Kodungallur Bharani Festival in 2024 – Kodungallur Devi Temple Kavu Theendal Festival in Meenam Month in 2024
The highlight of the festival is the largest congregation of oracles (Komarams or Vellichapads) on the Kavu Theendal day. Dressed in red, with untied hair, brandishing their swords both men and women Komarams create an electric atmosphere.
The oracles perform a mad run around the temple. They throw objects inside the temple mainly sticks which signifies the Kavu Theendal. The oracles also sing numerous songs that are associated with the legend of the Goddess and those associated with farming, culture and mother earth.
Another highlight is the hurling of abuses at the deity – locally known as Kodungallur Bharani Pattu. The lyrics of the song contain mostly sexually explicit words – most of which are abusive of nature.
This is followed by a purification ritual on the day after Meena Bharani festival. The temple is the closed for nearly a week.
Symbolically the festival is dedicated to the raw and untamed energy – it also provides an opportunity to the repressed sections in the society to vent their anger. It is widely believed that Devi accepts all their frustrations and anger.