UTHRAMVILAKKU
Uthramvilakku has its origin in uthrampattu; a form of ritual singing (Brahmani pattu) that was later converted into Uthramvilakku in its present form. This happened 150 years ago (1022 ME). This is celebrated on the uthram day of the Meenam month of the Malayalam calendar. It starts with Purappadu (flag hoisting) .It falls on the Makarayiram star. After the kodiyettam a small pooram is held with 3 elephants at around 8 PM.
On the succeeding 6 days the Bhagavathy crisscrosses the historic Perumanam gramam on an elephant, receiving obeisance of devotees (PARA) .and taking part in pooram ( festival) in different temples including the Anayottam (elephant race) at Piddikaparampu which is near Cherpu about 14 kms south west of Thrissur. This is the only Elephant race in the world where idols of different deities from different temples take part in a race.
The day proceeds as below
6:30 Am: Bhagavathy returns from Arattupuzha.
9:30 am :Ceremonial reception to Nettisserry Shasta (Kodikkal Para and pradakshina)
6:00 pm : Deeparadhana, chuttuvilakku (lighting of all lamps), Nadaswara recital,
7:00 pm : Panchavadyam from Ollur center wi th f ive caparisoned elephants.
10:00 pm : Bhagavathy is led in procession outside the sanctum sanctorum with the accompaniment of valia pani. The Bhagavathy Thidambu (idol) is then hoisted atop a huge tusker who is joined by 4 others at the start of the Vilakku carrying other deities. This is followed by elaborate recitations, Keli(recitation on Madalam, chenda and thalam),kombupattu (trumpet),Kuzhal ( a form of flute) etc
12 AM: The illustrious Panchari mela is set into tune by states most renowned percussion experts. They are joined in this effort by as orchestra of nearly 100 artists (chenda, Kuzhal, thalam, kombu). In this procession 4 deities from near by temples join the Bhagavathy. They are Thaikkatusserry, Chakkamkulangara ,Namkulam, and chittachatakudam. The Melam ascends through different octaves lasting 4 to 5 hours culminating in the intoxicating beats of the final fifth kalam.Fire work display follow.
This is followed by edakke pradiskeshanam ( mimnor form of panchavadya).As the sun rises in the east Bhagavathy sets for thr padikkal pooram.This is the only time in an year that devi goest out through the western door.After the Padikkal pooram The ceremonial sent off of the neighbouring deitieds (Upacharam ) take place.The fesitivities come to an end with the kodikutthu ( uprooting of the festival mascot).
