Udumalai has the famous Mariamman Temple. During the annual Chariot Festival in this temple, the festival of getting up in the Chariot and strolling through the Chariot Streets with Sulatevar is special.
A 300-year-old chariot is used during this festival, which is attended by lakhs of devotees. Instead of this, a new chariot was made and last Feb. 23, a new chariot race took place.
Mariamman Temple Old Chariot, 300 years old, made of wood and later fitted with iron wheels.
Two months ago, the old chariot was taken to the place belonging to Mariyamman Temple on Tirupur Road to get the new chariot ready.
The iron wheels of the chariot have been removed and the old chariot has been parked with stones.
After inspecting the work of the new Chariot, the Minister of Charities advised that the old Chariot should be kept safe and properly maintained, as always, including oil preservation.
On behalf of the municipality, it was informed that Semmozhi Park will be set up, where the ancient Mariamman Temple Chariot will be put on display.
But without carrying out any work, the old chariot is wasting away in the Puthar Mandiya complex, sun and rain without any maintenance.
The planks and beams of the chariot are seen to be cracked and broken at many places.
The chariot is surrounded only by old, tattered green netting. Being made entirely of wood, without protection, the trees are in danger of drying up and wasting away.
Therefore, for the old chariot, wooden wheels should be fitted, protective measures including oil protection should be carried out, a concrete floor should be constructed, a roof should be constructed and the chariot, which is a symbol of antiquity, should be protected.
As announced by the municipality, steps should be taken to purchase the old chariot from the possession of the charity department, set up a classical park, set up a safe glass cage and display the chariot.