Thousands celebrate Masi festival at Natham temple

Thousands of people participated in the annual Masi festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Natham, Dindigul district on Tuesday. Devotees from nearby villages dressed in yellow carried fire pots and took part in a holy procession to the temple. The celebrations began earlier this month on March 3, when a holy flag was raised. Special prayers, known as pujas, have been held every day since then. On Tuesday, the temple arranged a fire walk ceremony after the pole climbing event. Firewood was burned to prepare a fire path for the ceremony. Excited youths attempted to climb a slippery pole set up in front of the temple. The pole was made smooth using eucalyptus wood and treated with aloe juice and castor oil. Many spectators cheered as some climbers managed to reach the top and grab neem leaves tied at the tip. Devotees entered the fire path, chanting prayers as they walked over the flames one by one. The festival will end on March 19 with a car procession in the evening. To ensure safety, many police officers were present, and food and water were provided to attendees.