Known as Anthiyur Kuthirai Sandhai — one of India's oldest and grandest traditional horse and livestock trading fairs with over 600 years of unbroken continuity.
Every year in the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-August), the quiet town of Anthiyur transforms into the equine capital of South India. Running alongside the prestigious Sri Gurunathaswamy Temple Car Festival (Ther Thiruvizha), the fair attracts traders, stud farm owners, royal stable descendants, and horse aficionados from Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
More than 10,000 to 15,000 horses, ponies, Kangayam bulls, and country livestock are displayed across expansive sandhai grounds. The fairgrounds resound with the rhythmic thud of galloping hooves, traditional trumpet fanfares, folk dances, and celebratory street feasts.
4 to 7 continuous days during the Aadi Perukku / Aadi Festival period.
Over 300,000 tourists, pilgrims, farmers, and horse lovers attend.
Exemplary specimens from India's finest pedigrees traded with traditional handshakes and veterinary certificates.
Renowned for its inward-curving lyre ears, supreme elegance, and ancient warrior heritage. High-pedigree Marwari stallions command prices from ₹2 Lakhs to over ₹25 Lakhs.
Compact, swift, and resilient desert horses prized for their swift pacing gait (Raval walk) and loyalty. Frequently purchased for stud breeding and riding academies.
The pride of Anthiyur — naturally bred in the steep Bargur hills by the indigenous Lingayat & tribal communities. Unrivalled speed, hill climbing agility, and hardy endurance.
The world-famous draught breed of Kongu Nadu with majestic backward curving horns, towering hump, and royal stride. Central to Jallikattu and traditional agriculture.
Racecourse retirees and cross-breeds sought after for recreational riding, resort safari rides, film shootings, and ceremonial marriage processions.
Beloved by small farmers and youngsters for joyrides and village transport. Available at approachable budgets with vibrant saddles and brass adornments.
| Guide Aspect | Details & Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Fair Ground Location | Pudupalayam Sandhai Grounds, 2 km from Anthiyur Main Bus Stand. |
| Best Time of Day | Early morning (6:30 AM to 10:30 AM) to see active gait testing and parade. |
| Veterinary Services | Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department operates 24/7 on-site health checking and tagging camps. |
| Horse Adornments & Craft | Hundreds of stalls sell handcrafted leather bridles, brass bells, embroidered rugs, and velvet blankets. |
