Thelliyoor Kavu Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples in Kerala, is famous for two major festivals. One is the Padayani and the other is Vanibham (fair). Celebrated from 5th to 10th of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (Mid December), the Padayani ritual at Thelliyoor is different from other temples.
Besides Choottu vaipu, the beginning ritual of Thelliyoor Padayani is Deepa Kottuka (drumming of Thappu in a special rhythm) and is followed by Choottu vaipu. Next is Pulavritham which is then followed by Ganapathy and Pisachu kolams performance.
On the second day is the Pancha Kolam performances and the kolams performing are Ganapathy, Madan, Yakshi, Pakshi and Marutha.
Adavi is celebrated on the third day and it begins with the ritual dance of Velan. The villager’s gathers at the Pattambalam and then trees are planted in the kalam. Around eight in the night Pulavritham is held and is then followed by the performance of Kuthira kolam, Pattani (vinodam), Bhairavi, Anthara Yakshi and Marutha Kolam. Once these kolam performances are over the rituals and preparations for Chooral Adavi begins. The first ritual is breaking of 64 tender coconuts by the performers. Next ritual is Maradavi and in the early morning hours Chooral Adavi takes place. Performers roll themselves in a kind of thorny cane and the blood that oozes from the wounds is believed to be the offering to the Goddess.
On the fourth day, Pulavritham takes place and is followed by Anthara Yakshi and Marutha Kolams performances. Fifth day is for Edapadayani and kolams like Bhairavi, Kalan, Pakshi and Yakshi kolams comes to the stage.
The sixth and final day is for Valiya Padayani. The rituals begin with Pulavritham and thappu melam is then followed by chootu Padayani. The kolam performance begins with Bhairavi and ends with Mangala Bhairavi.
Exhibition of effigies is another attraction of Thelliyoor Padayani and among it, the chariot of Rukhmini Swayaram is a unique attraction here.
