Aanayottam
(Elephant Race)
Aanayottam (racing of elephants) is held at Guruvayoor and Thiruvarpu temples to mark the beginning of festival.
Aanayottam at Guruvayoor is conducted during the month of Kumbham.
The race starts from Manjulal at the east gate of Guruvayoor
to the main entrance of the temple. Later the elephants
are taken inside of the temple. After racing
three rounds, the elephant that touches the kodimaram (flag post) will be declared as the winner. In Thruvarpu
temple, Aanayottam was conducted in the month of Medam.
Arat
Arat
at Guruvayoor |
Arat
procession starts from
Padmanabha Swami temple at Thiruvananthapuram |
Arat
procession at Thiruvananthapuram |
Travancore
Maharaja (middle)
participating in arat procession |
Arat is the closing ceremony of temple festival.
The idol of the god is taken in festive procession and dipped
in the nearby river, pond or sea. The priests and followers take part in the
function also dip themselves with the idol. In most temples of Kerala, Arat is performed
at the end of the temple festival. Arats at Guruvayoor Sri
Krishna Temple and Sri Padmanabha
Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram are very famous. At the
Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, there will be two Arat festivals are there
in a year. They are Alpasi celebrations in the month
of Thulam (October-November) and Painkuni celebrations in Meenam (March-April). Arat is performed
in a great festive mood on both the occasions. When the
Arat of other temples were conducted in rivers or ponds,
arat of Sri Padmanabha Swami temple is conducted in the
Arabian Sea at Shanghumughom.
Arattupuzha
Pooram
Arattupuzha
pooram |
Arattupuzha
Pooram is known as the pooram of poorams.
It is the festival of Gods in central Kerala.
Arattupuzha pooram began 1400 years ago in AD 583. The famous Thrissur Pooram began
only 200 years ago. |
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Ashatamirohini
(birth day of Lord Krishna)
The
day in the month of Chingam (August-September)
when ‘Ashtami’ and ‘Rohini’ comes together is known
as Ashtamirohini. This is birthday of Lord Krishna.
It is also known as ‘Janmashtami’. Special poojas,
functions were conducted in the temples of Lord
Krishna. |
Athachamayam
|
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Athachamaya procession
held at Thrikkakkara
This
festival was initially organised by the Kochi Raja and Zamorines
of Kozikode in connection with the Onam celebrations during the
month of Chingam. When Onam festival celebrated
under the auspicious of the Government
during 1961, the Athachamayam festival of Kochi Maharaja
came to an end. The scholars have different views about the origin of
Athachamayam. In the past there was a festival lasting
for 28 days starting from the Thiruvonam day of Karkidakom (July-August) to the Thiruvonam day of Chingam (August-September) was conducted at Trikkakkara temple.
The last ten days of this festival beginning from Atham to Thiruvonam was a grand mela. During these 10
days, the Chera Emperor and his dependant kings and landlords
came to Trikkakkara temple and took part in the festival.
Another story is that Mahabali, a benevolent king was the king of Kerala in the ancient days. His capital was Thrikkakkara. To respect him, the Rajas
of Kerala came to Trikkakkara and celebrated Onam. Their
journey to Trikkakkara came to be known as Athachamayam.
A third version is that this is a festival organised to
welcome Mahabali, the former king of kerala and sent to hell by Vamana with a blessing to visit Kerala once in a year. Later this festival is known as Onam. Athachamayam
is celebrated in memory of this event.
Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala is an offering made at Attukal
Bhagavathy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram as a part of temple festival. The most auspicious pongala is performed on the ninth day of the
festival conducted during the month Kumbhom (February-March).
Rice, jaggery, coconut are hannded over to the
temple priest who will prepare a special recipe out
these materials and perform pongala. This is
the procedure in ordinary days. During the festival
day, women can themselves prepare and offer the pongala.
For this, they should take special vratha (penance)
and cook the pongala in the temple premises itself.
