Previous Next

The 10-day annual Padayani festival at Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple is held as a part of the annual Pathamudaya Mahotsavom. Padayani at Kadammanitta begins with the chootu vaipu or the lighting of the fire. The fire for this ritual is brought from the sacred lamp inside the temple and is followed by the drumming of thappu and chenda.

The following days devotees can witness the ritual of eduthu varavu or the procession of various Padayani Kolams. It starts with the kolam of Ganapathi. The other kolams in the procession are Marutha, Kalan, Kuthira, Madan, Pakshi, Yakshi, and Bhairavi. The main comic interlude of Kadammanitta Padayani is Paradeshi.

The Valiya Padayani celebrated on the 7th day, begin with the ceremonial procession of kolams from the village square. The giant Bhairavi kolams made of areca spathes and intricately cut palm leafs looked like life-size images of the Bhoothaganas (armies) of Goddess Bhadrakali in the light of indigenous torches made of dry coconut leaves (choottukatta) is the major attraction on the big day. The grandiose ‘Bhairavi Kolam’ performance is the main attraction of the Valiya Padayani day. The kolams danced in tune with the padayani songs. The day also witness the  Koottakkolam (all kolams) performance, comprising a Ganapathi kolam , four Marutha kolams , one Kalan kolam , eight Yakshi kolam , Kanjiramala , and Bharavi kolams. The Valiya Padayani concludes with the artistes and the devotees seeking divine blessings by singing the Vallappattu (boat songs).

The padayani festival at Kadammanitta closes with the Pakal Padayani on the next day followed by the Kalamezhuthu pattu in the evening.

Video