Festivals & daily life 
Masi magam
Masi magam
Masi magam is an important festival for Tamilians that is celebrated during the tamil month of masi, (February- March) on a full moon day. The legend goes that, after a deluge the whole world was inundated by the ocean while a lone mountain was the only dry piece land. One day a kumbam (a pot made out of 5 metals) washed ashore on the land; it contained a mixture of water, rice, saffron, turmeric and lemon. Shiva picked up the vessel and poured the contents into the soil to create life. This was how the first village of the world, Kumbakonam (near Thanjavur) came to be.
Since then a grand celebration is held every 12 years around the sacred basin in Kumbakonam, where water from 9 different rivers are brought. These rivers all have feminine names such as Ganga Yamuna e.t.c. It is generally a full moon night and it is said that all the gods assemble at this place, therefore people from all over Tamil Nadu go to Kumbakunam to take a dip in the purifying water. Masi Magam is a big festival in Pondicherry too. Temples from around 150kms away come to the little town to participate. It is on the eve of the big day that the statues are brought out of their respective temples to be transported on chariots to the seashore, at Vaithikuppam.
On the day of Masi Magam the idols of the deities are immersed in the sea as a symbol of purification, often the worshipers join in and bath in the water thereby hoping to wash away their sins.
Camphor and incense are lighted throughout the day and offerings are made: coconuts, bananas, betel leaves and flower garlands are offered to the deities.
In the evenings the statues go back to their respective temples on the chariots and remain there until the next Masi Magam.
Masi Magam is also the day deaths are celebrated. Another legend recounts: the King Valala of Tiruvanamalai was heirless. In order to find a solution he meditated. His deep penance pleased Shiva who offered him one wish. Since he had no children the King asked Shiva to take care of his cremation on the day of his death. Just as Shiva offered his services to the King so to the Brahmins today are at the seaside and one can ask them to perform a ceremony for the dead on this day.
More photos in the photo gallery
Since then a grand celebration is held every 12 years around the sacred basin in Kumbakonam, where water from 9 different rivers are brought. These rivers all have feminine names such as Ganga Yamuna e.t.c. It is generally a full moon night and it is said that all the gods assemble at this place, therefore people from all over Tamil Nadu go to Kumbakunam to take a dip in the purifying water. Masi Magam is a big festival in Pondicherry too. Temples from around 150kms away come to the little town to participate. It is on the eve of the big day that the statues are brought out of their respective temples to be transported on chariots to the seashore, at Vaithikuppam.
On the day of Masi Magam the idols of the deities are immersed in the sea as a symbol of purification, often the worshipers join in and bath in the water thereby hoping to wash away their sins.
Camphor and incense are lighted throughout the day and offerings are made: coconuts, bananas, betel leaves and flower garlands are offered to the deities.
In the evenings the statues go back to their respective temples on the chariots and remain there until the next Masi Magam.
Masi Magam is also the day deaths are celebrated. Another legend recounts: the King Valala of Tiruvanamalai was heirless. In order to find a solution he meditated. His deep penance pleased Shiva who offered him one wish. Since he had no children the King asked Shiva to take care of his cremation on the day of his death. Just as Shiva offered his services to the King so to the Brahmins today are at the seaside and one can ask them to perform a ceremony for the dead on this day.
More photos in the photo gallery