: A fierce and
intense festival dedicated to Goddess Angalamman. Devotees often go into a
trance and visit the graveyard (Mayanam) as part of
the ritual.
·
Gingee Raja Desingu Festival: Celebrated to
honor the local hero with cultural programs.
·
Panguni Uthiram: Celebrated grandly at the Mailam
Murugan temple.
Unique Highlights:
Why Viluppuram is Special
1. Gingee Fort: One of the few
forts in India that was never conquered easily. Shivaji Maharaj called it the
"most impregnable fortress in India." It spans across three hillocks:
Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg.
2. National Fossil
Wood Park: Located in Thiruvakkarai, this geological
marvel houses wood fossils that are 20 million years old.
You can see tree trunks that have turned into stone over millennia.
3. Auroville
(Proximity): While the Matrimandir is in the district, the international township of
Auroville spreads across the Viluppuram-Puducherry border, bringing a global
vibe to the Vanur area.
Top Tourist
Attractions and Sightseeing Places
Viluppuram offers a journey through time—from prehistoric fossils to medieval
forts.
1. Gingee Fort (Senji Kottai)
·
The Climb: Trek up the Rajagiri (King's Hill) to see the Granary, Wedding
Hall, and the Ranganathar temple. The view from the top is spectacular.
·
Kalyana Mahal: An iconic seven-story structure
inside the lower fort.
·
Venkataramana Temple: A visually
stunning temple with large pillared halls.
2. Melmalayanur Angalamman Temple
·
Significance: A powerful temple dedicated to
Goddess Angalamman. It is famous for the Amavasai (New Moon)
worship, where thousands gather to witness the "Oonjal" (Swing)
ceremony of the Goddess.
3. Thiruvakkarai National Fossil Wood
Park
·
What to see: Massive petrified tree trunks lying
in the open. It is a surreal experience to touch "wood" that is
actually stone.
·
Vakrakali Amman Temple: A famous temple
nearby known for its three-faced Kali deity.
4. Marakkanam Salt Pans & Beach
·
Photography: The endless stretches of white salt
pans against the blue sky make for stunning photos.
·
Beach: The coastal stretch is pristine,
though largely undeveloped for tourism.
5. Mailam Murugan Temple
Located on a small hillock near Tindivanam.
·
Significance: A popular temple where Lord Murugan
is worshipped. It is a major wedding destination for locals.
6. Veevur (Vidur) Dam
A scenic dam located near Tindivanam. It is a quiet spot for bird
watching and picnics.
✈️ Climb the Walls of
History!
From the unshakeable walls of Gingee to the mystical vibes of
Melmalayanur, Viluppuram is a district of power and perseverance.
For
customized Gingee trekking tours, temple visits, and transport arrangements,
contact us:
Mobile: +91 77088
94141
Website:
www.renghaholidays.com
Rengha
Holidays – Unlocking the History of Tamil Nadu.
