Masi Magam observed by Irular community on Mamallapuram seashores

Key facts

• Masi Magam is celebrated on the full moon day (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Masi.
• The Irular community gathers in thousands on the Mamallapuram seashore to perform marriages, naming ceremonies, ear piercing and tonsuring.
• They worship their patron deity Kanniammal, believed to have left the community in anger during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
• Seven sand steps representing the seven Kannis (virgins) are created and offerings of flowers, betel leaves, lemons, puffed rice, neem leaves, broken coconuts and bananas are placed at dawn.
• Edgar Thurston documented in Castes and Tribes of Southern India that Irulas periodically worship Kanniammal and Mari, the goddess of epidemic diseases.
• Romulus Whitaker, a noted herpetologist, worked closely with the Irulars while studying snakes and venoms.
• K.V. Kanniappan from Villupuram served as district coordinator for the International Justice Mission (IJM) in rehabilitating rescued bonded Irula labourers.