Mannarasala Utsavam :Mannarasala Festival

Mannarasala utsavam :In olden time every Hindu family in Kerala has a serpent-grove. Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri. Subramanyaswamy temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of serpents), the largest of its kind in Kerala. Built in a grove the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods.

On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing. Even if married, the eldest female member of the illam, is expected to lead a life of abstinence when she becomes the oldest female in the family. During the festival days thousands of people assemble at Mannarasala to worship and propitiate the serpent gods. The offerings include coins and effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons, sandalwood etc. On Ayilliam days the Pulluvans sing and dance either on their own or for payment. Mannarasala became the pilgrim attraction