ABOUT

Pettathullal, also known as Petta Kettu, is a historic ritualistic dance held annually on 27th Dhanu at Erumely in the district of Kottayam in Kerala. It is performed during the Mandalam - Makaravilakku period (November, December and January) in the presence of thousands of devotees which depicts the joyfulness of people by the slaying of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa. Two groups actively participates in the thullal, one from Ambalappuzha and other from Aalangadu. Ambalappuzha group starts their journey to Erumely on 22nd of Dhanu and a couple of days before the thullal. They visits the Manimala Bhagavathy temple on 25th Dhanu and performs an Aazhi pooja. Before the thullal of Ambalappuzha group, a Krishna parunth (sacred eagle) flies round in the sky. It is believed that lord Vishnu himself arrives from Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple on his mount Garuda to witness the thullal. The fascinating customs of Pettathullal starts with 'Prayashchitham' or atonement which is done to seek forgiveness for the intentional and unintentional sins committed during the vrata kalam (fasting period) by placing a coin and betel leaf on the holy "irumudikettu" or travel kit. The next custom is the offering of 'Pettapanam kettal' or Dakshina to Periyaswami. The kanni Ayyappas are instructed to carry a bundle, tied to a stick on their shoulders which will be filled by vegetables and cereals