Festivals - Parakkezhunnallathu
Jeevatha Ezhunnellippu
‘Jeevatha’ constructed in the model of the temple structure itself is a s box-like carriage for the deity which rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin ("Pallakku"). The front resembles "Thidambu" behind which is a kind of small chest ("petakam") built as per Thachusaasthra calculations. At the front, a woollen cloth embroidered with shining colourful pictures and golden trinkets. Behind that is kept the deity's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small mirror pieces. Several styles of Jeevatha are in vogue. The "Kettu Jeevatha" of Ramapuram area and the "Ura Jeevatha" like in Valiyakulangara temple are the more popular ones. In the former, parts of the Thidambu in front are hung so as to swing while in motion, while in "Ura", they are fixed. The rhythms used during Jeevatha Ezunnallathu (procession) are quite noteworthy. " Several "Thaalams" (beats) such as Lakshmi, Atantha, Chembata, Thriputa, Panchaari and Vishama kundalam are used. Starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats. The ensemble consists of Veekkan chenda, Uruttu chenda (both drums), Elathaalam (cymbals), Kombu and Kuzhal (both, wind instruments). Although Jeevatha Ezunnallathu and Parayeduppu are centuries old customs, the "Chuvadu Vechu Kali" (a peculiar dance with unique steps) is relatively recent. Old timers claim its origin at Ramapuram temple. Mankulam Kesavan Nampoothiri, who was well-versed in all art forms, and father of the eminent Kathakali artiste, late Mankulam Vishnu Nampoothiri, was then "Ezhunnallathukaaran" (prime escort) at Ramapuram temple. He, ably assisted by his contemporary, the expert drummer, Mampara Neelakandha Panikkar, is said to have developed the new step-dance. Jeevatha Ezunnallathu is mostly in Devi temples, and performed (Thaalam chavittal) by Namboothiris. Wearing their traditional dress ("Thattudukkal") and with towels firmly tied at the waist and on the head, they carry the Jeevatha on their shoulders and perform the step-dance.
Parakkezunnallethu
The parayeduppu falls in the Malayalam months Dhanu and Makaram and lasts 30 days. The ‘parayidal’ is performed by people of all religious faiths. The family members of the ‘Muslim rakshassu’ of Valiya kulangara temple dedicate and perform not less than 101 ‘parayidal’. The last day of ‘Parayidal’ is special as this day happens the holy meeting of Valiyakulangara Amma and Thrikkunnapuzha Dharma Sasthavu who is believed to be Devi’s brother and the ‘nivedyam’ (offering of a food item to deity) is offered together. The devotees reach the acme of ‘Bhakthi’ when the Amma symbolically bid good bye while dancing (special movement of legs, in steps) in front of the Dharma Sashthavu.
After this ‘good bye’ ceremony , the famous ritualistic bath in the sea by Amma at the Trikunnapuzha sea beach. This is described as the Arattu (bath) of the Amma without Arattu because there is no Kodiyettam (Flag hoisting announcing the festival) or Arattu (the ritualistic sacred bath of the deity) for the Valiyakulangara Devi temple festival.
While the procession of Amma returns to the temple after the ‘parayeduppu’ the whole place used to be in a festive frenzy. The crowd disperse only after the rituals at night the ‘Vilakkanpoli’ and ‘Akathezhunnellippu’.
