Pariyanampetta Pooram is a seven day fest held at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam in Palakkad district of Kerala, ‘God’s own country’. The Pariyanampetta temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, the Goddess of 14 Desams.The image of the goddess is drawn on floor and songs are sung along with it; this ritualistic drawing is called Kalamezhuthu Pattu and is performed on all the seven days of the festival.
Religious and folk arts like Kaalavela (bull motif display) and Kuthiravela (horse motif display), Poothanum thirayum etc are demonstrated in the procession on the last day.
A cultural celebration is also held on this occasion, in which Kathakali and Chakyarkoothu dance forms are performed. The ancient folk art of shadow puppetry called Tholpavakoothu, is performed at night on all festival days.
Elephants are considered as a holy living in Kerala; so people hoard around the procession to seek blessings from them. The elephant and traditional musical performances are inherent parts of religious festivals in South India- Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The traditional folk and traditional performances like the Tholpavakoothu, Kalamezhuthupattu, Pootham, Thira, Karivela, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu brings a cheerful smile to the faces of people.