The pongala function starts from early morning
itself. After taking bath they undertake the cooking
of pongala with their minds. At about 10 AM the fire will
be lit in the temple kitchen. Thereafter women devotees can start preparing the pongala. At about four
O’ clock the temple priest brings the holy water and
by using the areca nut inflorescence the holy water
sprays in all pongala. When the holy
water is sprayed, this will become a part of the offering
made to Attukal Devi (Goddess). After this function, they can
carry the pongala to their homes. It is believed
that Attukal was the resting place of Kannaki, the great
heroine of Chilapathykaram. After punishing
the Pandya Rajah, who killed her husband, Kannaki proceeded
to Kodungallor. On the way she halted at Attukal for
a while. Knowing the arrival of Kannaki, the people
of Attukal welcomed her by offering pongala.
The famous ‘Attukal Pongala’ is celebrated in memory
of Kannaki’s visit to Attukal.
Cherathala
Pooram
The festival of Cherthala Devi temple is
known as Cherthala Pooram. This begins on the Makahyiram day of the month Meenom (March-April) and concludes on the Uthram day. It is also known as Poorolsavam. In reality,
the pooram is celebrated only one day ie on the pooram asterik day. But the whole festival days are
known as pooram.
Chinakathur
Pooram
This
is the pooram festival of Chinakathurkavu of Palappuram
near Ottappalam. The speciality of the pooram is that
all types of Hindus irrespecptive of
caste and creed attend the pooram and make it grand.
The Pulaya community perform Kalakali,
the Panar perform Vellattu, Mannan presents Poothanthira, Parayar brings Kuthira and Komaram, Mudaliyar community perform Therkali, Thandan presents Thattikoothu etc. This festival is a typical example of
communal harmony prevailing in Kerala.
Deepavali
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In Kerala Deepavali
is celebrated in memory of the killing of Narakasura
by Lord Sri Krishna. It is celebrated in the month
of Thulam (October-November). The oil bath
of early morning, preparation of different types
of sweets, fire works are some of the special features
of Deepavali. |
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Garudan
Thookam
Garudan Thookam is a celebrative offering made in the
Bhagavathy temples of central Kerala. A person dressed
as Garudan (kite) tied on a hanging rope and people take him around the temple in a procession.
Ilaneerattom
(consecration of tender coconut)
Ilaneerattom
is an offering of Thiyya community during the festival
of Kottiyoor Siva temple in Kannur district. There are two
temples at Kottiyur known as Akkarakottiyoor and Ikkarakottiyoor.
Both these temples are located in dense forest. The festival
starts on the Chothi day of Edava (May-June)
month with Neyyattam. The festival lasts for 28 days.
The temple opens only during this month and all the remaining
months it is kept closed. People after taking penance for
41 days reaches the temple with tender coconuts. The priest
cut the coconuts and consecrates the sweet water to the
Shivalinga idol. It takes almost two days to complete the
consecration.
Kalapathy Ratholsavam
Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a spectacular festival held at the Sree Viswanatha Temple, which established
700 years ago. The temple is situated in Palakkad District.
Procession of beautifully decorated temple chariots drawn through the
streets by thousands of devotees during the last three days
of annual festival is the major
attraction of the festival.
Karthika
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A
festival organised in the Thrikkarthika day
during Vrichikam (October-November) in some
parts of Kerala. It is the birthday of Lord Subramonya.
Special offerings and celebrations will be held
on the day in the temples of Lord Subramonya. On the day several
lights are used to lit in small earthen vessels known
as chirathu during dusk in temples and houses.
The sight of lights from these small vessels
is really a fascinating scene. In South Kerala, torches
made of coconut leaves are lit and planted in
paddy fields on this day. |
Kettukazcha
‘Kettukazcha’
is also known as ‘Kuthirakettu’. It is a major celebration
in the temple festivals of Chettikulangara, Nilamperoor,
Oachira, Pandalam and Mavelikkara of erstwhile Travancore.
