Padayani Utsavam of the Bhagavathikkavu at Nilamperoor-

The annual Padayani Utsavam of the Bhagavathikkavu at Nilamperoor, a village in the Kuttanad taluk on the precincts of Changanassery Muncipal town is a festival which symbolises and reflects the tradition and culture of a typical Kerala village. The Pdayani Utsavam is celebrated on a grand scale with Kolamkettu (making of effigies) and Kolamthullal (a kind of ritual dance performed by carrying the effigies). The chief kolams displayed are of Siva, Bhima, Ravana, elephants etc. The Utsavam spread over sixteen days beginning on the Thiruvonam day in Chingom (August-Setember) and coming to a closeon the Pooram asterism. The grandest festival, however, is on the pooram day, the sixteenth day following the commencement of the Utsavam. The next ritualistic act of the Utsavam is the Ezhunnellippuu (carrying the idol procession) of the kolams (deities), while small kolams are carried by people on shoulders, the big ones are ceremoniously taken on wheels. Firstly small swans are taken to the festival ground and then the big ones. In the bright flames of the burning fire, these swans would appear as though they are artistic pieces studded with precious gems. These effigies will be taken in procession amidst vociferous clamor and outcries from the multitudes assembled and with the beating of drums and other rejoicings. Grand Scale Pyrotechnics will also take place simultaneously heightening the tempo of the occasion. The kolams are brought before the kavu and after some rites they are kept in a corner of the kavu. This is what is known as Padayani. Subsequent to this, kolams of Bhima, Ravana and caparisoned elephants are brought in procession.

All the artisans of the locality co-operate in the making of these effigies for which they are allowed certain prerequisites