Fairs
& Festivals of Kerala Velichappadu/Komaram: 
(literally,
revealer of light): The oracle is usually dressed in red and carries a sword and
shield. Possessed by the spirit of the deity the oracle dances in a frenzy at
the festivals in Bhagavathy temples.
Ammankudam: is a ritual
dance of devotees carrying pots on the head of offering to the goddess. Usually
performed in Bhagavathy temples.
Arattu: (holy bath) is
a ritual connected with the closing of a festival. The idols of deities are carried
in a procession to the river for the holy bath. The purified idols are then escorted
back to the temple accompanied by a grand elephant pageant, Panchavadyam, nadaswaram
and chendamelam.
Chandanakudam: Ritual offering of coins
in earthen pots in Muslim shrines. The pots are smeared with sandal paste, the
mouth covered with white cloth, with a garland around the neck and three incense
sticks fixed into the cloth covering.
Chuttuvilakku: (literally,
chuttu-surround, vilakku-lamp), the thousands of oil lamps fixed on the outer
walls of the temple.
Ezhunnallathu:
is the ceremonial procession of the idols of a temple. The procession
usually comprises various art forms, traditional temple music and elephant pageants.
Kodiyettam It is the ceremonious flag hosting ceremony denoting
the beginning of the festival or festive season in a temple, church or mosque.
Pallivetta: (the holy hunt) is symbolic of Lord Vishnu hunting
down the demon of evil in a forest. The procession is usually very colourful and
attracts devotees in large crowds.
Paraveppu: A ritual performed
in many Hindu homes as part of a festival. The para (wooden/brass measure) full
of paddy is arranged in front of the house along with the lighted lamp and other
offerings like fruit, jaggery and so on the offering is collected by a procession
of elephants carrying the thidampu (idol of the deity of the temple).
Pongala: 
This
ritual offering to goddess Bhagavathy, is a preparation of rice, jaggery, coconut
and plantains cooked together, in the temple premises.
Seeveli:
A ceremonial procession which denotes the conclusion of the morning and evening
Pooja (devotional rites) in certain temples.
Thalappoli:
is a ceremonial procession, around the temple, of girls or women in traditional
attire holding the thalam in their hands. The thalam (usually a silver or brass
plate) contains rice, flowers and lighted lamp-all of which symbolise prosperity.
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Kerala Travel
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Kerala Travel Guide ||
Fairs
& Festivals of Kerala ||
Kerala
Backwaters ||
Beaches of Kerala ||
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Kerala Ayurveda
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Map
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