Ancient Fire-Walking Festival Draws 4,000 Devotees in Singapore

In a remarkable display of faith and tradition, approximately 4,000 devotees participated in the annual Theemithi fire-walking festival at Singapore's historic Sri Mariamman Temple on October 12. The centuries-old ritual, which follows over two months of prayers and ceremonies, showcased Singapore's vibrant community traditions and cultural heritage.

Sacred Procession and Ritual

The ceremony commenced with a 4km foot procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road, demonstrating Singapore's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Chief priest Venugopal Thirunavukarasu led the sacred walk across the fire pit at 6:15pm, followed by thousands of male devotees.

Expanding Community Participation

Temple chairman Mr. Shekaran Krishnan highlighted significant improvements in the festival's organization, including expanded viewing areas accommodating 350 spectators, up from 300 in the previous year. The event has seen a notable 15% increase in younger participants, reflecting growing community engagement across generations.

Technical Preparation and Safety Measures

The meticulously prepared fire pit, measuring 18 feet long and 8 feet wide, required 20,000 pieces of wild neem wood. About 30 volunteers managed the pit throughout the day, ensuring safety while maintaining the ritual's authenticity.

Cultural Significance and Tradition

The Theemithi festival, observed in Singapore for over 150 years, represents the fire trial of goddess Draupathi Amman from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The ritual symbolizes purity, devotion, and thanksgiving, with participants performing various additional vows including paalkudam and maavilakku.

"Watching him grow into this role and carry forward the tradition has been truly inspiring," shared Mr. M. Raveendran, a 30-year temple volunteer, speaking about his son's participation.