You can visit a temple where worship is not done to any deity, but to Duryodhana, the villain of Mahabharata? Malnad Temple located in Poruvzhi, Kerala is one such unique place. Every year in the month of March, a colorful festival “Malanada Kettukazcha” is celebrated, which is worth seeing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Overview of Malanada Kettukazcha Festival
- Significance of the Festival
Fair of Colors, Confluence of Faith – Malnad Ketukazha 2024
The land of Kerala is decorated in unique colors every year, one of those colors is the famous Ketukazha fair of Malnad. Located in Kollam district of western Kerala, this fair is not only a center of faith but also a beautiful confluence of culture and tradition. Every year thousands of people participate in this fair and celebrate together with each other.
Come, this time let us also get lost in these colors and know some special things about Malnad Ketukazha Fair:
Witness to ancient tradition: This fair is being celebrated since the 17th century. That this tradition has been alive for so long is a special thing in itself.
Festival in the courtyard of the temple: This fair is organized near Malnad Mahadev Temple. It is believed that this fair started from this temple.
Explosion of art and culture: Not only religious rituals take place in this fair, but art exhibitions and cultural programs are also organized. This fair gives a glimpse of the rich art and culture of Kerala.
The pomp and show of elephant procession: The pomp and splendor of elephant procession is seen in every major festival of Kerala, similarly in the Malnad Ketukazha fair too, decorated elephants fascinate the devotees.
Fireworks mesmerize the eyes: On the last day of the fair, a spectacular display of fireworks takes place, which mesmerizes everyone.
Malnad Ketukazha Fair 2024
Date:
| Malanada Kettukazcha Poruvazhi Malanada Temple Kollam District | 22 March (March / April | Meenam) |
| Malayattoor Perunnal Malayattoor Church Ernakulam District | 07 April |
| Manarcad Perunnal or Ettunoyambu St. Mary’s Church Kottayam District | 01 to 08 September |
If you want to experience the culture, tradition and faith of Kerala closely, then definitely attend the Malnad Ketukazha fair this time. This fair will give you an unforgettable experience.
History of Malanada Kettukazcha
- Origins of Malanada Kettukazcha
- Evolution of the Festival Over the Years
Hidden in the pages of history – the journey of Malnad Ketukazha!
This colorful fair of Malnad is centuries old, listening to its story feels as if time has stopped. Come, today let us take a peek into those pages of history, where is hidden the interesting beginning of Malnad Ketukazha and the story of its changing form over the years.
The seed of faith was sown:
It is believed that this fair started in the 17th century. Lord Shiva appears in a dream to a local king of that time and orders him to organize a fair near the temple. This was the seed from which the colorful journey of Malnad Ketukazha began!
Cultural connection with faith:
Initially this fair was just a religious event, where people used to worship Lord Shiva. But this changed with time. People from nearby villages also started participating in this fair. Gradually, it went beyond just religious rituals and also became a center for showcasing art and culture.
Changing times, changing form:
In earlier times, only local artists used to exhibit their art in this fair. But now artists come from far and wide and showcase their art. Nowadays, cultural programs and elephant processions are also given a lot of importance in this fair.
Respect for tradition, spice of modernity!
Although this fair has changed over the years, its original traditions are still alive. Even today the fair starts with worship in the temple and the fireworks on the last day mesmerize everyone.
So this was the story of Malnad Ketukazha fair, which, preserving the centuries-old tradition, attracts everyone with its colorful form every year.
Malanada Temple
- Description of the Temple
- Religious Significance
Unique temple of Malnad – where Duryodhana gets blessings!
Amidst the colorful festivals of Kerala, the temple of Malnad is known across the country for its unique tradition. This is the temple where you will see the statue not of Lord Ram or Krishna, but of Duryodhana, the villain of Mahabharata.
Now you might be wondering why this is so? So let us know the story of this unique temple and its religious importance today:
A unique statue:
This temple of Malnad is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but outside the temple sits a grand statue of Duryodhana. In the statue, Duryodhana is shown ready for war, with a mace in his hands and a serious expression on his face.
Story hidden in legends:
Local people believe that centuries ago, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the king here and blessed him for victory in the war. He also said that to win the war, he would have to worship Duryodhana. The king did the same and won the war. Since then, the statue of Duryodhana was installed here and he is worshipped.
Respect for faith:
Even though Duryodhana is shown as a villain in the Mahabharata, the people here respect him as a great warrior. They believe that Duryodhana was honest and charitable. His side may have lost the war, but his courage and determination still inspire people.
This unique tradition makes the temple of Malnad special in the country. Devotees coming here not only see Lord Shiva but also pay homage to Duryodhana.
Preparation for the Festival
- Months Leading Up to the Festival
- Role of the Community in Preparation
Malnad gets decorated, preparations for the festival – a collective dream of colours!
Malnad Ketukazha fair is not just a festival but a continuation of colors throughout the year. Yes, the excitement of this fair starts months in advance, when the entire village gets together and starts preparations to celebrate this colorful festival.
