Decorated cars with deities being taken out in procession during the Gurunathaswamy temple festival near Anthiyur in Erode district in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN M.
The annual car festival of the Arulmigu Gurunathaswamy Temple at Pudupalayam in Gettisamudram village near Anthiyur and the cattle and horse fair organised as part of the festival began on Wednesday (August 12, 2026), drawing devotees, farmers, traders and livestock buyers from the State and neighbouring states.
The four-day festival, held during the Tamil month of Aadi, began with idols of Sri Kamatchi, Sri Perumal and Sri Gurunathaswamy being taken in procession to Vanakovil. A large number of devotees witnessed the procession and special pujas were performed at the temple later in the day.
The cattle and horse fair, spread over nearly 25 acres of farmland near the temple, has a history of more than 200 years. According to traders, Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of Mysore, had purchased horses from the fair for his army.
A decorated horse performs stunts for visitors during the annual fair at the Gurunathaswamy Temple near Anthiyur in Erode district on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
GOVARTHAN M.
Traders and farmers from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat have arrived for the fair. More than 1,200 horses, including Marwari horses from Rajasthan, Kathiawari horses from Gujarat and Sindhi breeds, have reportedly been brought for sale.
More than 10,000 cattle, including Kangeyam bulls, Bargur cattle, Alambadi and Umblachery breeds and dwarf cows, are also being displayed. More than 5,000 birds, including roosters, parrots, pigeons and ornamental poultry, have been brought for sale.
More than 25,000 traders and middlemen from various states and districts are expected to participate in the fair. Livestock transactions worth several crores of rupees are expected during the four-day event. Temporary stalls selling food, fruits, sugarcane juice, tender coconut and toys have been set up.
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation’s Erode region is operating special buses from various parts of the district. Separate parking facilities have been arranged for two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the temple. The Anthiyur–Bargur road has been closed to heavy vehicles during the festival, with such vehicles being diverted through alternative routes. Police personnel have been deployed to regulate traffic and ensure smooth movement. The district administration has made security and crowd-management arrangements in coordination with the Revenue and Police departments.
Published – August 12, 2026 07:16 pm IST
