Thimithi (Firewalking)

Get ready to hot-foot it in Singapore…

When: October/ November every year. November 4th 2012, October 25th 2013.
Where: India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia (and South Africa).

Thimithi (also Theemidhi or Theemithi) is a Hindu firewalking ritual carried out as a religious vow in which the faithful walk across white-hot coals in exchange for a wish or blessing from the goddess Draupadi. It is part of a much larger set of events stretching over a two-and-a-half month period where parts of the epic poem, Mahabharata, are re-enacted.

The goddess Draupadi is the heroine of the Mahabharata, a beautiful princess who was wagered and lost in a game of dice by her husband. The story goes that Draupadi had to prove her innocence and fidelity by walking barefoot over hot coals, and so the firewalking ritual is a form of penance or thanksgiving in her honour.

In Singapore about 2,000 firewalkers (men only) walk the 5km from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Mariamman Temple, having had their hands whipped before they set off. They then walk barefoot across a 4m pit of white-hot coals in the belief that they will only be burnt if they are impure. The Firewalkers stick to strict vegetarianism and fasting rituals for weeks beforehand and complete the challenge miraculously unscathed. Afterwards they gratefully wade through a pit of goat’s milk and stain their feet yellow with turmeric.

When is Thimithi?

Thimithi rituals actually start in July / August and consists of several other events leading up to the firewalking which traditionally takes place on the Sunday night / Monday morning before the start of the 5 day Festival of Lights (Diwali or Deepavali) begins. The preparations begin the night before with the actually fire walking starting at dawn and usually finishing before 11 am.

Who’s been to Thimithi?

Have you been to the Thimithi yourself? If so, please tell us all about it! You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Food & Drink

Eat Sabzi Kari (vegetable curry). Drink Lassi (or Indian beer)

Travel

The Firewalking at the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Singapore, is probably one of the most spectacular events to see. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

From holiday reading and travel books on Singapore to binoculars and sunglasses you can find everything you need for an amazing trip on Amazon. And don’t forget the camera!

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!

Theemithi Fire Walking Festival by sensibles, on Flickr