For ten days, the town transforms. Streets overflow with colour, music, and devotion. What makes it so unique are the veshams, devotees dressing up as gods, goddesses, demons, or even mythical creatures. You’ll see people as Lord Shiva, Kali, Narasimha, or even as wild tigers, each costume carefully crafted with love and dedication. Many prepare for weeks, some even months, just for this moment of offering to the Goddess.
The air is thick with spirituality. Devotees slip into trances, believed to be forms of divine possession. Their movements, voices, and energy feel otherworldly, and people around them bow their heads, seeking blessings. There’s an intensity here you can’t quite put into words, it’s something you can only feel when you’re standing there.
And then, on the final day, Vijayadashami comes the firewalking. Barefoot devotees walk across burning embers, completely trusting that the Goddess will shield them. It’s raw, it’s powerful, and it’s a testament to the kind of faith that binds this community together.
A Bit of History Behind Kulasai Dasara
Nestled along the coast of Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district lies Kulasekarapattinam, lovingly called Kulasai by locals. At the heart of this small village stands the Arulmigu Mutharamman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mutharamman, who is deeply revered as the protector of the people, one who shields them from evil and blesses them with strength.
Generations ago, the villagers began honouring her power and grace through a festival that has now grown into the grand celebration we know as Kulasai Dasara. Unlike the northern tradition of Dussehra, which centers on Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the Kulasai celebration is rooted in Tamil customs and devoted entirely to the fierce yet benevolent Goddess Mutharamman.
How to Experience the Kulasai Dasara Festival?
Planning a trip to witness the magic of Kulasai Dasara? Here are a few tips to make your journey smoother:
Best Time to Visit
The festival runs for ten days, but the final three are the most vibrant. This is when you’ll witness the grand processions, trance rituals, and the dramatic firewalking ceremonies. If possible, stay through Vijayadashami, the concluding day when the celebrations reach their peak.
Kulasekarapattinam is a coastal village in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, around 55 km from Thoothukudi Airport, the closest air connection. Regular buses and trains run from cities like Madurai and Tirunelveli to Thoothukudi. From there, you can catch a bus or hire a taxi to reach the village.
Where to stay?
Since Kulasekarapattinam itself is quite small, accommodation options are limited. Most visitors choose to stay in nearby towns like Tiruchendur or Thoothukudi, where you’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Be sure to book early, as places fill up quickly during the festival.
The weather here is typically warm and coastal, so light and breathable clothing works best. Essentials to carry include sunscreen, a hat or cap, and comfortable footwear, as you’ll be walking through the bustling streets and temple areas throughout the celebrations.
For the people of Kulasekarapattinam, this isn’t just a festival. It’s homecoming, its devotion, it’s unity. Pilgrims travel from far and wide, not just to witness the grandness but to be a part of something that’s been alive for centuries.
This year, the celebrations filled the town from October 5th to 22nd. If you ever find yourself wanting to experience a festival that is as much about heart as it is about tradition, Kulasai Dasara is where you’ll find it.
Arulmigu Mutharamman Temple, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu – 628206
Source / Image Credit : OutLookTraveller , subribasak , Tripoto , Araikasu Amman, UTSAV