Goddess Maramma is revered as the guardian deity in many South Indian villages, known by various names such as Amma, Mariamma, and Durga. She is traditionally associated with rain and believed to have the power to ward off diseases like chickenpox, smallpox, and cholera. In Chunchanahalli village of Nanjangud, Mysore, the birth of this deity is celebrated with fervour through the Mari Habba festival, accompanied by various rituals and festivities.
During the three-day Mari Habba, residents of Chunchanahalli village engage in rituals and organize a fair to honour Goddess Maramma. The villagers adhere to certain customs during this time, refraining from travelling to other towns, washing clothes, or sweeping garbage with brooms. One notable tradition during the festival is the act of devotees piercing their mouths with strings as a form of homage to the goddess. This act of sacrifice believed to demonstrate devotion and seek blessings, holds significant cultural importance.
A recent highlight of this year’s Mari Habba festival gained attention when a devotee pierced his body with ten strings, a remarkable display of faith and devotion. The festival, also known as the Grand Marammala Jatra, traditionally draws thousands of devotees to participate in the rituals and festivities.
In a video captured by Local18, the shrine of Goddess Maramma is adorned with vibrant flower garlands, and devotees are seen participating in the piercing rituals. Two men are depicted piercing their bodies with strings while standing on a high pedestal at the village centre. Meanwhile, women carry aarti on plates as they accompany the procession of the goddess’s shrine around the village, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration.
In Karnataka, devotees also flock to the Circle Maramma Temple in Bangalore to pay homage to the guardian deity. Located in Malleshwaram, one of Bangalore’s oldest areas, the temple holds significant cultural and religious importance. Built in the 1970s, the Circle Maramma Temple serves as a spiritual hub where devotees gather to connect with their faith, tradition, and community.
Following the conclusion of the three-day Grand Marammala Jatra festival, devotees often visit the Circle Maramma Temple to continue their spiritual journey and seek blessings from Goddess Maramma.
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