The effigy of chariot, horse, swan, bull, ‘Pancha Pandavas’,
‘Hanuman’ etc. are brought as ‘Kettulkazcha’ Chettikulangara Kettukazcha is a festival conducted
in Chettikulangara Devi Temple at Onattukara near Kayamkulam
on the day of Bharani in Kumbhom (February-March). Kuthiyottam is another important offering of the
temple.
Kodungallur
Thalapoli & Bharani
The Thalapoli festival is celebrated at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy
temple from 1st to 4th Makaram (January-February).
Kodungallur Bharani is celebrated in the month of Meenom (March-April). The festival period is
from the Bharani asterik day in Kumbham to Aswathy asterk day in Meenom. Devotees from far off places throng
the temple in large numbers during the festival days.
Konganpada
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Konganpada
is a celebration in Chittoor of Palakkad District
every year in memory of the victory of the Nairs
over the conquerors of Chittoor who came from Kongunadu (Salem-Coimbatore area east to Chittoor) with
the help of Goddess Bhagavathy. The battle was held
on a Monday after the new moon day and ended within
24 hours. The incidence that happened within 24
hours are now presented in 24 days. |
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Machattu Mamangom
Annual festival of Machattu Thiruvanikkavu in
the Thrissur district is known as Machattu Mamangom. It
is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March).
People from each village around Machad reach to the temple
with Mamangakuthira (dummy horses) and perform kuthirakali (horse play). A
Mannarassala Ayilyam
Mannarassala Ayilyam is a famous festival of Mannarasala
Nagaraja Temple near Harippad in Alappuzha District. It
is conducted on the Ayilyam day of the month of Kanni (September-October). Mannarassala is famous for snake
worship. Ayilyam is the day of Sarpas
(snakes). The main priestess of the temple is the Valiyamma (brahmachari grand mother) who will be on vrutha for
poojas. The procession with Nagaraja (king of snakes)
idol from Valiya Ara (big room) to the temple and
back is main function of the celebrations
Navarathri
Navarathri
is celebrated for nine days in the month of Kanni (September-October)
every year when sun reaches very near to the equator. Kaali (Durga) is worshipped for
the first three days, Lakshmi for the next three
days and Saraswathy for the last three days. The
last three days are known as Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami days. On Durgashtami day, books
and tools are kept in front of Saraswathy, the patron
Goddess of the art and learning, and worshipped. Ayudhapooja (Worship of tools) is also a function
organized during Navarathri. The poojas start
on the day of Durgashtami and ends on Vijayadashami day. Vijayadashami is also famous for the initiation
of children to study of alphabets (vidyarambhom). Akshara (words or letters) pooja is a function
performed on Vijayadashami day. On that day every member
of the family write Harisree Ganapathaye
Namaha; Aviknamasthu
followed by vowels and consonants in the sand . After writing,
the sand is removed and placed on housetop. Instead
of sand, the practice of using rice in silver vessels
is also prevalent. The
custom of writing letters on paper and tearing of
it and placing on housetop is also there.
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Nenmara-Vallangi
Vela
The annual festival held at Nellikulangara temple
at Nenmara (Palakkad District) during the month of Meenam (March-April) is the famous Nenmara-Vallangi Vela. The
festival starts from the 1st to 20th Meenam. Koorayidal,
erection of flag mast, Kummatty, Karivela, Andivela,
and Vela are the functions of the festival. The festival
is in memory of the killing of Darika by Kali (Durga). People
from Nenmara village perform Andivela and Vallangi
village people present Thalapoli before the deity.
Displays of fireworks, Panchavadyam, procession are other
attractions of the festival. The pyrotechnics is very famous
and consider equal to that of Thrissur Pooram.
Nira
 |
An
agricultural festival celebrated in Karkidakom (July-August)
after the harvest of Virippu. It is also
known as Illamnira, Nirapooja etc. Illamnira at Guruvayur temple is famous. |
Ochirakkali
Ochira
is a place in the Karunagapplly Taluk of Kollam Distict.
