The Erode Periya Mariamman Temple Festival is a major annual celebration dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, who is widely revered as the deity of rain, fertility, and protection from heat-related diseases like measles and smallpox.
The festival, also known as Panguni Ther Thiruvizha (Car Festival), is a grand event celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). It is a joint celebration involving the Periya Mariamman Temple and its group temples, Chinna Mariamman Temple and Vaikkal Mariamman Temple.
Here are the key aspects and rituals of the festival:
- Duration: The celebrations typically span about 20 days.
- Kambam Naduthal (Planting of the Post): The festival begins with the planting of the sacred wooden post, or Kambam. For the duration of the festival, devotees, particularly women, pour sacred water, milk, and turmeric water on the post daily as a form of worship.
- Kundam (Fire-Walking): A significant ritual is the fire-walking ceremony, or Kundam, where devotees walk across a pit of burning coals to demonstrate their devotion and fulfill vows.
- Maa Vilakku and Pongal: Devotees offer Maa Vilakku (lamps made of flour paste) and Pongal (a sweet rice dish) to the Goddess.
- Therottam (Temple Car Procession): A major highlight is the Car Festival, where the beautifully decorated temple chariot carrying the deity is pulled through the streets. This event sees large crowds from all communities participating.
- Manjal Neerattu (Turmeric Water Bath): The festival culminates with the removal of the Kambam on the final day, followed by the Manjal Neerattu (Turmeric Water Bath) ceremony. Thousands of people, especially women, drench the posts and each other with turmeric water before the posts are immersed in the nearby canal or river. This vibrant event symbolizes the conclusion of the festivities, reminiscent of the Holy festival in North India.
The festival is known for its inclusivity, drawing together people from all communities and castes in a spirit of religious harmony and cultural celebration, featuring music performances, cultural programs, and street plays.