The Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku is a unique and vibrant festival held at the Kottankulangara Devi Temple in Chavara, Kollam district. Celebrated annually in March, during the Malayalam month of Meenam, this festival draws thousands of devotees who partake in a fascinating ritual where men dress up as women to seek the blessings of the Goddess Bhagavathy, also known as Vanadurga.

The festival’s main highlight is the Chamayavilakku, a ritual where men, dressed in traditional female attire such as saris, half-saris, or dance costumes, walk in a grand procession holding traditional lamps. This procession, accompanied by traditional orchestras, creates a captivating and colorful spectacle that draws numerous visitors. The sight of men transformed into beautiful ladies, all holding lamps and making their way to the temple, is both intriguing and enchanting.

Legend has it that the festival began when some cowboys, while trying to break a coconut on a stone at the site where the temple now stands, saw blood dripping from the stone. It was later revealed through astrology that the stone possessed the powers of Vanadurga, and thus a temple was constructed. Initially, young girls would prepare flower garlands and light lamps at the temple. Emulating this tradition, the cowboys began dressing as women to offer poojas, a practice that evolved into the Chamayavilakku festival.

The Kottankulangara Devi Temple is unique in its structure, being the only temple in Kerala with no roof over the sanctum sanctorum. The festival is a significant event for the local community and attracts over 25,000 participants, including people from different religious backgrounds. The atmosphere during the festival is one of joy, devotion, and cultural unity.

The festival lasts for 16 days, with the main events taking place on the 10th and 11th days of Meenam. In addition to the Chamayavilakku, the festival features Kettukazhcha (a display of decorated structures), various cultural events, and traditional art forms. These activities provide a platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Devotees believe that participating in this festival, especially the Chamayavilakku ritual, brings them closer to the divine and helps them gain the blessings of the Goddess Bhagavathy. The ritual is seen as an act of devotion and humility, and many men participate with the hope of fulfilling vows and seeking spiritual solace.

The Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku is a festival that beautifully blends devotion, tradition, and community spirit. It is a unique event where the boundaries of gender are transcended in a display of faith and cultural celebration, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Kerala's diverse cultural heritage.