Monday, March 18, 2002
Payyanur: Now-a-days snatch of valuables and pick pocketing are common at Payyanur Bus Stand. On Saturday evening a couple who were waiting for the bus was the latest victim by losing their purse. A youth came and snatched their purse and escaped. It is reported that the Bus Stand is under the control of anti-socials.
Anti-socials at Kankol Town
It is reported that the activities of anti-socials and drunkards are increasing day by day at Kankol Town.
Pooram Celbrations
The pooram celebrations, one of the important occasions of the girls of North Malabar will start on 19th March, 2002 for 9 days i.e. from 'Karthika' asterism to 'Pooram' asterism. During these 9 days, the virgins of every house worship the Kamadevan by offering different variety of flowers.
It is the custom of every house to maintain the centre room of the house called 'Padinjatta' (this room is immaculate and where the sacred photographs of different Gods and idols of their own deities are preserved) as the place of worship. The virgins will offer the flowers to 'Kamadevan' at the 'Kannimoola' (prosperous corner) by placing a lit lamp. On these 9 days, the flowers are offered with pray to 'Malaramban' (Kamadevan) on a small wooden stratum specially made for this purpose. On 'Pooram' day, by accumulating the flowers placed on all these 9 days, they construct an idol of 'Kamadevan' with flowers. On the evening, these flowers are brought out of the house and deposited under a jack fruit tree after completing the traditional rituals. While depositing the flowers under the jack fruit tree, the virgins bid the 'Kamadevan' this year with a request 'Nerathe Kalathe Varane Kama' 'Kandathilaraatinum Varane Kama' meaning (thereby 'Kamadevan' please come early next year as well as to come and attend the paddy field celebration). With this function, the 'Pooram' celebration comes to an end.
Poorakkali and Marathukali are performed in various bhagavathi temples during this period. This dance is usually performed in Kannangatu temples of the Yadava community, Muchilottu Kavus of Vaniya Community and in various bhagavathi kavus of the Thiyya community. The pooramkuli on the "pooram" day is another main ritual which brings an end to the pooram festival. .(To know more about Pooram Festival and Poorakkali, please visit www.poorakkali.com)
