Kerala - Its Contribution to Indian History & Culture

[Badri]

[tscii]Article by Padmanabha

FAST and festivals are an intrinsic part of India’s cultural fabric. Over centuries women observed many fasts to propitiate destiny and gods. The Malayalam month Dhanu witnesses a significant that women follow for their marital bliss. This festival called Thiruvathira falls on January 3 next year. Very Happy

It always coincides with the full moon in Dhanu. The celebration is as old as Sangam AGE. Stanza eleven of Paripaadal by Nallanduvanar describes the wading damsels in Vaigai on the full moon day in Dhanu. The poet also describes how the women propitiate the gods for a loving husband.

The legend of Thiruvathira is related to Lord Siva and the consequences of Dakshayagam. Another legend is connected with Parvathi Parinayam. People generally believe that Dhanu is an inauspicious month may be of bleak weather but many women do observe penance for Thiruvathira.

The entire worship signifies the desire that the husband live a long and healthy life. The women abstain from food as an offering in exchange for their prayers being granted says Narayani Amma, an octogenarian. This festival is recreated in plenty of Malayalam films and is portrayed as an extremely romantic ritual that strengthens the bond between husband and wife.

“IN Dhanu, the climate is cool. Instead of resting in the arms of Morpheus, women devotees in groups take a dip in still water” said Santhamma.

On the eve of Thiruvathira a suitable place in the fore court is cleaned and smeared with cow dung. Paddy husk is heaped and lit. Chena, cheru kizhangu, and kaya (raw banana) are roasted till soft. They are mashed and mixed with jaggery and grated coconut, sliced sugar cane diced plantains, and kalkandum candies) This mixture called ettengadi is offered before serving to the women who have assembled to paint their hands and feet with mayilanji (mehandi) she said.

This assemblage provides an opportunity to escape from the chores that binds them down to everyday routine. It offers a forum to sing dance and to gossip.

In a tray traditional attire (need not be new) vaal kannadi, kum kum dasapushpangal and collyrium are displayed. Women decorate themselves and stage Thiruvathirakali.

Next day after the ritualistic bath at dawn, they get themselves dressed in the traditional attire, emphasize eyes and brows with collyrium, deck with jewels and visit the temple of Siva. Of course they fast. To celebrate without food, might not be conducive for enjoyment. Still they engage in singing and dancing.” Santhamma remembers.

Swati Tirunal. Irayimmen Thampi, and his daughter Kutti kunju thankachi have composed plenty of thiuvathira pattu.