page_title: Karaikal
section_title: Culture
hierarchical_section_title: Karaikal / Culture
caption_attribution_description: English: karaikal beach photo by prabhu namgyel camera used - cannon 550 d
context_page_description: Karaikal is a town of the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry, with a population of 222,589 and an area of 30 km².
  Karaikal became a French Colony in 1674 and held control, with occasional interruption from the British and Dutch, until 1954, when it was incorporated into the Republic of India, along with Chandernagore, Mahé, Yanaon, and Pondichéry.
context_section_description: Located 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of the city of Pondicherry, 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Chennai and 180 kilometres (110 miles) east of Thiruchi, Karaikal is known for its rich religious heritage, and is a destination for those seeking leisure and serenity.
  The town is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions. The French flavor still persists in the peaceful land of Karaikal, sometimes called Fremil (a combination  of French culture and Tamil culture).
  Tamil is the predominant native language of the people. As the area was formerly a French possession, the French language is also found, especially among the elder generation.
  Karaikal is known for the only temple devoted to the Lord Saneeswara at Thirunallar.
  Our Lady of Angels Church is the most prominent church in the town.
  In Tirumalairayanpattinam, there is a famous temple called Ayirankaliamman temple, ayiram means 1000. We can see this god once in 5 years, because whatever offerings are given to this god, it should be 1008. So they will open for 3 days once in 5 years, and many devotees from all over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will come and worship.
  Karaikal is the Gateway to various places of worship in the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Two famous shrines, Velankanni for Christians and Nagore for Muslims are nearby Karaikal.
caption: Beach Road, Karaikal
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