Edakkunni Uthram Vilakku

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Uthramvilakku is a major festival celebrated at Edakkunni near Trichur , in Kerala, in South India.

It has its origin in uthrampattu, a form of ritual singing (Brahmani pattu) that was later converted into Uthramvilakku in its present form about 150 years ago. This is celebrated on the uthram day of the Meenam month of the Malayalam calendar.

After the kodiyettam (flag-hoisting) a small pooram ceremony is performed on 3 elephants. Over the succeeding 6 days the deity of Lord Bhagavathy is taken around the historic Perumanam village astride an elephant, receiving the obeisances of devotees and taking part in pooram ceremonies in different temples along the route.

The ceremonial pachyderm also participates in the traditional Anayottam (elephant race) at Piddikaparambu which is near Cherpu about 14 km south-west of the town of Thrissur. This is the only elephant race in the world in which idols of different deities from different temples take part.

[edit] The day's functions

The itinerary is as follows:-

06:30: The Bhagavathy returns from the town of Arattupuzha.
09:30:Ceremonial reception of the deity.
18:00:Lamp-lighting ceremony and nadaswara recitals.
19:00: Panchavadyam with five elephants.
22:00 : Bhagavathy deity is led in procession outside the sanctum sanctorum with the accompaniment of valia pani orchestra. The Bhagavathy idol is then hoisted atop a huge tusker which is joined by four others. This is followed by elaborate recitations, on various instruments including Keli, kombupattu(trumpet), Kuzhal(a form of flute) etc.
00:00: The illustrious Panchari mela is set into tune by Kerala's most renowned percussion experts. They are joined in this effort by as orchestra of nearly 100 artists. In this procession four deities from nearby 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. A fireworks display follows.

authored by Dr.Vinod Rajagoplan vphykon@sify.com

ref:www.edakkunnitemple.org

[edit] Closing Ceremony

This is followed by an edakke pradiskeshanam ritual. People go through edakke pradiskeshanam to get rid of ailments.

As the sun rises in the east Bhagavathy sets for the padikkal pooram. This is the only time in a year that deity goes out through the western door. After the Padikkal pooram, the ceremonial send off of the neighbouring deities (Upacharam) takes place. The festivities come to an end with the kodikutthu (uprooting of the festival mascot).