Other Festivals
Oachira Kettukazhcha
Oachira has been famous for long as one of the sacred places of
Kerala. Historically too, this place is very famous, for, it was
on the plains of Oachira that the much famed battle in the history
of Travancore, the battle of Kayamkulam was fought between Marthandavarma
the Maharaja of Travancore and the Raja of Kayamkulam. In commemoration
of this historic battle 'Oachirakkali' is conducted on the first
and second of Midhunam (June-July) every year.
The Oachirakkali was on of the factors that brought fame and glory
to Oachira. On the first and second day of Midhunam (June-July)
the young and the old, drawn from the two karas lying east and west
of Oachira, and forming themselves into two groups, reach the 'Padanilam'
and conduct the age-old fencing exercises under the leadership of
the elder Kalari Asan. IT is to perpetuate the memory of the great
battle fought between the Maharaja Marthandavarma and the Raja of
Kayamkulam that the Oachirakali is conducted with much eclat. Thus
the Irupathettam Utsavam comes to an end with the Oachirakkali.
A big cattle fair is also held as part of the above festival.
Jain Festival at Palakkad
There is an ancient Jain Temple at Jainamedu near the Palakad
town. According to a legend, one Sutar, head of the Jains, built
this temple 500 years ago for the Jain sage Chandranathaswamy.
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Jewish Festival
Among the Jewish festivals, the Sabbath (Saturday) occupies the
pride of place. The Sabbath gives the labourer every week a day
of rest and leisure. Passover or the feast of unleavened bread is
one commemorating the birth of Israel as a nation and deliverance
of the Jews from the Egyptian slavery. It falls in April or May.
Pentecost is another Jewish festival held in May-June. It has an
agricultural and historical significance. The feast of Tabernacle
is another pilgrim festival falling in either September or October.
During this feast, Jews set temporary booths covered with palm leaves
and decorated with citrus and other fruits. The Jewish New Year
falls in September or October. It is not a time for revelry, but
a solemn season for self-assessment and judgement in the life of
the Jew. The Day of Atonement following the New Year is the most
solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Not a morsel of food or a drop
of water will pass the lips of the observant Jews from subset of
the previous day till after the nightfall of the next day. The Jews
will be in the synagogue of devoting themselves to fervent prayers.
The Hannukka or the festival of lights is another popular celebration
of the Jews.
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Ottappalam Nercha
Juma prayers are held in this mosque on Friday. To Commemorate
the death anniversary of a saintly person by name Uthman Auliya
an annual Festival is held here in January-February.
Padayani at Nilamperoor
The annual Padayani Utsavam of the Bhagavathikkavu at Nilamperoor,
a village in the Kuttanad Taluk on the precincts of Changanassery
Municipal town is a festival which symbolises and reflects the tradition
and culture of a typical Kerala village. The Padayani Utsavam is
celebrated on a grand scale with Kolamkettu (making of effigies)
and Kolamthullal (a kind of ritual dance performed by carrying the
effigies). The chief kolams displayed are of Siva, Bhima, Ravana,
Elephants etc.
Vallarpadam Feast and Festival
Being an islet Vallarapadam has access only by water. Held in
great devotion 'Vallarpadath Amma' is believed to have miraculously
saved her devotees several time from violent storms. The feast of
Vallarpadath Amma is held every year on September 24 with much fanfare.The
celebrations which last for more than a week is accompanied by an
unusually big fair. The most important products and articles offered
at this fair are country boats and cars, pots and straw mats. The
last item finds an important market here as the festival falls in
the harvest season.
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