NE FEATURES BUREAU
COIMBATORE, MARCH 16
The first-ever Rekla Race (Bullock Cart Race) at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore is set to take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024. This popular event in Tamil Nadu symbolizes the strong bond between farmers and their cattle and tens of thousands of people expected to witness the race. Additionally, the Yoga Center is hosting a country cattle market from March 15 to March 17, 2024, facilitating the buying and selling of cattle.
The race holds a significant place in the 9-day Tamil Thembu celebrations that commenced after Mahashivratri. These celebrations, held at the iconic 112-feet Adiyogi, showcase captivating exhibitions highlighting Tamil history, featuring Yogis, temples, and kings, alongside cultural performances and enchanting displays of native cattle breeds. The festivities also include food stalls, fun rides, camel and horse rides, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
Notable exhibits include displays about the “Three Crowned rulers” – the triumvirate of Chera, Chola, and Pandya; Tamil temples symbolizing art and devotion; the 63 Nayanmars and the 12 Azhwars who elevated Tamil culture through hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Placards and cut-outs of famous personalities such as Ramanujar, VO Chidambaram Pillai, Muthuramalinga Thevar, Kamarajar, APJ Abdul Kalam, and others serve as reminders of their contributions to Tamil culture and society.
Priyadharishini from Coimbatore, who attended the festival, remarked, “Despite being a Tamilian, I was not aware of many aspects of our culture. Attending the festival has been an eye-opener for me. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed Tamil Tembu and will return home inspired by our heritage.”
In addition to the exhibitions, the evenings during Tamil Tembu come alive with various folk art performances such as Parai Attam, Salangaiaatam, Devarattam, Thanjavur Thavil, and Karakkat, presented by artists from different parts of Tamil Nadu. The festival also features a display of native Indian cattle breeds from various states. A Siddha medicine stall introduces visitors to the traditional Tamil medical systems.
The country cow market commenced on March 15 and will conclude 17, allowing people to buy and sell different domestic cattle breeds. Additionally, a special kolam competition for women, titled Tamil Thembu, took place on March 16, with the top three winning teams receiving awards of Rs. 33,000, Rs. 22,000, and Rs. 11,000 respectively.
To know more about the country cow market, contact 84280 38212.
