A centuries-old Hindu ritual where devotees walk barefoot across glowing embers, guided by faith and tradition, has found a new home thousands of miles from its roots.
Warren Cantona Vinolan Appelsamy, a priest formerly from Westcliff, is leading the charge to bring this sacred tradition of fire walking to life in Queens, New York, sharing his deep knowledge and passion with the Hindu community in the USA.
Appelsamy’s spiritual journey began in his childhood, growing up beside the Sri Uma Maheswara Alayam temple, where his grandparents and parents worshipped. Curious and eager to learn, he often questioned the priests about the rituals and prayers he observed. His devotion took him to India, where he studied scriptures and ancient stories, returning to South Africa with a clearer understanding, supported by local and international priests.
“The seva of helping people find their path and direction in life, assisting them towards happiness, is what brings me the most joy,” Appelsamy said.
He explained that the annual firewalking ritual is dedicated to forms of Parashakti — Mariamman, Draupadi, and Angalamman.
“During the ceremony, devotees walk barefoot across burning embers, believing that this act purifies the soul and allows them to pass through fire unharmed. By crossing the pit in full faith, devotees remove past karma and surrender to the divine goddess,” he said.
He emphasised that the goddess’s presence extends beyond temple walls into all living forms.
“The festival shows how divine energy is sacred to us and how we must respect nature and the divine. Firewalking, kargum, Agni Chetti, and piercings are all acts of faith — ways devotees thank the divine mother and seek penance for blessings received,” Appelsamy added.
This year marks a milestone, as Appelsamy helped bring the festival to Queens, New York.
“My sister in the USA invited me to participate as a guest last year, hoping to revive this traditional Indian practice for those unfamiliar with it. Thanks to divine grace, I performed in the festival and am now planning the third annual Mariamman Tiruvizha for 2025 It is a blessing and a gift from the divine to perform these sacred rituals in the USA,” Appelsamy said.
Since relocating in 2022, he has searched for temples and places of worship, similar to those in South Africa, feeling that the goddess herself led him to the right community.
Yet challenges remain. He said: “Performing rituals in public spaces requires navigating legal permits and restrictions. All regulations must be respected when planning such events.”
Together with the USA Tamil Sangam, Appelsamy hopes to deepen understanding of the goddess and her blessings in new home. “We pray every devotee participating in the festival is blessed and protected, and that their prayers are answered,” he shared.
For more information contact Appelsamy at appelsamywarren@gmail.com.
