The Thimithi (also spelt "Theemidhi" and Theemithi ) or Fire-walking ceremony is a Hindu festival originating in South India that is celebrated during the month of Aipasi (or Aippasi) of the Tamil calendar. This occurs between the Gregorian calendar months of October and November. The fire-walking ceremony is in honour of Draupadi, who is considered the incarnation of Mariamman, and is practiced not only in India, but also in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and other countries with large South Indian populations.