Culture of Cuddalore

The alluring natural beauty and beaches lure the visitors to the beautiful city, Cuddalore. This town is known as “Sea Town” due to its beautiful beaches. It is also known for its glorious temples. Cuddalore is the symbol of historical and religious culture. The temples stand tall in testimony to the culture of Cuddalore. Padaleeswarar Temple which was established in 7th century and Devanathaswami Temple  which is located in Thiruvanthipuram are famous pilgrimage places in Cuddalore. Fort St. David and The Garden House are also the cultural attractions in the town which are known for their architectural work.

The festivals which are celebrated here are Brahamotsavam Festival, Masi Magam, Fire Walking Festival, Desikar Festival and Vaikunta Ekadasi. These festivals depict the real colours and grace of the town, which are celebrated with great zest and pomp. Brahamotsavm is the biggest festival which is celebrated at the temple in Thiruvahindrapuram in Tamil Month Chitrai.  Masi Magam is also an important festival which is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil Month Masi or February- March. Local temples in Cuddalore organize Fire Walking Festival in which hundreds of men, women and children walk on the fire to fulfil their vows and promises. Annual Summer Festival is organized at Silver Beach in the month of May- June, during which people enjoy boating, riding etc. People also celebrate Desikar Festival in the Tamil Month Puratasi and Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival in the Tamil Month Markazhi. They also celebrate Pongal and Karthigai Deepam festivals. All these festivals are celebrated with brightness and grandeur.

Earlier fishing was the main industry in Cuddalore, but now shipping has taken over. But people in town are also engaged in heavy chemical industries, pharmaceuticals and energy industries since the town has developed. Tamil is their official language, but people also speak English. People in the town are well qualified and polite in behaviour and are always ready to welcome people with open arms.

Rice is the main cuisine of Cuddalore, thus, most of the cuisines are dominated by rice. Idlis, dosas, sambhar, rasam, upma, curd rice, pongal, lemon rice, tamrind rice, vada, vegetarian and non vegetarian meals and sweets such as payasam (kheer) and mysore pak are the part of Cuddalore cuisine. During any occasion a heavy meal which is called “Sappadu” is offered on banana leaf.

Cuddalore is a unique beautiful sea side place and add a mesmerizing moment while you visit here. So, to explore its beauty and culture, you should visit here once.