The village of Vaippar near Vlathikulam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district celebrated the 265th birth anniversary of Veerapandiya Kattabomman by organizing bullock cart races.
As per tradition, the entire village came together to honor the freedom fighter’s birthday. The winners of the races were rewarded with prizes including Rs 1 lakh cash, lambs, and LED TVs. A large crowd gathered to witness the thrilling bullock cart race.
Participants from different parts of Tamil Nadu, such as Thoothukudi, Nellai, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Theni, and Virudhunagar, took part in the event held at Vaipar ECR road. The competition was divided into three categories – big bullock cart, small bullock cart, and poonjittu.
The owners and drivers of the winning carts were duly honored. Veerapandiya Kattabomman, also known as the Great warrior, bravely fought against the British regime in the 17th century AD. He was born in Panchalankurichi, a historic village located 25km from Thoothukudi and 55km from Tirunelveli.
The Memorial Fort, constructed in 1974 by the government of Tamil Nadu, stands as a tribute to his legacy. Inside the fort complex, you can find the Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple, dedicated to the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman.
Additionally, there is a cemetery for British soldiers near the fort. The Department of Archaeology ensures the preservation of the remaining parts of the old fort. Thoothukudi offers city bus services for convenient transportation to the fort.
Veeramankai Velunachiyar and Veerapandiya Kattabomman, who etched the chapters of sacrifice in the history of the Indian freedom struggle during the eighteenth century.
It is imperative for every Indian to acknowledge the valor displayed by these two individuals. They defied the imposition of taxes, resisted British rule, and embodied the spirit of Tamil identity that transcended boundaries. The land that sowed the seeds of the freedom struggle a century prior to the 1857 mutiny by soldiers should forever be remembered as Tamil Nadu!