In the Parabrahma Temple of Ochira every year during the
month of Edvavam-Mithunam (May-June to June-July)
a festival is conducted for 28 days. Ochirakkali is a
physical exercise conducted on the 1st and 2nd of Midhunam to mark the close of the temple festival. Ochira
Panthrandu Vilakku is also famous. It is conducted
for 12 days from the first of Vrichikom (November-December)
every year. This is also a festival like Ochirakali.
Many devotees assemble in front of the temple.
Onam
Onam
is the national festival of Kerala. This festival is celebrated
on the Thiruvonam day in Chingam, the first
month of Malayalam Era. Onam is a harvest festival as well
as a festival of flowers. The festival for 10 days beginning
from ‘Atham’ day to ‘Thiruvonam’ day extend further
to culminates with the Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali.
According to the legend Mahabali, a great emperor in olden
days, ruled Kerala. During his regime there was peace and
prosperity everywhere. It is believed that Mahabali visits
his old subjects during Thiruvonam day after being
sent to the ‘Pathala’ (hell or purgatory) by Vamana. The
idol of Thrikkakkara temple is that of Vamana. Thrikkakkara
Appan’s idol is placed in front of houses during Onam days
in a beautifully decorated floral carpet. Whatever be the
legend, Onam is an excellent imagination of a golden era
that lost forever or a sweet dream of a model world yet
to emerge. There are differences of opinion among historians
about the date of start of Onam festival. William Logon
opined that Onam is celebrated since 825 AD. Attur Krishna
Pisharody says that Onam celebration commenced between 620
and 670 AD. There are mentions about Onam festival in Unnuneeli
Sandesham, which is believed to have written in 14th
century. Extreme happiness and joy can be observed everywhere
during the onam days. Making beautiful pookalams (floral carpets) in front of houses, placing of Thrikkakara
Appan, and serving feast are done every day. On the day
of Thiruvonam the festival reaches its zenith.
The eldest member of the family presents Onappudava (new
cloths) to the members. Ladies and children used to swing in
oonjals. Boys worship Onathappam (Thrikkaka Appan). Those
who reside outside country used to reach their homes on onam
days. Even the poor
people will have their Onam meals on Thiruvonam day.
After having feast people perform various plays. Women
play ‘kaikottikkali’. Children play with ‘Onavillu’.
Boys play ‘Thalappanth’ using balls. Elders play ‘Kambithayam’ and card games etc. ‘Onathallu’ (a play of two teams by beating each other with hand) is
common in Palakkad and Valluvanad areas. Pulikali and Kummatty are also performed during Onam days.
Plays like ‘Thali-peeli’, ‘Kannanamunnikkali’, ‘Thumbithullal’ are meant for girls. The most colorful event during Onam
holidays is ‘Vallamkali’ (boat race).
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Orkkatteri
Thalappoli
There
are two temples at Orkkatteri near Vadakara. The idol
of the first temple is that of Kottiyoorappan and the
other is that of Kodungalluramma. The festival of these
two temples are conducted together which is known as Orkkatteri
Thalappoli. It starts from 12 of Makaram (December-January)
and lasts for four days. People belonging to all castes
and communities participate in the festival.
Pongal
Pongal
is a harvest festival. It falls on the Makara Sankranthy day on which the sun transfers from Dhanu rashi to Makaram rashi (from one house of zodiac to another).
The
communities of Tamil and Telugu origin residing in Kerala celebrate Pongal. They observe two types of Pongals - Thaipongal
and Mattupongal. Thaipongal is the harvest festival.
It is celebrated in Makaram (January-February). It is
famous in the areas adjacent to Tamil Nadu. On Thaipongal,
they prepare a special recipe out of new rice, milk and
sugar in new pots and offer to their deities. The animals
adorned with flowers and colours are taken on a procession
to the streets on the Mattupongal day. On both
days, sweets are prepared and exchanged.
Shivarathry
 |
Devotees
at Sivarathri festival at the bank of
Aluva Periyar River |
Shivarathri
festival is celebrated during the month of Kumbam (January-February). In Aluva it is celebrated in great
splendor at the sandy banks of Periyar River. The festival
at Gokarnam, Aluva, Vaikom, Ettumanoor and Thali are very
famous. This is the day when Lord Siva drank Kalakooda,
the poison, to protect the whole world from disaster.
