Muharram and fire walking, twin highlights of this Thanjavur temple

Residents of Kasavalanu Puthur village, which predominantly comprise of Hindus, claimed that they are following a tradition which dates to 300 years. 

They fast for 10 days prior to Muharram and then take the presiding deity of the temple ‘Allah Samy’, a figure denoting a human palm, in a procession. 

The temple was illuminated for 10 days and the deity was taken on a procession around the village late on Thursday evening. Special prayers were held on Friday. 

During the procession, women offered ‘Panagam’, rice flakes, coconut and banana to the deity. Subsequently, a ‘theemithi’ (fire walk) was held in which more than 100 devotees participated.

“We have been celebrating this festival to mark Muharram for several decades now. We never fail to celebrate it. We believe the deity grants all our wishes without delay,” said Muthusamy, a villager. 

Presently, a few Muslims visit the village as guests. “We welcome them (Muslims) with the temple prasadam. They witness the entire event,” Muthusamy said.