Earring festival draws 200 double bullock carts

A grand traditional ear-piercing festival was held at Urmecha village near Nilakottai in Dindigul district, with more than 200 double bullock carts taking part in a colourful procession that drew widespread attention.
The event was organised by Velmurugan of Maliyapuram family, hailing from Kongapatti village near Nilakottai, for the ear-piercing ceremony of his sister’s children, Ashwini and Damodaran.
Their parents, Senthilkumar and Maliyapuram, belong to a flower-farming family.
As part of the ceremony, a procession of over 200 double bullock carts travelled around four kilometres from E. Kamatchipuram to E. Kongapatti village, carrying more than 200 ceremonial items.
In keeping with tradition, all household articles were presented in double quantities, including brass pots, brass jugs, salt, chillies, turmeric powder, garlands, eggs, and assorted sweet and savoury items.
In a special gesture, Velmurugan also transported a two-wheeler on a double bullock cart and presented it as a gift to his sister, drawing admiration from villagers. The festival featured a vibrant display of traditional Tamil folk arts such as tappattam, mayilattam, oyilattam, karakattam, poikkal kuthirai, theru tappattai, aerial performances, aattukidai, and a showcase of silver
utensils.
The event turned into a cultural spectacle, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted customs and collective spirit, and attracted large crowds from surrounding villages in Dindigul district.