Introduction
The hangover left by the French settlers, the Tamil connection and the influence of Rishi Aurobindo, works together on the cultural map of Pondicherry to see the flowering of a plethora of fairs and festivals of all shapes, size, color and faith, in the horizon of Pondicherry. The Masi Magam Festival is a major festival for the devout as it involves the bathing of idols of deities in the waters of the Arabian Sea.
Time
The Masi Magam Festival is celebrated on the full moon Full moon day of the 'Magam' asterism in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March).
Activities
During the Masi Magam festival the idols of deities from about 50 temples around Pondicherry are brought to the beach to be bathed. The deities are taken out of their temples early morning with accompaniment of Nadhaswaram near Kuruchikuppam in Pondicherry municipal area in huge colorful processions and make their way to the sea for the symbolic immersion.
Thousands of devotees who flock to Pondicherry to witness the ceremony consider it holy to take a dip into the waters of the sea. It is believed that a dip into the holy waters at this time absolves one of his sins. After the ritual immersion is over the deities return to their respective temples in the evening in an equally vibrant procession.
The Masi Magam adds color to the streets of Pondicherry that stays from morning to night. People dressed in their traditional best join the colorful procession to the sea. Food stalls, shacks selling toys and trinkets flock to the beach to make most of their bit.
Other Festivals in Pondicherry
|
