PIRAVOM: Thousands gathered at Kalamboor, a lovely hamlet on the banks of Muvattupuzha river, to celebrate the annual Pana festival at Kalamboorkavu Bhagavathy temple on Sunday. Celebrated from time immemorial the Pana festival comprises ‘Pana thullal’ and ‘Uru thullal’ performed to appease Goddess Bhagavathy.
Though people from all walks of life participate, it is mostly confined to the Dheevara community. The four-day festival began with padayani, a ritual art form of North Kerala. ‘Ariyeru’, ‘Uru thullal’, ‘Pana thullal’ and ‘Thookkam’ were the main attractions that also gave a peep into Dravidian and Aryan culture.
The procession carrying ‘urus’ (statue of Lord Bheema and Garudan) was the highlight of the festival. The ‘Garudan uru’ was made by Mulakulam Deevara Samithi and ‘Bheeman uru’ by Mevelloor Deevara Samithi.
The ‘urus’ were taken in a raft accompanied by chenda performance across the Muvattupuzha river to the temple. Hundreds of devotees lined the banks of the river to watch them.
Legend has it that the battle between Bhagavathy and Darikan is behind the 'Uru Thullal' and 'Pana Thullal' traditions. Belief goes that the pana performers are warriors of Bhagavathy and that Lord Vishnu had sent Garudan and Bheeman to observe the war. After the ‘urus’ are taken to the temple ground a battle begins (Pana Thullal). ‘Pana Thullal’ is a special performance to appease the deity. Pana performers normally fast for seven days before performing the rituals. They wear white dhotis, a red girdle and hold a ‘panakutty’ (mace). They go in a procession to the ‘Pana Nada’ (battle field). After killing Dharikan the procession is taken back to the temple,
As per traditions ‘pana kanji’ (gruel), a dish made of rice, jackfruit and horse gram, is made. Thousands of devotees partook of the ‘pana kanji’. Garudan thookkam was also performed.
A chenda recital by Pazhoor Narayana Marar and Thirumarayoor Girajan Marar was a treat for the senses.