The annual festival at the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in Kodungalloor, Thrissur district, known as the Kodungalloor Bharani, is one of Kerala's most famous and intense celebrations. Occurring during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April), this event is deeply rooted in tradition and ritual, drawing devotees and visitors from across the state.

The Bharani festival at Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple spans a month, beginning with the Bharani asterism in Kumbham and continuing until seven days after the Bharani asterism in Meenam. The festivities commence with 'Kozhikkallu moodal,' a ritual involving the sacrifice of cocks and the shedding of their blood, an essential aspect of the temple's traditions. The temple's rituals are thought to have roots in the ancient connections between Kodungalloor and Thondi, a region once under Chera rule that served as their second capital.

The highlight of the Bharani festival is the Aswathy Kavutheendal, held on the day before the Bharani asterism. On this day, the temple grounds transform into a sea of red as oracles (velichappad) dressed in red robes and wielding ceremonial swords, enter a trance and perform ritual dances to honor the deity. These oracles, both men and women, proclaim their communion with the Mother Goddess by striking their heads with swords, creating a mystical and riveting atmosphere. Devotees dance alongside the oracles in spiritual euphoria, enhancing the festival's fervor.

During the Kavutheendal ceremony, oracles run around the temple, striking its rafters with sticks and hurling offerings onto the inner quadrangle. This ritual signifies the devotees' deep connection with Goddess Bhadrakali, who, according to legend, was born from Lord Shiva's third eye to vanquish the demon Darika. The festival is steeped in ancient traditions that trace back to the historical ties between Kodungalloor and Thondi, an important region under Chera rule.

The Kavutheendal ritual during the Bharani festival sees the largest congregation of oracles in the world. In a trance, these oracles storm the temple premises, smiting their foreheads with swords, their devotion evident in the blood dripping from their sandalwood and turmeric-smeared foreheads. Devotees strike the temple rafters with sticks and throw offerings over the roof, adding to the festival's chaotic and frenzied ambiance.

Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple is one of Kerala's oldest temples. The idol of Bhadrakali, carved from the wood of a jackfruit tree, features eight hands, one of which holds the severed head of the demon Daruka. Another legend suggests the temple was built by the ruler Cheran Chenguttavan in honor of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram.

The Kodungalloor Bharani festival, with its raw energy and rustic devotion, is a spectacle of Kerala's rich cultural and religious heritage. It breaks all conventional temple rituals and taboos, transforming into a celebration of vibrant energy and fervent devotion. This mystic ritual is enacted at the temple every year between March and April, attracting thousands of spectators and devotees who come to witness the fervor and passion of this unique event.