Let us see what this preparation looks like and how the entire community comes together to create this special festival:
Artists coloring months ago:
The art exhibitions held in Malnad Ketukazha fair are its lifeblood. Therefore, several months before the fair, the village artists start making their artworks. Someone is sewing colorful costumes, while someone is repairing traditional musical instruments. In every house, preparations for the festival are going on in some form or the other.
Together we will decorate the temple:
A few weeks before the fair, the entire village comes together to clean and decorate the temple. Elderly people teach the youth to decorate the temple in the traditional way. Rangoli is made, trees around the temple are decorated and the temple premises are illuminated with lamps. This scene is no less than a community festival!
The aroma of delicious dishes fills the air:
The village women are also not left behind. Together they prepare to make traditional dishes. During the fair, special dishes are prepared in every house to serve delicious food to the guests coming from far and wide.
All these preparations are not only for the fair, but they also present a beautiful example of unity and brotherhood. Malnad Ketukazha Fair is not just a festival, but a colorful way to realize the collective dream of the entire community!
Kettukazcha Procession
- Traditional Floats and Structures
- Cultural Performances During the Procession
The procession has started, a flood of happiness – Colorful parade of Malnad Ketukazha!
The main attraction of Malnad Ketukazha fair is its grand procession. This procession not only mesmerizes the eyes, but participating in it is a different experience in itself. Let us get lost in the pomp and show of this colorful procession today and see what is special about it:
Mythology Interview:
Huge and colorful tableaux walk at the front of the procession. These tableaux depict stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures. Artists give a lively look to the characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata in these tableaux.
*Village art, on the street:
Many local artists participating in the procession showcase their skills. Some dance to the beats of drums, while others perform traditional dances in colorful costumes. Seeing this dance it seems as if the entire village is colored with happiness.
Elephant’s slow gait, sense of reverence:
Any Kerala festival is incomplete without elephant procession. Even in Malnad Ketukazha fair, decorated elephants fascinate the devotees. Idols of gods and goddesses ride on these elephants and people worship them.
Confluence of religion and art:
During the procession, small stages are made at many places on the way, where artists demonstrate their art. Here you can watch traditional dances like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, or listen to the melodious tunes of Malayalam folk songs. This scene is a beautiful example of the confluence of religion and art.
This procession not only displays religious faith, but it also reflects the rich culture and traditions of Malnad. Joining the procession is a memorable experience for everyone!
Cultural Significance
- Impact of Malanada Kettukazcha on Local Culture
- Influence on Regional Tourism
Combination of colors, continuation of tradition – Cultural heritage of Malnad Ketukazha
Malnad Ketukazha fair is not just a celebration of pomp and colors, but it is also a heritage of age-old traditions. This fair not only keeps the local culture alive but also promotes regional tourism. Let us see how this fair affects the culture and tourism of Malnad:
Traditions passed down from generation to generation:
The preparations for the Malnad Ketukazha fair itself are a cultural festival. The older generation teaches the youth to make artefacts, sew traditional costumes and learn folk dances. In this way this fair helps in preserving the cultural heritage from generation to generation.
Artists get a platform:
This fair is a great platform for local artists to showcase their skills. By participating in art exhibitions and cultural programs organized during the fair, artists not only showcase their art but also pass it on to the new generation.
Tourism gets a boost:
Malnad Ketukazha fair is also very important for regional tourism. Every year thousands of tourists come to see this fair. This provides employment opportunities to the local people and also promotes hotel business. Besides, this fair also helps in giving recognition to the culture of Kerala across the world.
Symbol of communal harmony:
This fair is not just a celebration of Hinduism, but it brings together people of all religions and communities. Everyone celebrates together during the fair. This is a beautiful example of communal harmony and brotherhood.
Actually, Malnad Ketukazha fair is a confluence not only of colors but also of culture and traditions. This fair is not only a means of entertainment, but it also keeps the soul of Malnad alive and makes it reach the world.
Conclusion
- Reflection on the Importance of Malanada Kettukazcha
- Prospects for Future Celebrations
Farewell to colours, promise to traditions – the end of the story of Malnad Ketukazha?
At last the last day of the fair has arrived. With the sparkle of fireworks, this festival of colors slowly begins to fade away. There is silence in the courtyard of the temple, but this happiness remains in the hearts of the people throughout the year.
What lesson does Malnad Ketukazha fair teach us?
Cherishing traditions: This fair teaches us how important it is to cherish our traditions. These traditions passed on from generation to generation keep us connected to our roots.
Respect for art and culture: This fair gives respect and platform to the artists. This reminds us that art and culture are the soul of any society.
Community Harmony: Malnad Ketukazha Fair teaches us how important it is to unite above religion and caste. This fair teaches us the lesson of brotherhood and tolerance.
So is this the end of the story of Malnad Ketukazha? No! This sequence of colors will start again next year. Next year again the artists will get busy in making their artefacts, the women of the village will prepare delicious dishes and the entire village will be ready to celebrate this colorful festival together.
Malnad Ketukazha Fair is not just a festival, but it is a promise of traditions, it is a series of happiness, which keeps us connected year after year.