top of page
NAAM: The Rituals of Us
"NAAM: The Ritual of Us" is as a vibrant exploration of how youths navigate and embrace their cultural heritage. Through a series of personal and traditional rituals, both deeply personal and emblematic of Tamil culture, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection.
About the Rituals
The Ritual of Water
What begins at the water shall end there, and what ends there shall once more begin.
Within Tamil rituals, water occupies a central role, revered for its dual significance in physical purification and spiritual nourishment. Integral to ceremonies spanning the spectrum of life, from birth to death and worship, water symbolizes vital sanctity in Tamil traditions.
The First Word
Muthal Eluttu / முதல் எழுத்து
Mutal Eluttu, is a ceremony that is performed before a child begins their formal education. A ritual dedicated to honouring Saraswati, the goddess of learning. It serves as an introduction to knowledge and letters, where the child is guided to inscribe the first alphabet, 'அ' on a bed of rice, marking the beginning of their educational journey.
The Ritual of Hair
Applying incense or sambrani to the hair is a Tamil practice that women use to fragrance and beautify themselves. It is also a practice rooted in Ayurveda and holds immense benefits as the natural ingredients of the sambrani prevent scalp infections and it doesn’t lead to direct heat application to the hair and thus restores and dries it naturally. If done properly, the fumes and fragrances that come from the smoke relieves headaches, migraines and ensure better sleep.
The Art of Tattooing
Pachai Kuthu / பச்சை குத்துதல்
'Pachai kuthu' is a traditional art form practised in Tamil Nadu, India. It involves using a needle to write permanently on one’s skin, creating the blueprint for today’s modern tattoo culture.
Traditionally, these tattoos were applied by skilled female tattooers known as ‘pachai kuthuthu amma’ or medicine healers. Using sacred stick and poke instruments called ‘mungurah’. The purpose of these tattoos went beyond aesthetics and were believed to protect wearers from evil spirits and diseases, offering a shield against ailments.
The Jnana Palam
The Fruit of Wisdom / ஞானப்பழம்
Jnana palam or the ‘Fruit of Wisdom’ is the name of a divine fruit in Tamil Hindu mythology. The jnana palam is regarded to have possessed the elixir of wisdom and is described to be a golden mango.
It symbolizes the ultimate goal of human life – the pursuit of knowledge and understanding that leads to liberation and self-realization.
bottom of page