Oru Ulai Festival: A Sacred Feast of Unity and Humanity

Oru Ulai Festival, celebrated monthly at Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary (TTS), is a powerful expression of unity rooted in Dalit tradition and Christian theology. Reintroduced by Rev. Theophilus Appavo, lovingly known as Parrattai Annan, Oru Ulai reimagines Holy Communion as a lived experience of equality and community. On this day, the TTS community comes alive with joy, parraiattam (traditional Dalit drumming), and celebration as students and faculty go around collecting cooked meals from every fellowships. 

Rev. Robert from the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church and I, were flying as we performed the traditional Puli Attam (Tiger Dance)

All the cooked rice porridge is then combined into a single pot and shared together under the trees in the Mango Garden. This symbolizes a radical act of inclusion where no caste, class, or social division holds sway. More than just a meal, Oru Ulai is a spiritual statement—a feast of justice, fellowship, and shared dignity that reminds us of the Gospel’s call to love and live as one.

During my first year of Bachelor of Divinity studies, Rev. D. Christopher, Rev. Joshua, and I were in fellowship under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Durairaj Annan. Together, we poured all our preparation into a common pot, learning and growing as one

- Rev. W. Jebasingh Samuvel, CSI Jaffna Diocese.