Chettikkulangara Bharani : KUTHIYOTTAM AND KETTUKAZHCHA

Chettikulangara temple near kayamkulam is one of the famous Devi temples in Kerala. The Bharani Utsavam celebrated in Kumbham (February-March) in this temple is quite an event to the local people as well as to those residing in the neighbouring villages.

The highlight of the festival is Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha. It is doubtful whether there is any other temple in Kerala where these two rituals are performed so elaborately as in the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy temple.

Kuthiyottam is performed as an important offering to the deity. The man who makes the offering teaches young boys of between 8 and 14 years certain religious rites for seven days from Sivarathri day to Bharani asterism, during which these boys will be required to observe fast. Early in the morning on Bharani, after with silver wires, one end of which is tied around his neck, and an areca nut fixed on the tip of a knife held high over his head, is taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas etc. All through the way to the temple, tender coconut water will be continually poured on his body. After the circumambulation, the boy stands at a position facing the Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) and begins to dance. This ceremony comes to a close with the presentation of prizes to the Gurus (teachers). This dance if performed in pairs is called Iratta Kuthiyottam.

On this day, just after mid-day, the residents of the locality bring huge decorated effigies of chariots, horse, Bhima, Panchali, Hanuman etc placed to wheeled platforms, and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the paddy field lying east of the temple. During the night, the image of Devi will be carried in procession to the effigies stationed in the paddy field. This is what is known as Kettukazhcha. On the next day these effigies will be taken back to their respective kavus (place of worship of different families.)

On the tenth day following the Bharani Utsavam there is another festival celebrated in the temple for thirteen days. On each day festival is conducted by the residents of each kavu.