The Padayani festival organized in Makara Masam at Kottangal
Devi Temple attracts thousands of Padayani enthusiasts. The shrine is dedicated
to Goddess Bhadrakali. Padayani, also called Padeni, is a traditional folk
dance and a ritual art performed in temples in central Kerala.
The main rituals are performed on Revathi and Aswathy Nakshatra in Makaram Month. Valiya Padayani is observed on these two days.
The padayani related rituals in the temple is observed for 28 days starting from Bharani Nakshatra in Dhanu month to Bharani Nakshatra in Makaram Month. On the first 20 days, padayani is performed in the houses on both karas in the village. The last eight days are observed on the temple premises. Eduppu Kalakal and Thozhuvangal are part of the eight day ritual.
The padayani related rituals in the temple is observed for 28 days starting from Bharani Nakshatra in Dhanu month to Bharani Nakshatra in Makaram Month. On the first 20 days, padayani is performed in the houses on both karas in the village. The last eight days are observed on the temple premises. Eduppu Kalakal and Thozhuvangal are part of the eight day ritual.
Legend has Bhootaganas performed padayani to pacify the ferociousness and anger of Goddess Bhadrakali who had just annihilated Darika. People perform this today in memory of this divine event.
Padayani is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and is performed
only temples in central Travancore especially in Pathanamthitta District. This
traditional art form blends music, dance, theatre, satire, facial masks, and
paintings
Kottangal Devi Temple is located about 14 km from Mallappally
in Pathanamthitta District.
Special pujas are also offered on the day from morning to
evening.
The Padayani rituals are held in the evening and night.
On Bharani nakshatra day in every Malayalam month, devotees perform Kalamezhuthu Pattu.
The annual Pongala festival is held on the Bharani nakshatra day in Kumbha Masam.