In the coastal village of Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu , faith takes on an earthly form during Kulasai Dussera . Here, gods and goddesses descend to dwell among men—not through idols, but through devotees who embody the divine in a spectacle of trance, transformation, and devotion unlike any other festival in India. As India celebrates Dussehra with fireworks and effigies of Ravana, over eight lakh devotees converge at the 300-year-old Arulmigu Mutharamman Temple , where the air hums with chants, drums, and the sound of transformation itself. A Festival of Transformation The Kulasai Dussera, observed during Navaratri , spans ten days and culminates in the dramatic Soorasamharam , the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Lalithambigai—an incarnation of Mutharamman , the fierce guardian deity of the town. Unlike Dussehra elsewhere, where the focus is on the Ramayana, the myth here centers on female divinity and creation’s power to restore mo...
Figure 1: Moi-chara in Herovanga (©Swattik Jana) For the sake of bull's good health and new soil preparation "Moi-chara" has been played in rural part of southern part of West Bengal, specifically near Canning region. In Herovanga, this is the 29th year for this game and after two lockdown years this game has been continued. Figure 2: Moi-chara in Herovanga (©Swattik Jana) Participants come with their own bull from 20-60 kms by walking a day before the event date. They rest for one single day for preparation. With started of monsoon and before soil preparation this this event is being organised on paddy field. Figure 3: Moi-chara in Herovanga (©Swattik Jana) As per game rules, there are a starting point and a red "gamcha" (local towel) has been attached on the top of bamboo at the ending point. Participants have to stand on top of Moi (bamboo stair), which is attached by rope and wooden board with two own bulls by holding their tails. Figure 4: Moi-chara in H...