Rising cost roasts thopparai makers who help cool Alagar
VIRUDHUNAGAR: For over a century, Scheduled Caste residents of Kamarajar Colony in Kariapatti have set aside regular jobs for three months, ahead of the Chithirai festival in Madurai to craft Thopparais (water bags made of goat hides) that would be used by devotees to spray water as a votive offering when Lord Kallalagar enters the Vaigai river. However, rising water costs and shrinking profits are now pushing these artisans, who have followed the tradition for over five generations, into mounting financial crisis.
The settlement is home to around 150 families and most of whom are daily wage labourers. Starting from Tamil month Thai/Maasi, every family invests all its time to craft Thopparais and sell them around the Meenakshi temple during the festival. Though the people cannot recall exactly when this tradition started, many say their ancestors used to pour water to cool Lord Kallalagar , and it eventually led to crafting water bags using goat hides.
S Kannan (38) told TNIE, 'Earlier, we handled the entire process ourselves, from buying sheep hides from Dindigul to cleaning, soaking, liming, preserving, ironing, and stitching the hide. We have to spend Rs 250 to make one bag. Most of these processes require a huge volume of water, which we used to source from local water bodies like kanmois. But with the growing water scarcity in our region, we are buying water, which isn't sustainable anymore as one barrel costs Rs 150. We need at least 10 barrels to process the hide.' As a result, most families are now sending hide to leather firms in Dindigul for processing which costs around Rs 520.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
10 traits of Nammazhwar
Falling on June 9 this year, the Tamil star of Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is indeed a special one. It is the day on which Nammazhwar, the great Vaishnavite saint, was born in Tirukurugur in Tirunelveli, rendering Vaikasi Visakam as an extremely auspicious one, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh. Nammazhwar commands an exalted state among the azhwars, the Vaishnavite saints. There are many reasons to celebrate Nammazhwar, but it is worth looking at 10 of them, which set him apart. First, he is considered to be an aspect of Vishvaksena, Lord Narayana's lieutenant, and he had no earthly attachment since at his birth he cut the cord of sadavayu (an aspect that binds us all to earthly matters) and hence his devotion to the Lord is purity personified. Second, he presented Tiruvaimozhi, an unparalleled work comprising 1,102 verses and hailed as Dravida Veda. Thirdly, although he lived for 35 years in this world, he was so consumed by bhakti that he did not care for food, preferring to relish on the attributes of Lord Krishna. Fourth, he is considered to be a veritable sun, since his verses throw light on one's inner darkness and dispels ignorance. The lines, Mayar vara Madhi nalam arulinavan evan avan, encapsulate his knowledge and how he came by it: Perumal Himself gifted it to him, marking his fifth trait. His sixth trait is the most celebrated one of his: he distilled the essence of all the four Vedas in his Tamil works: Rig Veda is contained in Tiruviruttam, Yajur Veda in Tiruvasiriyam; Sama Veda in Tiruvaimozhi and Atharvana Veda in Periya Tiruvandhadi. He is identified as the head of the Vasihnavaite Azhwars, with the rest of them forming the various parts of his physique. Next, he is considered to be greater than everyone, even God: Once, Nammazhwar asked God who is the greatest. 'I am the greatest,' said Perumal, 'I bear the universe.' Nammazhwar gave the famous rejoinder, depicting his devotion, 'I bear You in my heart, therefore, I am the greatest.' Nammazhwar is symbolised by the paduka of Perumal, which is placed on the head of devotees in temples as a benediction. Finally, his works in Tamil have put the Vedas and Upanishads within the reach of the ordinary people. Praying to him would guide a devotee on the way to reach God.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: One of the most significant festivals honoring Lord Murugan is Vaikasi Visakam. During a certain Nakshatra known as Visakam, devotees observe fast and worship Lord Murugan on this day, which is regarded as one of the most auspicious. This day is observed to honor Lord Murugan's birth anniversary. According to the Tamil calendar, it will be celebrated during the month of Vaikasi. This year, Vaikasi Visakam will be celebrated on June 9, 2025 . Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date and Time Visakam Nakshathram Begins - June 8, 2025 - 12:42 PM Visakam Nakshathram Ends - June 9, 2025 - 03:31 PM Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Significance According to the Hindu scriptures, Vaikasi Visakam is one of the most significant day. This day holds an immense importance in Hindu religion. This festival is mainly celebrated in the states of South India. It is believed that Lord Murugan, also called Kartikeya, the lord of courage, wealth and wisdom was born on this auspicious day. He is regarded as the primary deity of ancient Tamils and is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the legends, during the full moon or Purnima Tithi, Lord Murugan was born under the Vishakha or Visakam Nakshatra. He is revered as a renowned warrior and a representation of bravery and intelligence. Lord Murugan is known as the commander of all All the deities. The six-faced Lord Kartikeya is always shown riding a peacock. It is also believed that Lord Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarkasura and created righteousness in the universe. All gods and his followers, who worship him with sincerity and dedication are protected by him. He gives protection to his devotees from black magic, tantra, and evil eye. Vaikasi Visakam 2025: How it is celebrated? This day is observed with great magnificence, especially in South India, when worshippers visit temples to pray to Lord Kartikeya and decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli. The day represents the victory of good over evil and is devoted to worship Lord Murugan. One of the most well-known temples connected to Lord Kartikeya is Subramanyam, which attracts the devotees, who visit there to offer their prayers to Lord Murugan by presenting coconuts and sweets as well as perform abhishekam with panchamrit. In order to seek his blessings, some devotees perform yajna and hawan, chanting Vedic mantras in honor of Kartikeya Bhagwan. They maintain celibacy and remain sattvik whole day. In the evening, they eat sattvik food to break their fast.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Tiruchy corporation begins anganwadi renovation works at cost of Rs 7 lakh
TIRUCHY: Following TNIE's report on unhygienic and unsafe conditions near Santhiyagaparapalayam Anganwadi centre in April, Tiruchirappalli city municipal corporation has begun repair works at a cost of Rs 7 lakh. To ensure safety and create a child-friendly atmosphere, the corporation is installing a pencil-shaped fence, crayon-shaped poles to cordon off the area, which had become a hub for anti-social activities, including drinking and littering. Also, a concrete slab has been built to close the open drain outside the anganwadi centre. A corporation official said, "The pencil fence is both protective and playful. We did not want to build a concrete wall or place a cage-shaped fence. With this current model, one would think twice before polluting the place. Currently, workers have begun laying the base structure and aligning the coloured fence." The anganwadi, which serves over 15 children, was affected by sewage stench and litter for a long time. Residents had also raised repeated complaints about the place. S Jegadoss, a resident of that area, said, "Now it brings a sigh of relief to see that place being renovated, and it won't be a makeshift bar for those who buy liquor from a nearby shop. At least, they will not enter the premises." Officials said that the beautification and repair works would be completed within a few weeks.
