CHAVARA: Extensive arrangements are in place at the renowned Chavara Ponmana Kattilmekkathil Devi Temple, where approximately 1,000 temporary huts have been constructed to accommodate devotees observing ‘Bhajanam’ (spiritual retreat and fasting) during the first 12 days and nights of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam.
Devotees who have booked the bhajan huts are scheduled to arrive by noon on Thulam 30. Upon receiving their designated serial numbers, pilgrims will begin setting up essential amenities inside their respective huts.
The annual festival will commence on Vrichikam 1 with the ceremonial flag-hoisting (Kodiyettu) held between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM under the chief priesthood of temple Thanthri Thuravoor P. Unnikrishnan. Minister Shibu Baby John is slated to inaugurate the inaugural function. Following the Kalashabhishekam, the Thanthri will sprinkle holy water across the bhajan huts, marking the formal commencement of cooking on earthen hearths by the devotees observing the ritual.
In addition to meals prepared within the individual huts, daily mass community feasts (Annadanam) will be organized by the temple administration. As a traditional offering, evening refreshments consisting of boiled indigenous root crops such as elephant yam, taro, yam, and tapioca, served alongside spicy chutney and black coffee, will be distributed to visiting devotees.
The festival will feature the Vrichika Pongal on the 12th morning. The valedictory function, scheduled for 7:00 PM, will be inaugurated by Minister A.P. Anil Kumar. The grand Thirumudi Ezhunallathu procession will commence at 10:30 PM, culminating in the sacred Thirumudi Aarattu ritual at the temporary holy pavilion erected on the coastal Arattukadavu following temple darshan. Comprehensive civic arrangements, including uninterrupted drinking water, reliable electricity, dedicated primary amenities, robust police security, fire safety measures, medical aid units, and designated parking zones, have been fully established for the convenience of visiting pilgrims.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com