Oachira: With just nine days remaining for the grand Oachira 28th Onam festival—the very heartbeat and breath of Onattukara—the entire town and rural countryside have plunged into vibrant festive fervor. All local Karas (provinces) are fully prepared for the famous ‘Kalavela’ (Kettukala festival) held on the open ground (Padanilam) of the Oachira Parabrahma Temple on the Thiruvonam star in the Malayalam month of Kanni. The crafting of the towering, giant effigies of bulls made of straw, cloth, and colorful papers is currently undergoing final finishing touches in various Karas.
Representing the agrarian culture and community unity of the people of Onattukara, the Kettukala festival is expected to attract tens of thousands of devotees and tourists this year as well. Transcending conventional temple rituals, presenting their Karas’ bull effigies at the Oachira Padanilam—where Advaita philosophy prevails—is a matter of immense pride for every resident of Onattukara.
Hundreds of Kettukalakal, including small figures and towering bulls standing several feet tall, will line up at the Padanilam this season. Teams of young and old alike are working tirelessly day and night under temporary sheds across the Karas to assemble the figures. The work of wrapping pristine white cloth over the woven straw bodies and decorating them with rich silk fabrics, whisk fans (venchamaram), mirrors, and bells is progressing rapidly.
Skilled artisans are meticulously carving the heads of the larger bull effigies and painting them in vibrant multi-colored hues. The finished structures will be pulled to the temple grounds on massive wooden chassis and iron frames fitted with heavy wheels.
With the countdown under way, the temple administration has completed preparations to facilitate offerings and rituals for the occasion. The police and local administration are deploying extensive security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct for devotees and Kara members. Setup for traffic management, drinking water distribution, and primary healthcare services is in its final stages.
As the bull effigies from various Karas converge on the Padanilam accompanied by loud cheers, traditional Chenda melam, and vibrant pageantry, a grand Onam spring will blossom once again across Onattukara.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com