STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FROM MUMBAI AND BEYOND

Mariamman, often abbreviated to Amman (Tamil: மாரியம்மன்), is a Hindu Dravidian folk religion goddess of weather, predominantly venerated in the rural areas of South India. Her worship mainly focuses on bringing rains and curing such serious diseases as cholera, smallpox, and chicken pox.

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Mariamman's worship originated in the traditions of Dravidian folk religion. She is the main Tamil mother goddess, predominantly venerated in the rural areas of South India. The word Mari (pronunciation: /mɒri/) has the Sangam Tamil origin meaning "Rain", and the Dravidian root term Amman means "Mother".

She was worshipped by the ancient Tamil as the bringer of rain and thus also the bringer of prosperity, since the abundance of their crops was dependent largely upon adequate rainfall. The cult of the mother goddess is treated as an indication of a society that venerated femininity. 

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​As waves of Tamilians migrated to Mumbai, they brought their Goddess and rituals with them. The Mariamman festivals that take place all over the city (from Reay Road to Malad, from Trombay to Bandhup) over the months of April and May are several decades old. The rawness of the rituals reminds me of village life from a bygone era that I never experienced but feel deeply connected to. Each neighborhood festival in Mumbai has their own variations that link them back to the region in Tamil Nadu where the people come from. Although I have never lived in Tamil Nadu, documenting these festivals is my way to acquaint myself with my roots. This on-going project is my love letter to my community and my ancestors. I hope you can feel the wonderful energy coming from these events.​​​​