On Shivaratri, Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha are worshipped
between midnight and sunrise. Sivarathri is also celebrated
with great religious fervors at Thripangot, Kallkulangara,
Thrissur, Thrikandiyur, Vaikom, Thirunakkara and Attappady
Malleswaran Temples.
Thalappoli
 |
A
festival conducted in Bhagavathy temples
once in a year. Spinsters walk round the temple
with a vessel containing the areca nut flower
bunch, a portion of coconut and lit wick in their
hands. The aim of Thalappoli is to gain a good
husband. |
Thiruvathira
Various
forms of Thiruvathira dance |
Pathirapoochoodal
– a ritual connected with thiruvathira |
The Thiruvathira festival falls on the asterism day of Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).
The origin of the festival is obscure. It is believed that
Thiruvathira is the birthday of God Siva. Women observe
this festival for a long and prosperous married life. They
get up early in the morning and take bath known as thudichukuli (taking bath in a pond or river by splashing water at each
other and singing songs) and worship Lord Siva. Thiruvathira is a day
of fasting and women avoid rice meal on that day, but take
only preparations of kuva (arrowroot) or chama
(Panicum milicceum) or wheat. Other items of their
food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts, etc. An image of Siva
is placed at the central courtyard of the houses to worship. Another
customary offering to the Lord Siva is the Ettangadi
Nivedyam. Oonjalattom (swinging on swing) is
one of the items of amusement. At night the women perform
folk dance known as Thiruvathirakkali or Kaikottikkali. They stand in a circle around Nilavilakku (lighted bell
metal lamp) and dance according to the rhythm of the songs
with clapping of their hands. The songs are
known as Thiruvathirakali pattukal that including
the works of Irayimman Thampi, Kunjukutty Thankacy etc.
There is a custom called Pathirappoochoodal. It is
an important function connected with Thiruvathira. At Thiruvathira
midnight, after taking bath, women used to wear ‘dashapushpam’
(a flower). The first Thiruvathira coming after the marriage
of a girl is known as Puthen Thiruvathira or Poothiruvathira and it is celebrated on a grand scale. Consequent on
the elimination of matrilineal system, Thiruvathira festival
and related customs are vanishing gradually.
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur
Pooram is known as the Mamangam (great festival)
of middle Kerala. It is celebrated in the premises
of Sri Vadkkunatha Temple of Thrissur. This is
the most famous temple festival of Kerala. Pooram
comes every year in the month of Medom (April-May).
It is a colourful ceremony accompanied by the
grand Kudamattom and Ilanhithara Melam.
Lakhs and lakhs of people throng the Thekkinkadu
Maidan (ground around the Vadakkunatha Temple) to witness the famous Thrissur Pooram.
Though the pooram festival lasts for 36 hours only
(pooram asterik day and up to next day noon), it is the
fulfillment of the efforts of people for one year.
Thrissur Pooram is a conclave of Bhagavathys (Goddesses)
from the temples of Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, Kuttoor,
Neythalakkavu, Choorakkottukavu, Karamukku, Lalur,Thiruvambady,
Paramekkavu and the Sastha (God) of Kanimangalam.
Among them, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Bhagavathys
have prominence. Madathil Varavu (the procession
of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy) and Purappad (the procession of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy), Ilanjithara
Melam (panchavadyam- percussion of drums
and wind musical instruments) and Vedikettu (fire
works) are the four important functions of Thrissur
Pooram.
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Thypooyam
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Thaipooyam
is celebrated on the pooyam asterik day of Makaram (January-February).
It is the birthday of Lord Subramanya. It is very important
in the temples of Lord Subramanya.Kavadiyattom and other celebrations
are arranged in the temples.
