Ochira Kali is a two-day celebration that will be starting from June 16 and continue till June 17, 2019. The festival commemorates the historic medieval period battle between the past Kayamkulam and Ambalapuzha kingdoms. The festival basically falls in monsoon and the festival is connected to the Ochira Parabrahma temple.
Men and boys are dressed as warriors, form two groups, enter a waterlogged wetland called padanilam and engage in the mock battle and instead of swords, they use sticks and splash water at each other. The battle is fought ceremoniously to the beat of drums.
This popular festival is also known as the festival of cattle. During this festival, huge “Eduppu kala”, bull shaped structures are created. They are then pulled on to the Ochira Temple from the place where they are made.
What surprising is that unlike other temples in Kerala, there is no shrine or idol at the temple. Everyone there believes in the concept of worship that revolves around the Parabrahmam or the universal consciousness and due to this unique concept, the temple is different from the rest.
The festival is fun and enthralling and you will feel like joining the battle if you are watching as an audience.
If you are planning to witness the festival, then here’s how you can travel.
Nearest railway station: Ochira, that is at a walking distance
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 105 km
Festivals are a way to bring people from different cultures together. Through festivals, one can know the culture, and traditions, of the other. So, what are you thinking? Book your tickets and witness this unique festival of Kerala.
Also Read: Thrissur Pooram Of Kerala : The Mother Of All Firework And Temple Celebrations