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