Pettathullal
{{Short description|Ritualistic dance }}
{{transliteration|ml|Pettathullal}} ({{lang|ml|പേട്ട തുള്ളൽ}}), also known as {{transliteration|ml|Pettat kettu}} ({{lang|ml|പേട്ട കെട്ട്}}), is a historic ritualistic dance held annually on the 27th of Dhanu at Erumely, in the district of Kottayam, in the Indian state of Kerala. It is performed during the Mandalam - Makaravilakku period (November, December and January) among thousands of devotees. It depicts the joyfulness of people over the slaying of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/erumeli-petta-thullal-held/article6779583.ece|title=Erumeli Petta Thullal held|date=2015-01-12|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-11-25}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Only-Alangad-people-can-participate-in-petta-thullal/articleshow/17976202.cms|title=Only Alangad people can participate in petta thullal - TOI Mobile {{!}} The Times of India Mobile Site|newspaper=The Times of India|date=11 January 2013 |access-date=2016-11-25}} Two groups actively participate in the {{transliteration|ml|thullal}}, one from Ambalappuzha and other from Aalangadu. The Ambalappuzha group starts their journey to Erumely on the 22nd of Dhanu and a couple of days before the {{transliteration|ml|thullal}}. They visit the Manimala Bhagavathy temple on 25th Dhanu and perform an Aazhi pooja.{{Cite book|title=The Ambalappuzha sangam|last=Mathurbhoomi|first=Sabarimala supplement|publisher=Mathurbhoomi|year=2007|pages=59, 60}} Before the Ambalappuzha thullal, a Krishna parunth (sacred eagle) flies around in the sky. It is believed that lord Vishnu himself arrives from Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple on his mount Garuda to witness the {{transliteration|ml|thullal}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/12/petta-thullal-at-erumely-during.html?m=1|title=Petta Thullal at Erumely during Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season - Erumeli Petta Thulal|website=www.hindu-blog.com|access-date=2016-11-25}}{{Cite web|url=http://swamysaranam.weebly.com/petathullal.html|title=Petathullal|website=Swamy Saranam|access-date=2016-11-26}}
Pettathullal is a symbolic representation of a community against the uprisings of Adharma or injustice. By slaying the demoness Mahishi, Ayyappa empowered the people by saying that "Unity is the key to social transformation".
{{Infobox dance
| name = Erumely Pettathullal
| native_name = {{lang|ml|എരുമേലി പേട്ടതുളളൽ}}
| native_name_lang = ml
| etymology = {{transliteration|ml|Petta}} means market and {{transliteration|ml|Thullal}} means dance
| image = ErumeliVavarSwamyDarga.JPG
| alt =
| caption = Vavar masjid at Erumely
| genre = Ritual dance
| signature =
| instruments = {{plainlist| * Chenda
- Nagaswaram
- Pambamelam
}}
| inventor =
| year =
| origin = From the slain of Mahishi by Ayyappa
}}
Ritual
File:Erumeli Petta Sastha Temple.jpg
The custom of Pettathullal starts with {{transliteration|ml|'Prayashchitham'}} or atonement which is done to seek forgiveness for the intentional and unintentional sins committed during the {{transliteration|ml|vrata}} {{transliteration|ml|kalam}} (fasting period) by placing a coin and betel leaf on the holy {{transliteration|ml|irumudikettu}} or travel kit. The next custom is the offering of {{transliteration|ml|Pettapanam kettal}} or Dakshina to Periyaswami. The {{transliteration|ml|kanni}} Ayyappas are instructed to carry a bundle, tied to a stick on their shoulders, which will be filled by vegetables and cereals.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/amp/kottayam/malayalam-news/erumeli-1.790619|title=Erumeli എരുമേലി പേട്ടതുള്ളല്: ആലങ്ങാട് സംഘം എത്തി - അമ്പലപ്പുഴ സംഘം ഇന്നെത്തും, Mathrubhumi, Kottayam|website=www.mathrubhumi.com|access-date=2016-11-26}}
The pilgrims participating in Pettathullal often come in groups and chant {{transliteration|ml|"Ayyappa thinthakathom, Swamy thinthakathom"}}. They dress like tribes with their bodies and faces smeared by colours and charcoal and carry weapons such as {{transliteration|ml|sarakkol}} (arrows) and wooden maces.{{Cite news|url=http://sabarimala.haindavam.org/the-petta-thullal-at-erumeli-22/|title=The Petta-thullal at Erumeli (22)|last=Foundation|first=Sreyas|date=2011-12-24|newspaper=Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Information|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-25}} An important element is that of 'Kanni Ayyappas
The pilgrims then proceed to Vavar mosque and are harmoniously welcomed by Mahallu Jamaat committee members.{{Cite web|url=http://sabarimala.tdb.org.in/node/142|title=Petta Thullal {{!}} Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple|website=sabarimala.tdb.org.in|access-date=2016-11-25}} After taking a circuit around the mosque, a representative of Vavar accompanies the group to the Sastha temple (Valiyambalam) about 0.5 km away. The {{transliteration|ml|thullal}} of Alangadu group is held in the afternoon.{{Cite web|url=http://www.facenfacts.com/NewsDetails/3144/erumeli-petta-thullal-ritual-on-january-11.htm|title=Erumeli Petta Thullal ritual on January 11 - FacenFacts|website=www.facenfacts.com|access-date=2016-11-25}} The Aalangadu group expects a star to twinkle in the sky before the sunset. The festivities end with a circuit of the temple by the pilgrims.{{Cite web|url=http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/kottayam/destinations/eventsandfestivals/erumelipettathullal.htm|title=Erumeli Petta Thullal, Kottayam City Guide Tourist attractions Kerala|website=www.webindia123.com|access-date=2016-11-25}} They abandon their weapons at the temple roof and bathe in Peeruthodu river. Both groups light camphors at the temple and seek the blessings of Ayyappa to continue their journey to Sabarimala.
References
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