ALAPPUZHA: The hamlets of Chettikulangara panchayat are reverberating with the echoes of children praising Devi. They are imparted training in ‘Kuthiyottam’ ritual, which extends till midnight.
The construction of ‘Kettukazcha’ is also underway in other parts. Hundreds of devotees are served ‘Kuthiramootil Kanji,’ a mass meal, as an offering. Chettikulangara village is busy making elaborate arrangements for the celebration of the Kumbha Bharani festival in the temple to be held on Sunday. Kuthiyottam and Kettukazcha are the main attractions of Bharani festival of the Onattukara region of Central Kerala.
The entire village irrespective of caste and creed participates in different rituals with religious fervour. Raghavan Nair, a native of Erazha said, “The training for Kuthiyottam commenced on Sivarathiri day. Boys are selected for the rituals and experienced teachers (asans)impart training in Kuthiyottam along with chanting of songs praising Devi,” he said
As a model of sacrifice, ‘chooralmuriyal’ a ritual, will be performed on Bharani day. The trained children with their bodies painted and attired in Kathakali and other costumes symbolising temple rituals, with a golden or silver thread adorning their waist, would begin their journey to the temple early morning on Bharani day. The procession will reach the temple and after circumambulating the temple, the thread would be offered to the goddess, he said.