INDIA TRAVEL NET

Event Date : 4 Mar, 2005

The Bharani asterism of the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March) is popularily called Kumbha Bharani or Bharani utsavam and is celebrated in most Bhagavathy temples in the State. The one-day annual Bharani utsavam at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is a very popular event. The day is marked by special rituals, Kuthiyottam performances and Kettukazhcha processions. Kuthiyottam is a 1200 year old ritual performed by young boys. The group of boys observe certain austerities and are led by a man who teaches them the rituals. On the day of the Kuthiyottam performance these boys, with their bodies wound with silver wire, one end tied around the neck and the other fixed on the top of a knife held high over the head, are taken on a procession accompanied by temple orchestra and brightly coloured tinselled parasols. By the time they arrive before the deities the young boys are in a possessed stage and dance in a frenzy. The Kettukazhcha varavu held in the afternoon is a colourful event. Effigies of kuthiras (horses), larger than life figures of epic characters, well decorated chariots etc, are brought to the temple in the spectacular Kettukazhcha procession. Ritual and folk artforms like Padayani, Kolkali and Ammankudam are performed alongside the procession, unfolding an unforgettable spectacle. All night- Kathakali performance marks the conclusion of the cultural fare.

Getting there: Nearest railway station: Kayamkulam, about 5 km from the shrine. Nearest airport: Kochi international airport, about 90 km from Alappuzha town.

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