CHINAKATHOOR POORAM OTTAPALAM
Chinakkathoor pooram is celebrated on Makam Day in the Malayalam month of kumbham which recollection is the vigour and spirit of Mamankam. Valluvanad, the cultural capital of Malabar offers the exquisite beauty of customery arts and Folklores on this occasion in a grand manner. The spectacular procession of 27 caparisoned tuskers with the accompaniment of panchavadyam and pandimelam provide a colourful show to the viewers of Valluvanad. We can see a torrential flow of traditional arts and folklores like pootham, Thira, Pulikkali, Kumbhamkali, Kudakkali, Theru (chariot), Thattinmelkooth (Dance on the platform) with inexhaustible energy and indomitable enthusiasm to the much acclaimed soil of Chinakkathoor Temple on the same day. The celebration of the above arts provide a footstomping music and influential step which pervade the artistic vision of valluvanad.. The swashbucking performance of pulikkali & Ox Play (kaalakali), ear-breaking sound of para (drum) of Thira & Pootham), Variety of attractive illuminated Panthals, intensive movement of jubilant mob to chinakkathoor neglecting the penetrating heat of kumbham which reveals that nothing else can substitute this festival. On the pooram day, people of Chinakkathoor Thattakam (place) would assemble on the temple ground irrespective of caste and religion to celebrate the festival bidding farewell to their crisis and struggles. Every one would like to participate in the predominant game of Chinakkathoor Pooram. Chinakkathoor Temple is situated at palappuram, i.e 5 KMs from Ottapalam and 30 KMs from Palakkad. There are 7 desams (areas) participating in this festival which includes Ottapalam, Pallarmangalam, Palappuram, Erakkottiri, Meetna, South Mangalam & North Mangalam who are striving hard for making the festival a grandeur occasion which shows Keralas rich and vibrant culture.
Chinakkathoor Pooram is a prominent festival of Ottapalam Taluk in Palakkad District. In the ancient days this taluk was Known as Valluvanad. It is the most glorious and georgeous festival of Ottapalam which was noted as the cradle of art Malabar.
HISTORY
It is believed that King Zamorin ordered Land Lords to start the festival in Chinakkathoor in 18th Century. It can be seen that the Horseplay indicates the significance of Zamorin Dynasty (AD 825-1766). The heritage of Mamankam reflects the glorious past in the Horseplay.
authority of temple celebrations in Malabar and also in Kerala.
The Historian ‘Mr. Whiteway’ has mentioned about the friendly war between the troops of Kerala Kings (Jaathi Vyavasthithiyum Kerala Charithravum-Pk. Balakrishnan, page.14). The war occurs in day light only. There was no more distance between the places of troops. The play starts after getting the signal of drum (Murasu). The Kuthira Panthi(Place of Horse troops) asserts that the above narration of Mr. Whiteway is accurately maintained in Horseplay of Chinakkathoor.
RS stuart says that the war-like play was conducted in a stipulated place once in an year. But there were no enmity continued in connection with this play. (PK.Balakarishnan-page 151). It is absolutely followed in Chinakkathoor.