CATEGORY : HERITAGE TOURISM , FESTIVALS
The Thelliyoor Vrischika
Vanibham, a centuries old rustic fair, at Thelliyoor,Ezhumattoor panchayat,
Mallappally taluk in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India is being
conducted every year during the 3rd week of November i.e.,1st week of
Vrischikam in Malalyalam era. People from all over the central Kerala throng
this rural Village from the 1st day of Vrischika enjoying the 5day event. From
centuries back devotees belonging to the various sections of the society used
to participate in this fair irrespective of caste creed or religion.
The fishfolks from the coastal
areas bring sharkfins as their offering to the deity, Bhadrakali, of the temple
and even today it is the major attraction of the fair.Its not usual to have
meat or fish as offerings in temples, but here at Thelliyoor it is THE offering
most valued, as it is the specialty of taste of these shark fins that are
brought on to the Vanibham grounds still attract people. Along with all the
other agricultural produces and traditional crafts the various sects of people
gathered on the Vanibham grounds every year. The people at those times who were
not allowed into the temple premises gathered at the ashram grounds, in front
of the temple, owned by the Paravanolil family.
For generations through centuries the fair is
being organized by the Paravanolil Bhagawathy Parempil family. As the successor
to this tradition Late Shri.Paravanolil N.Ramanpillai(founder of Sreeramashram)
took great care rendering amenities to those participating in the fair,
assisted by his son late Shri.P.R.Damodharan Pillai. Now the fair is organized
every year by the Sreeramashram Charitable Society ( found in the memory of
Shri.P.N.Raman Pilla) under the guidance and supervision of his grandson
Shri.D.Gopalakrishnan Nair assisted by Mr.Govind.G.Nair(s/oD.Gopalakrishanan
Nair).
The fair dating back to the time of barter system is transformed into a fair of varied class items ranging from agricultural produces to electronic goods is a well preserved traditional event of Kerala which is of much news value.