Thevar Jayanti Date in the current year: October 30, 2024

The Thevar community, also known as the Mukkulator, consists of three social groups (castes) – the Agamudayar, the Kallar, and the Maravar – that share a common myth of origin. The Mukkulator communities live mostly in the central and southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

One of the most famous representatives of the community was U. Muthuramalingam Thevar, also known as Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar. He was a socialist who played a significant role in the 20th century politics of Tamil Nadu. He campaigned against the Criminal Tribes Act, supported the labor movement and the Temple Entry Movement, and was elected three times to the national parliament.

After his death, U. Muthuramalingam Thevar became somewhat of a spiritual figure for the Thevar community. They celebrate his coincident birth and death anniversary, October 30, as Thevar Jayanti. One of the main events of the holiday is a memorial ceremony held at Thevar’s burial site.