Para (paraveppu) is a malayali festival that I always saw coming in the month of August. Last two years COVID prevented any festivities, but I was surprised to get a call this morning that para procession from the guruvayur temple, mayur vihar is coming today, just in an hour. (Sunday, May 15, 2022). Unlike previous years this time the decorated elephants were not part of the procession, following a supreme court order to protect animals from "cruelty", nevertheless the decorated buggy (stagecoach) driven was horses was equally impressive.
We got ready and here is how the celebration went through.
Paraveppu is a ritual performed in Hindu homes in connection with the Uthralikavu Pooram Festival in Wadakkancherry. It is meant as an offering to the deity.
Uthralikavu near Wadakanchery is one of the most important Kavu temples in Kerala.
Kavu temples are located amidst paddy fields and in the midst of hills and forests. There may not be an idol as such. The deity is usually exposed to sun and rain and is believed to be the protector and nourisher of the fields.
Kavu temples are dedicated to the mother goddess in the form of Bhagawati, Lakshmi, Saraswathi or Bhadrakali.
The Goddesses of Kavu temples are believed to be powerful. Their anger will result in dreadful diseases, floods, droughts and such other natural calamities.
Within the Paraveppu ritual, a para (wooden/brass measure) full of paddy is normally arranged in front of the house along with the lighted lamps and other offerings such as fruits and jaggery.
The offering is made through the Velichappadu. He is regarded as the intermediary between the devotee and the deity. He is well comparable to the ancient Greek Oracle. Velichappads are an integral part in almost all the important Devi temples.
(with inputs from kerala culture website)
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