The Unusuality of Chamayavilakku

Welcome to my new blog post, readers. I hope you have checked my previous blogs and if not, then do visit it. Today I am writing about a festival that is way too far from the ordinary festivities of India and this blog is going to leave you surprised. 

India is a country, where people around the corner celebrate a wide variety of occasions, all year round. Festivals are events that not only make us happy but also uniquely convey many interesting chronicles. Talking about festivals, men are usually sighted wearing kurtas, while women typically wear sarees. But, what if I say, males wear sarees as well? Let's see what this festival brings on. 

Chamayavilakku is one of the famous South Indian occasions,  and is observed annually at the Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple of Chavara, in Kerala's Kollam district. The word "Chamaya" which means "make-up" is where the name Chamayavilakku originates. During this festival, men shave their beards, dress in stunning, vibrant sarees and ornaments, put on loud makeup, and engage in holy ceremonies as a sacred offering to the goddess. 

Celebration of Chamayavilakku

Following the rites, men stroll around the temple holding the holy Chamayavilakku, a traditional lantern, as a sign of their devotion to the reigning divinity, and they pray to have their wishes granted. 

This festival has a mythical origin that narrates a group of lads who were formerly grazing cows close to the location where the present idol is present. While having fun building mud temples they came across a coconut, which they attempted to crack open by slamming it against a stone. They were shocked to see the stone bleed.Later it was found that the deity was happy with them and had made a promise to return yearly. To appease the goddess when she shows up, boys dress in such  unrecognizable ways. 

Temple of Sree Devi

This unique festival is held in the second half of March (10th and 11th of the Malayalam month of Meenam). Boys aged below ten years old can also appear as girls during the festival and take part in Kakkavilakku, a daytime event. Additionally, Chamayavilakku is celebrated for two days, starting in the evening and ending till daybreak.

According to reports, The transgender population in Kerala reportedly congregates in the biggest numbers during this event because it gives them a place to celebrate who they are.This festival serves as a place to enjoy individuality. There are many more festivals presiding in our nation. Some fall in our sight and some are yet to be explored.