குழுமாயி அம்மன் திருவிழாவும் சடங்குகளும் / Kuzhumayi Amman Festival and Rituals

Tamil ethnicity is deeply connected with festivals. The festivals celebrated today across the Tamil diaspora are unique to Tamil culture. While the form changes, the zeal with which Tamils celebrate these festivals has never faded. The ancient Tamils celebrated the Panguni Vizha of Uraiyur, the Ulli Vizhavu of Vanji, and the Munner Vizha of the Pandya country with happiness and enthusiasm. The contemporary Tamils continue to celebrate festivals like the Madurai Chithirai Thiruvizha and the Thiruvannamalai Thirukkarthikai Vilaku with the same spirit. It is incorrect to think that these Brahminized festivals are the only facet of Tamil culture. In reality, the true essence of Tamil culture flourishes in the summer. During this time, folklore festivals are celebrated in villages and cities of Tamil Nadu. Although these folklore festivals generally follow a common pattern of worship and rituals, it is important to note that there are local variations unique to each region. These variations and common patterns render some aspects of Tamil folklore worship. Thus, folklore festivals provide research evidence. In Tamil Nadu, west of Tiruchirappalli. Kuzhumayi temple is situated. This article aims to describe the rituals and festivities of this temple and illustrate the beliefs and faith of the people. The origin of Kuzhumayi, along with rituals such as Manjal Nērāttu and Kāppukkattuthal, are elaborated. Kāthavarayan is remembered through the ritual of Theruvottam and is examined. Some rituals of this festival, such as Kuttukkutithal, Kāliyavittam, and Ōlaipitāri help to trace the connection between Kuzhumayi worship and Pitri worship. The author has also discovered a unique form of worship for the deity Poraikizhan, a Paraiyar by caste. This worship involves the use of the musical instrument Katinga, which is an integral part of the festival. Moreover, the central role of the worship, the role of Marulali in this festival is examined.