Fire-walking ritual draws about 4,000
Close to 4,000 male devotees walked barefoot across a bed of burning charcoal, & then stepped into a pit of milk, in observation of the Theemithi, or fire-walking festival.
The annual event took place at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown Sunday night (Oct 8) and was attended by 1,500 public observers.
Held a week before Deepavali, the ritual is a form of penance or thanksgiving in honour of Hindu goddess Sri Drowpathai Amman.
Fire Walking Festival
The annual Fire Walking Festival will be held at Sri Mariamman Temple on Sunday, 8 October 2017.
- Angaprathatchanam is for male devotees only.
- Paalkudam, Kumbiduthandam & Angaprathatchanam will be allowed only during stipulated periods as stated herein.
- Children below 16 years of age and female devotees are not permitted to walk on the firepit. The Temple Management have the right to verify the age of the participants.
- For safety reasons, devotees carrying sembu (small milkpot) or walking stick, any other objects or wearing any kind of spikes or anklets will not be allowed to walk on the firepit.
- Excuse letter for uniformed personnel will be issued from 07.09.2017 onwards (8.00am to 10.00am & 7.00pm to 9.00pm) upon presentation of uniform services identity card or letter requested by the organisation.
- Musical instruments other than those arranged by the Temple are not allowed within the Temple and along the Karagam procession.
- Footwear is not permitted within the Temple.
- Devotees will not be allowed to offer Maavilakku on their body.
- Whipping of “Chattai” for all devotees is strictly not allowed.
- Male and Female devotees involved in firewalking are kindly requested to be clad in yellow or safron coloured outft.
- Devotees with medical conditions/problems are advised to consult their physician to determine their ftness to walk on fre. Eg. Diabetics, heart patients.
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