Tag: Bhadrakaali

Where the oracles throng and where Curses are hurled ; A unique scenario for a Temple

The annual festival at the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple situated at Kodungalloor is famous across Kerala and is known as the Kodungalloor Bharani. It takes place during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). This year the festival dates are from 17-18 MAR. The main event of Bharani festival is the Aswathy Kaavutheendal, held on the day prior to Bharani asterism. And on this day devotees can witness a sea of red overruns the premises as a flurry of oracles (velichappad) dancing in a trance offer their prayers to the deity. It is a mystical experience for all who have a chance to view it. The ... Read more

Paana – An age old Ritual Art from Kerala

Kerala has birthed and nurtured a plethora of art forms over a thousand years. Our shores have watched them evolve and flourish in various shapes and forms. Paana or Pallippaana, as it is sometimes called, is a ritual art to propitiate the goddess Bhadrakaali. Also known as Paanakali, the art form is popular in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram. Paana is part of a three-day festival. A canopy is supported by 64 posts cut out from the Paala tree ( Alstonia scholaris) and adorned with tender palm fronds is erected near the shrine of the goddess. A stump ... Read more