Thai Pusam festival usually takes places in the temples dedicated of Kartikeya or Mariamman where trenches of burning coal are laid out for the devotes to walk over. It has been seen that people who volunteer to undertake this experience with faith, come away unharmed and unscathed. The chief priest of the temple and the twelve "hero-youths", who are to perform this feat, first go out in a procession from the temple to bathe, smear themselves with turmeric, powder, and begin and dance. Then they walk over a long pit covered with burning coals and come out unscathed. This is followed by singing and feasting which continues till late night.