Padayani Festivals

Pakshi Kolam 


Pakshi Kolam at Elanthoor


This Kolam is made in the form of a Pakshi or bird. Pakshi kolam is performed to prevent children from a disease regionally known as Pakshibhadha, a disease believed to be caused by birds. A beak made of arecanut leaf in the face is the identity of Pakshi Kolam.

Nenchumala and Aramala are the main ornaments. Red silk is worn on the waist and adorned with Kuruthola. Wings are made out of tender coconut leaf after removing the eerkil (bony vein of the leaf). In one of the songs of this Kolam, the story of Kamsa who is sending a pakshi to kill the infant Lord Krishna is sung.