CHITTUR KONGANPADA

Konganpada is a grand festival of historical significance celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur ten kilometre from palakad town. A unique festival it is held every year on the first Monday after the dark lunar night in Kumbhom (February-March) to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King Rajadhi Raja. Goddess Bhagavathy is believed to have saved them from the attack of the Chola King.

Konganpada festival starts with 'Chilambu' on Sivarathri in Kumbhom which reminds Kongan's (chola king's) declaration of war and the frightened people worshipping Bhagavathy and beseaching her help. On the second day a flag is hoisted to indicate their preparedness for war. In the evening, they set our for war. This is called "Arippathattu". All the people assemble at the temple. After three pop-gun shots, the procession starts. Clad in silk, wearing gold ornaments and trinkets and with a shining sword in hand, the Velichappadu (oracle) goes in front while the people full of exultation follow him with torches held aloft. At midnight the procession returns to the temple with elephants and chariots. Next day is the day of Konganpada. On this day even the penniless will hold a grand feast. In the morning pop-guns will be fired 101 rounds. Of the festivities during the day kolam procession is very important. Children are made to wear kolam in response to certain vows made by their parents to Bhagavathy.

The procession starts from Vettakkorumakan Kavu, whose precincts are gorgeously decorated for the occasion. There are various entertainments like Ezhovela, Thattinmel Koothu, Sinki Nadakom etc. The kolam procession will reach the temple by dusk. This is followed by the holding of a function called Olavayana, when the messenger of Kongan reads the declaration of war. About 10 o' clock Kongan makes his appearance. The people will also start with torches in their hands making much din and bustle as in a war.

At Poovathunkavu a moch flight will be held by driving the horses hither and thither. This is followed by Pothottam in which some people rush forward with the head of a buffalo reminding one of the head of the dead buffaloes of the Chola king. The festival ends with the function called Pallu.