Thopparai artisans face the heat to keep tradition alive

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.

- HARINI M @ Virudhunagar

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 work 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.