Vairankode Vela

The Vairankode Festival, also known as Vairankode Vela or Vairankode Theeyattulsavam, (Malayalam: വൈരങ്കോട് വേല, വൈരങ്കോട് തീയാട്ടുൽസവം) is a significant annual celebration held at the Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple in Malappuram district, Kerala. It's dedicated to Goddess Bhadra Kaali and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The annual Festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February). The festival begins on first Sunday of Kumbham month, begins with the ritual of Maram Muri, cutting a jackfruit tree for woods to prepare the fire of Kanalattam ritual.

The Azhvanchery Thamprakkal Does not enter the Vairankode temple. The responsibility for temple affairs lies with the Koima (principalities) appointed by the Tambras. 'Marammuri', the beginning of the temple festival, takes place only with the permission of the Koima of the Thamprakkal. Koima then supervises all the ceremonies related to the temple festival and conducts the Ariyalav as part of the closing ceremony of the festival. Athavanad, the main flag- beavered of the Vairankode festival, depart for Vairankode after receiving the blessings of Azhvanchery Mana floats and Thamprakkal.

Cheriya Theeyattu, will be held on the third day and the 6th day celebration is called Valiya Theeyattu. On both these days, procession of various folk art forms like Poothan,Thira, Kattalan, Pulikali from nearby villages and places are the major attraction. Eratta Kaala, the decorated effigies of bullocks is another highlight of the festival. The Kanalattam ritual, during which members of the forward caste walk across fire, is set to occur at midnight on the last day of the festival. The event at Vairankode Temple attracts thousands of participants from various castes and religions. Festival Place transforms into a lively marketplace, showcasing a diverse range of products, including local produce, pottery, bamboo and palm crafts, decorative items, fresh vegetables, savory snacks, children's toys, candies, and assorted sweets. A significant attraction of the festival is the vibrant freshwater fish market, drawing fishermen from both nearby and far-off regions to present their latest catches. This cultural event fosters connections among attendees at Festival Place. **A notable difference from many other temple festivals in Kerala is that the Vairankode Vela does not feature elephant processions.**

The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights.The theatre will provide the audience with a memorable experience, exhibiting the beauty of Kerala's rural village temple festivals together with a peek of the rural people's passions.

## Festival Highlights 
Maram Muri: The festival begins with the ritual of cutting a jackfruit tree to prepare fire for the Kanalattam ritual.

Cheriya Theeyattu and Valiya Theeyattu: These are two major events, with Cheriya Theeyattu being a common celebration for nearby villages and Valiya Theeyattu being the grand festival on the sixth day.

Processions and Folk Art Forms: Vibrant processions featuring Poothan, Thira, Kattalan, Pulikali, and other folk art forms from nearby villages are a major attraction.

Folk Art Extravaganza: The festival is a spectacle of traditional folk art forms. Processions from various villages converge on the temple, showcasing performers of.

Music and Splendor: Each procession is accompanied by loud, synchronized percussion ensembles (Chenda Melam), traditional lamps (Thalappoli), and colorful ceremonial parasols (Thithyerikuda).

The spectacle of multiple kodivaravukal converging on the temple grounds, each trying to outdo the others in terms of artistry, music, and the size of their effigies, creates an electrifying atmosphere unique to the Vairankode festival.

Poothan and Thira: Performers in traditional masks and attire representing divine or mythological figures.

Katalan: A character representing a mythological hunter or soldier of Lord Shiva.

Pulikali: The famous tiger dance, where performers are painted and dressed as tigers.

Kodivaravukal (Flag Processions): Massive, colorful processions from surrounding villages featuring traditional percussion (Chenda Melam) and unique folk arts.

Processions (Varavu): Large, vibrant processions featuring various traditional folk art forms like Vaikkolpoothan, Vaikkol (വൈക്കോൽ): Means "Straw”. Poothan (പൂതൻ): Refers to a "Demon," "Spirit," or a "Mythical Figure" (similar to a 'Bhootham'). Thira, Kattalan, and Pulikali (a type of tiger dance).

Marketplace: The festival grounds transform into a bustling temporary market. It's a lively cultural hub where visitors can find everything from local produce and handicrafts to pottery and a special market for freshwater fish.

Timing: The festival takes place in the Malayalam month of **Kumbham**, which typically falls in **February**. The start date is the first Sunday of the month, with the main celebrations spread over the following days.

## Transportation 
* Nearest Airports: Calicut (CCJ) and Cochin International Airport
* Nearest Municipality: Tirur
* Nearest Major Railway Station:Tirunnavaya railway station 4&nbsp;km, Tirur Railway Station10 km, Kuttippuram Railway Station11 km
* Nearest Bus Station: Tirur10 km, Kuttipuram 11&nbsp;km, Puthanathani 10&nbsp;km

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