Padukalam is a unique festival observed at the Sevilimedu in Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu. It is observed in Chithirai Masam (April – May).The final battle between Duryodhana and Bhima in the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata is re-enacted on a ground here. The ground at Sevilimedu is symbolic of Kurukshetra and thousands of people assemble to witness this annual event.
A giant image of Duryodhana is made of mud and laid on the ground. On the right thigh of the image, a pot full of red fluid is placed, which is smashed at the end of the performance by the actor playing Bhima, who goes into a frenzied trance.
The huge statue of Duryodhana is sleeping position is made using mud, turmeric and kumkum.
At the end of the ritual, the crowd takes fistfuls of the mud used to make Duryodhana’s image. This mud is preserved by people as it is supposed to protect granaries.