The festival is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state and is a Hindu festival. It is celebrated during the month of Aippasi (from middle November to middle of December). The fire walk ceremony is in the honor of Draupati (the Mahabharata character and wide of 5 Pandavas). She is also considered by South Indian people as the incarnation of Mariamman, another goddess. Apart from India, the festival is also celebrated in other countries including South Africa, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka and some other countries by people of South Indian origin who live there. Draupati was asked to prove her innocence and purity and she walked on fire and emerged out unharmed, according to the epic. People walk on fire which is induced by burning coal on the notion and feeling that the act will fulfil their wish.