Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu in Malayalam
calendar is said to be auspicious with the story of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvathy. Devotees visited Shiva and Devi temples for special offerings and
prayers.
In joint families, it is an occasion for getting
together and young girls eagerly follow the advice and guidance of senior
members. Dancing in traditional two piece attire in the domestic courtyards,
in tune with folk songs that communicate the myth of the festival is also
common and is called Thiruvathira kali. It has gained popularity as an event
in the state youth festivals also.
Pulikkali performed in
Kozhikode as part of Thiruvathira Festival
Many young women in the hi-tech world underwent
Thiruvathira vratam. Diet on this day is indigenous and related with
Kerala’s age old attraction to medicinal plants like Arrowroot, a multitude
of tubers and banana flavors along with wheat delicacies.
Swing, Pulikkali, Chendamelam, folk music and dances
through out the day and night gives the event a community angle.
As per the Hindu faith, youngsters who maintain a fast
with true devotion to Lord Shiva and Parvathy would be blessed with a
perfect knot; whereas elders gain spiritual uplift.
Major Devi temples in the district like Sree Valayanad,
Azhakodi, Varakkal, Pisharikavu; Shiva temples like Tali Maha Deva, Sivapuri,
Bilathikulam Maha Shiva and Sreekanteswara had special poojas and rituals to
mark the occasion.
