Dasara in Kulasai or Kulasekarapattinam, a small village 15 km from Thoothukudi, is suffused with legend and unique festivities. The Kulasai Mutharamman Temple, believed to be 300 years old, has the idols of Goddess Mutharamman and Swamy Gnanamoorthiswarar installed together.
The devotees undergo a fast and abstinence for 41 days. During the last 10 days, when Dasara is celebrated, they dress up as gods and goddesses. Some assume the guise of Goddess Kali, while some others take on the garb of local gods. They go door to door seeking alms. The money left after their expenses is offered to the temple.
The story goes that the villagers approached the goddess to save them from the cruelty of Mahisasuran, the demon.
The goddess took birth as Lalithambigai and the baby grew into an adult in nine days, now celebrated as Navaratri every year. On the 10th day, she took on Mahisasuran and destroyed him.
Fight for right: A woman dressed as the goddess in her avatar as Mahisasura Mardhini — destroyer of Mahisasuran.
Companionable silence: A devotee uses his smartphone while Lord Vishnu and his Adiseshan (serpent god) take a break.
No time to waste: A devotee dressed up as Goddess Kaliappears ready for battle.
At hand: Colourful arms made out of materials such as plaster of Paris, sponge and paper are kept ready for use.
Sacred touch: A person in the form of God Karuppasami offers blessings.
Crowds gather: Thousands of devotees attend the temple festival during the nine days of celebration.
Fiery fervour: The goddess in all her fury stands before the fire pits near the beach at Kulasi. Devotees walk across the coals barefoot to pay tribute to the goddess.
Smouldering devotion: The devout carry fire pots, keeping the flame alive with oil that they bring along during the procession.
Dance of anger: Though many devotees wear colourful attire, black is particularly associated with Goddess Kali to represent destruction.