Photo #3; Caption: These 4 participants are starting the ‘Chamaya Vilakku’ ritual. (Photo: The Indian Express)
This is conducted in Kottankulangara Devi Temple (Here) where the Goddess Durga (Aadi Shakthi) is the deity. “Chamaya Vilakku” (Chamayam = Make-up & Vilakku= Lamp) is the annual festival here where the men are dressed as women & participate in the ritual. The festival happens for two days during March/April & this year it was on March 24 & 25. The devotees offer this to fulfil their wishes and seek forgiveness for one’s sins.
Photo #6; Caption: One more. (Photo: my friend’s social media)
At night they hold the traditional lamps and walk around the temple, accompanied by the traditional orchestra. Later they wait in que to receive the blessings from the deity who comes on the “Jivitha”.
Photo #7; Caption: “Jivitha Ezhunnallathu” - the procession of the deity on a special vehicle carried on their shoulders by experts when the devotees on both sides receive the blessings. (Photo: my friend’s social media)
The festival is also one of the largest congregations of the transgender community in Kerala as it gives them an opportunity to express their identity.
I have heard about the festival, but this tye first time I am looking into the details @TravellerG
A very informative post explaining how the festival takes place. Beautiful supportive photos goes with it nicely. Thanks for sharing the details and pictures. I am adding now many places to my wishlist. Hopefully should try to visit these places.
Dearest friend @TravellerG many of these photographs can’t tell if they are men or women, I would be completely confused. Luckily I’m a monogamous and faithful companion of @mariacristinafossa , but sure that the winner could make many men dizzy.
