This ritual is performed during Meena Bharani festival in Kali temples and it mostly prevalent in Travancore and Cochin Bagavathi temples. This ritual is offered as a mark of obeisance and gratitude for problem solved in the abode of goddess kali. The ritual goes on during the entire night with the Chenda experts playing their scores throughout.
Art
Garudan Thookkam
History of Garudan Thookkam
Garudan Thookkam is an art form performed as a ritual in Kali temples in South Kerala. Legend of Garudan Thookkam says that goddess Kali after killing Darika was still thirsty and insatiable and Lord Vishnu send Garuda to Kali to quench her thirst and after getting some drops from Garuda Goddess Kali was specified.
How to perform
Around 40 to 50 performers wear the costume of Garuda and they are taken out in a procession in carts. After the night long performance the main performers are pierced with a shaft hook on his back known as Choondakuthal and hung in a tall grandly decorated and lighted wooden pedestal and taken around the temple thrice by the devotees.
Famous artists from kerala
- Garudan Thookam is performed by people who have offerings to Goddess kali.
