The Elai Kaatha AmmanTemple Festival

The Elai Kaatha Amman Festival, which occurs in September, is a unique and significant event. During this temple festival, devotees observe a 15-day fast, refraining from cutting or breaking coconuts, lemons, trees, or engaging in construction activities (such as mixing cement or mud).  The festival involves the selection of seven young girls, typically around 10 years old and in the pre-puberty phase, to represent the Daughters of Elai Kaatha Amman from more than 65 villages. These girls are held in high regard as embodiments of the goddess, and they undertake sacred duties for the entire 15-day duration. The selection process for these girls is conducted by the priest of the Elai Kaatha Amman Temple, known as the Poosaari or Melavalasai.During the festivities, unmarried female devotees carry small clay dolls, while married women fill pitchers with milk and adorn them with coconut kernels, creating 'Madhu Kalayam' (milk pots mixed with Padhaneer). In a traditional procession, the revered Ambalakara is carried under an umbrella during the evening ceremonies. Following this, the seven girls dress as "Amman" - the Goddess and bestow blessings upon the people.The Elai Kaatha Amman Festival is a remarkable celebration that holds deep cultural and religious significance for the communities involved.