FESTIVALS OF IRULA TRIBES IN VILLUPURAM DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU

Abstract

     Festivals are considered as a special gathering regarding particular events which are related to social activities, cultural traits or religious fervor.  Festivals are more significant for cultural preservation, community building and personal well being. These are foster parent of social harmony, family bonding and provide also economic opportunities.  These are also a break from the daily routine and tire some works allowing for joy, reflection and a sense of collective identity. There are many festivals in India as national festivals. Many are common in the state level festivals. Some other festivals are applicable only to particular group of people and particular topographical area.  For example, river festivals are being celebrated only at the surrounding of the river bed areas. Festival like Kanniyamman festival or Kannimar festival is being celebrated by Irulas. Kanniyamman is the Hindu terrestrial and family goddess of particular group of people.  Irula tribe is one of the primitive tribal groups in Tamil Nadu.  Irula tribe is considered as hill tribe as they are living in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.  Apart from that they are also living in northern districts of Tamil Nadu such as Thiruvalloor, Chengalpattu, Thiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts.  Though they are living in some districts of Tamil Nadu, this article concentrated only the festivals celebrated by the Irula tribes in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu.