The Splendour of
"KULASAI KALI"
The Enchanting Story of Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra and Its Sacred Kulasi Kali Traditions
Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned for its unique and vibrant celebration of Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra, which is distinct from the more common Dussehra celebrations. This ten-day festival combines religious fervor with a grand display of cultural traditions.
Kulasekarapattinam's Dussehra centers around the worship of the town's guardian deity, Mutharamman, a form of Goddess Durga. The legend associated with this tradition dates back to the 18th century. According to local lore, a sailor had a dream in which the goddess instructed him to construct an idol and install it on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This was believed to protect the town and its fishermen from the perils of the sea.
In the Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra festival, it is a common practice for participants to dress up as various deities before donning the attire of Kulasi Kali. This tradition allows devotees to emulate and pay homage to different gods and goddesses, showcasing their reverence and devotion. The sequence of dressing up as multiple deities before assuming the form of Kulasi Kali adds depth and diversity to the festival's cultural and religious expressions.
it's a common and remarkable sight to witness numerous people dressing up as various deities, including Kali and other forms of gods and goddesses, in the streets of Kulasekarapattinam.
"Preparation of KALI"
The preparation of Kulasi Kali, where devotees dress as the fierce form of Goddess Kali, often takes place in the traditional huts or temporary structures set up for the occasion.
These huts serve as dressing rooms, where participants adorn the goddess's attire, including iconic makeup and accessories, in readiness for the grand procession during Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra
The portrayal of Goddess Durga in her various avatars is a central and captivating element. The Durga getup, also known as "Alangara Darisanam," is a striking and meticulously crafted representation of the goddess.
Showcasing the dedication and artistry of the artisans who create these exquisite representations of the goddess. The attention to detail and the use of vibrant colours make the festival a truly mesmerising and spiritual experience for all who participate and witness it.
"Kali Attam"
After getting ready as Kali, participants often start their dance performances at the temple. This is a significant and sacred location where they pay homage to the goddess and seek her blessings. The dance at the temple is a powerful expression of devotion.
After the dance at the Temple,They move from one location to another, performing the Kummi dance and collecting alms from the community. This act of dancing and collecting alms is a form of devotion, an expression of faith, and a way for the participants to actively engage with the community during the festival.
"KUMMI DANCE"
Groups of people move through the town, visiting homes and dancing in a circular form know as "kummi dance". These alms could include offerings such as money, food, or other items. This practice symbolizes a community's participation in and support of the festivities, contributing to the dancers' well-being and the success of the festival. It adds a communal aspect to the celebration, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared devotion.
As there is a staunch belief among the people of this region that it is Goddess Mutharamman coming to their houses in a disguised form to take alms. So, the residents welcome the people happily and donate whatever they can in the form of rice or money.
Here comes the most important part of the festival, where Goddess Kali proceeds to kill the demon King Mahishan. As per the epics in Hinduism, the demon King Mahishan emerged as an unbeatable power against the celestial Gods. As the celestial Gods pleaded to the Goddess Kali, on the day of Vijayadasami, Goddess Kali decided to kill the demon King Mahishan and this is being celebrated on the sea shore in Kulasai. Those who are in the form of Goddes Kali become so furious and dance vehemently to the tune of the musical instruments around.
