The Kadammanitta Devi Temple in the quaint hamlet of Kadammanitta, in Pathanamthitta district, annually transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural and spiritual fervor. It is here that the world’s most majestic display of the ritual art form, Padayani, takes place - the Kadammanitta Padayani. This festival, held to honor Goddess Bhadrakali, is celebrated every year from the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, culminating on the tenth day, known as Pathamudayam.

The festivities commence with the chootu vaipu, a ritualistic fire lighting, followed by the resonant beats of traditional percussion instruments like the thappu and chenda. This ceremony sets the stage for days filled with spirited celebrations and devout worship.

A key highlight of the festival is the eduthu varavu, a magnificent procession featuring various Padayani Kolams (ritualistic masks). The procession begins with the kolam of Ganapathi and includes other significant kolams such as Marutha, Kalan, Kuthira, Madan, Pakshi, Yakshi, and Bhairavi. The Paradeshi performance, a comic interlude, adds a touch of humor to the otherwise solemn rituals.

The seventh day, Valiya Padayani, is particularly spectacular. It begins with a ceremonial procession of kolams from the village square. The day's main attraction is the performance of giant Bhairavi kolams, crafted from intricately cut palm leaves and areca spathes. These life-size effigies of the Bhoothaganas (armies) of Goddess Bhadrakali, illuminated by traditional torches (choottukatta), create a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The kolams dance to the rhythmic beats of the padayani songs, with the Bhairavi Kolam performance standing out as the festival's highlight.

Valiya Padayani also features the Koottakkolam performance, which includes various kolams such as Ganapathi, four Marutha, one Kalan, eight Yakshi, Kanjiramala, and multiple Bhairavi kolams. The day concludes with performers and devotees singing the Vallappattu (boat songs), seeking divine blessings.

The Kadammanitta Padayani festival is a celebration of vibrant colors, powerful rhythms, and deep spiritual devotion.  The festival concludes with Pakal Padayani on the following day, followed by the Kalamezhuthu pattu in the evening. This involves intricate floor drawings using natural pigments, accompanied by devotional songs.