Date:24/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/24/stories/2005102406320300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Mannarasala temple fete on October 25, 26

Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA: The Pooyam and Aayilyam festivals at Mannarasala Nagaraja temple, near Haripad, will be celebrated on October 25 and 26 respectively, said the temple authorities.

The Pooyam festival would mark the conclusion of the 12-day pujas at the temple being conducted by the head priestess known as `Mannarasala Amma.' A mass feast will be held at the temple on Pooyam day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cultural programmes include a Pancharimelam performance by Mattanoor Sankaran Kutty Marar and party from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m, `Pandimelam' from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and a carnatic vocal recital by Trichi S Ganesh from 8.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This will be followed by a Kathakali performance.

The Aayilyam festival will begin at 3.30 a.m. on October 26 with Nirmalyadarshanam. The various rituals on the day include drawing of the Nagakkalam for the Aayilyam pooja, procession from the temple to the Mannarasala Illam carrying idols of Nagaraja and other gods.

The other programmes on the Aayilyam day include a Carnatic vocal recital by Kollam Sethuraman from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and a Triple Thayambaka by Mattanoor Sankarankutty Marar and sons. A Kathakali music performance by Kalamandalam Sankaran Embranthiri and party would be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the day. The temple authorities said all arrangements had been completed for the successful conduct of the festival. The KSRTC would operate special services from various places to the temple.