Uthradakazhcha
The practice of presenting banana bunches to Lord Krishna
at the Guruvayur Temple on the Thiruvonam day of Chingam (August-September) is the Uthradakazhcha. The Melsanthi (Main Priest)
place the first bunch in a plantain leaf to the Lord. After that rite, devotees
are permitted to place their offerings as Uthradakazcha.
Uthraseeveli
Uthraseeveli is a festival of Thiruvalla Sreevallabha
Temple conducted on the Uthram asterism day of Meenam (March-April). The Bhagavathies from the near temples
proceed to the Thiruvalla Sreevallabha Temple on the eighth
day of the festival falling on Uthram day. It is believed
that these Bhagavathies were the sisters of Sreevallabhan.
Their entry to the Sreevallabha Temple is through the
north gate which is opened only for this purpose. The gate will be closed immediately on their
retreat. It is believed that all the sins will disappear
on witnessing on Uthraseeveli. It is also believed
that the thirty-three crores of Devas (Gods) will array
in the sky to witness the festival.
Vaikathashtami
At the Siva temple at Vaikom, two ashtami festivals
are celebrated. The first is in the month of Vrichikom (November-December) and the second in Kumbhom (February-March).
It is celebrated for 12 days. Kharan consecrated
three Sivalingas and one of them was at Vaikom, in Ernakulam
District. The deity is known as ‘Vaikathappan’. The other two
deities are consecrated at Kaduthuruthi and Ettumanoor. A sanyasi (hermit)
known as Vyakarapadamuni worshipped Vaikathappan and plunged
into deep meditation. He got the divine vision of Lord
Shiva on the Astami day of the month Vrichikom (November-December)
and assured that he would give darshan (appearance) to the
devotees on that particular day. In course of time the
place where the sanyasi sat in deep meditation came to be
known as Vaikom amd the Ashtami day of Vrichikom came
to be known as ‘Vaikathashtami’.
Vidyarambhom
Vidyarambhom |
Thunchan
Parambu at Thirur |
Vidyarambhom
is considered as Akshara pooja (words or letters),
when children are expected to start formal education by
writing letters. Akshara pooja is performed on
Vijayadashami day. Heavy rush is experienced for Vidyarambhom
function at Thunchan Parambu at Thirur, Chittoor
Thunchan Madam (the samadhi place of Thunchathu
Ezhuthachan), Sree Mookambika Temple at Kollur (Near Mangalore),
Thiruvallakkavu near Thrissur, Sarawathy Temple, Panachikkad
near Kottyam. Not only Hindus, but people belonging to
other religions also observe Viyarambhom.
Christians used to write Daivom Thunakkuka (God
help us) instead of Hari Sri Ganapathaye Namaha; Aviknamasthu.
Muslims write verses from Qu’ran on the right hand palm
with black ink on a day before Bakrid festival.
Vishu
Vishu
is an important festival of Kerala celebrated in the month
of Medam (April), just before the onset of south-west
monsoon. This is also a festival related to agriculture.
It denotes the inseparable relationship between man and
soil. Astrologically, the Vishu day has much importance.
It is on this day that the sun rises right in the east.
Hours of day and night are equal (exactly 12 hours) on
Vishu day. It is believed that the vishu day is the New
Year day of ‘Kalivarsha’. The agricultural operations
start with Vishu day onwards. The first auspicious day
to plough soil in paddy land is decided on Vishu day. The
‘Vishu’ celebrations of Vishu start with ‘kani’, which will
be arranged in every home to be seen by all members of
family in the early morning. ‘Vishukani’ is
a small exhibition of natural resources of Kerala. The items of Vishukani are rice, cotton cloth, metals like gold
and silver, cucumber, mango, jackfruit, banana, tailed
mirror, flowers of ‘Kanikonna’,
Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula). These are arranged
in an Uruli (a flat brass vessel) in front of Lord
Krishna and Nilavilakku (lighted bell metal lamp).
After seeing ‘Vishukkani’,
the elder member of the family gives ‘Vishukaineetam’
(giving coins as prize) to children. Grand feast at noon
and cracking of fire works at night are certain indispensable
parts of Vishu celebration. |
Oachirakkali 
