Ayilyam Nakshatra in Kanni Masam as per Malayalam calendar
followed in Kerala is of great significance at Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Temple.
The festival commences 7 days prior to the Ayilyam Nakshatra. In 2023, Ayilyam
Festival at Vetticode Temple is on October 9. The most important ritual on the
day is Sarpa Bali and Ezhunnallathu or ceremonial procession of the deity.
Special homams, pujas and kalash pujas are performed during
the first six days of the festival.
On the Ayilyam festival day, musical instruments are played
to please the naga deities in the shrine. Nadaswaram, Kombu, Kuzhal, Maddalam,
Chenda, Edakka and Thakil are the musical instruments played on the day.
The Ezhunnallathu (ceremonial procession) would begin from
the temple and proceeds to the Meppallil Illam (house of the priests and owners
of the temple) at about 3 PM. After
rituals and pujas in the Illam, the deity returns to the temple.
Sarpabali begins during the twilight period on Ayilyam
Nakshatra and concludes by around 9:30 PM.