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Purathur Bhayankavu Bhagavathi Temple Thalappoli Festival – Pavakoothu

Purathur Bhayankavu Bhagavathi temple is located at Purathoor near Tirur in Malappuram district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. The annual Thalappoli festival is observed in Kumbha Masam (February – March). Next important festival is the one held on Thula 1 (17th or 18th of October). Another important festival is the Makara Chowa, the first Tuesday in Makara Masam (the second fortnight of January).

The Kala Vela festival is held in Makara Masam.

The square sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a granite murti of Mother Goddess. There are upa devatas and chuttambalam.

The annual Thalappoli festival is famous for Pavakoothu (shadow puppet play). Pavakoothu is performed for the entire month of Kumbha Masam. Kalamezhuthu Pattu is also held during the period.

The festival is also famous for the participation of hundreds of girls and women. They carry the Thalappoli in procession.

Poothan and Thira folk are also part of the festival – a head gear with Bhagavathy and other deities. The big headgear is balanced on head using a cotton cloth known as thorthu.

Various kolam and effigies are part of the annual festival.

The annual pratishta festival in the temple is held in Malayalam Mithuna Masam (June - July).