KODUNGALOOR BHARANI

Celebrated In : Thrissur, Kerala Centre of Activity : Kodungaloor Bhagwathy Temple Main Participants : Oracles and women In the month of : March/April

Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Kochi, was the ancient port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here.

The Bharani Festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/ April) attracts the largest congregation of 'Velichappadu' (Oracles), including women from different parts of the State. Once in a trance, these Oracles perform a frenzied dance, repeatedly slashing their foreheads with curved swords. As a supreme symbol of their devotion, they make a sacrificial offering of their own blood to the deity.