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.
