- By Vivek Raj
- Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India's diversity is not limited to food and languages, it extends to unique traditions in celebrating festivals. While Dussehra is celebrated across the country, Kulasai Dasara stands out with its distinctive and captivating observance.
Kulasai Dasara, a unique cult rural festival, is celebrated during the time of Dussehra in the 300-year-old Sri Mutharamman Temple, situated in Kulasekharapatnam, near Thiruchendur, in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi District. This ten-day festival commences with Navaratri and culminates on Dussehra, commemorating the triumph over the demon Magisasuran.
(Image Credits: Arpit Saxena)
The coastal town of Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu is heaven for travel enthusiasts and photographers. Known for its historic trade in pearls, the town is now famous for the grand celebration of Dussehra, with the 300-year-old Mutharamman Temple as its focal point. The temple, dedicated to the self-manifested Goddess Kali, is renowned for its worship using ornaments crafted from pearls harvested from the nearby sea.
How ‘Kulasai Dasara’ is different from Dussehra celebrations across India?
At the heart of the Vijayadasami or Dussehra celebrations in Kulasai is the 300-year-old Mutharamman Temple, dedicated to the self-manifested Goddess Kali, adorned with pearl ornaments from the sea, earning her the name Mutharamman. Kulasai's Dussehra festival rivals the grandeur of Mysore in Karnataka, taking a unique approach.
(Image Credits: Arpit Saxena)
Speaking to Jagran English, Arpit Saxena, a travel photographer sharing his experience said, “It was an amazing experience, as a photographer being a part of Kulasai Dasara was an extraordinary visual journey. Amidst the colorful chaos of this Kulasai Dasara, there’s a spine-tingling aspect that can’t be ignored.”
“The possession of devotees by the gods is a surreal and eerie experience. Witnesses can feel their own heartbeats quicken as they observe people channeling deities,” he added.
(Image Credits: Arpit Saxena)
In contrast to other places where Goddess Durga is celebrated in various forms, Kulasai witnesses devotees adorning themselves as Kali and other deities to offer prayers to Goddess Mutharamman.
History of Kulasai Dasara: A Caliedoscope
The roots of Kulasai Dasara stretch back several centuries when the Pandya dynasty ruled the region. The festival is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, particularly the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It begins with the ceremonial raising of a flag at the Kulasai Mutharamman Temple, kicking off ten days of festivities.
(Image Credits: Arpit Saxena)
According to mythological lore, the townspeople, tormented by the cruel demon Magisasuran, sought the aid of their Goddess. In response, a child named Lalithambigai was born with the Goddess's power. She grew up within just nine days, corresponding to the nine days of Navaratri.
On the tenth day, she transformed into Annai Parasakthi Lalithambigai, with a fervent desire to eradicate evil from the earth. On this day, she defeated Magisasuran, symbolising the victory over sin, which led to the celebration of Dasara in Kulasai.
Another tradition links the festival to a smallpox outbreak in the town, which was believed to have been alleviated through offerings made to the Goddess. This tragedy led to the establishment of the grand annual festival to commemorate this event.