The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival is a spectacular and sacred event that takes place every year in the island of Nainativu, Sri Lanka. It is a celebration of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is worshipped as the destroyer of evil and the protector of her devotees. The festival is also a tribute to the ancient and historic Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, which is one of the 64 Shakti Peethams, or places where the body parts of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, fell after being dismembered by Vishnu’s discus1.
The festival lasts for 16 days and attracts over 100,000 pilgrims from all over the world. The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession, which takes place on the last day. The chariot is a massive wooden structure that is decorated with colorful fabrics, flowers, and lights. It carries the idols of Kali and Shiva, who are known here as Nagapooshani and Nayinaar, respectively. The chariot is pulled by hundreds of devotees who chant and sing praises to the goddess. The procession starts from the temple and goes around the island, stopping at various places for rituals and offerings. The devotees believe that by participating in the chariot procession, they will receive the blessings and protection of Kali2.
The festival also features a number of other festivities, such as traditional dances, music performances, and religious ceremonies. There are also stalls selling food, souvenirs, and religious items. Some of the special events that take place during the festival are:
- The hoisting of the temple flag on the first day, which marks the beginning of the festival.
- The fire-walking ceremony on the ninth day, which involves devotees walking barefoot over hot coals to prove their faith and devotion to Kali.
- The water-cutting ceremony on the fifteenth day, which involves devotees cutting through a stream of water with a sword to symbolize Kali’s power over evil forces.
- The milk-pot carrying ceremony on the sixteenth day, which involves devotees carrying pots of milk on their heads and offering them to Kali at the temple3.
The Chariot Procession
The chariot procession is the most important event of the Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival. The chariot is typically a large, elaborately decorated structure that is pulled by a team of devotees. The image of Kali is placed on the chariot, and it is often accompanied by other deities, such as Ganesha and Hanuman.
The chariot procession is a colourful and festive event. The streets are lined with people, and the air is filled with the sound of music and chanting. The devotees who pull the chariot often go into a trance-like state, and they are said to be possessed by the goddess Kali.
The Pujas
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival also features a number of pujas, or religious ceremonies. These ceremonies are performed by priests, and they involve the chanting of mantras, the offering of prayers, and the giving of offerings to the goddess Kali.
The pujas are a way for Hindus to show their devotion to the goddess Kali. They are also a way to seek her blessings for good health, prosperity, and protection.
The Cultural Performances
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival also features a number of cultural performances. These performances include traditional dances, music, and drama. The performances are a way for Hindus to celebrate their culture and to share their faith with others.
The cultural performances are also a way for people from different communities to come together and to learn about each other’s cultures. They are a way to promote understanding and tolerance.
The Stalls
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival also features a number of stalls selling food, souvenirs, and religious items. The stalls are a way for people to buy souvenirs to remember the festival, and they are also a way for people to get food and drinks.
The stalls are also a way for local businesses to make money. The festival is a major tourist attraction, and the stalls provide a way for local businesses to sell their products to visitors.
The Impact of the Festival
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival has a significant impact on the local community. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world, and it provides a major boost to the local economy.
The festival also helps to promote understanding and tolerance between different communities. People from different backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival, and they learn about each other’s cultures.
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival is a vibrant and colourful event that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The festival is a time for people to come together to celebrate their faith, to honor the goddess Kali, and to share their culture with others.
The Kali Devi Amman Chariot Festival is a unique and vibrant experience that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. It is also a way of honoring and connecting with the divine feminine energy that resides in every living being. If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural adventure, you should definitely visit Nainativu during this festival and witness the glory of Kali.
