MArch 7 , 2004

Kadammanitta

Kadammanitta is famous for the folk art Padayani.
Padayani or Padeni in colloquial speech, is onem of the most colourful and spectacular folk arts associated with the festivals of certain temples

The 'Padayani', which is held on April 21 this year,is a ritual art in keeping with the martial traditions and is performed annually at the Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple, on the first day of Medam (Aries) for ten days. The grand finale held on April 21st is locally called 'Pathamudayam'. The performance is a rich blend of colour, vivacity and passionate devotion to Bhagavathy, the Mother Goddess.

Padayani probably has its origin in ritual and religion, but today it
can be viewed as a folk art with a genuine secular appeal. The whole
performance consisting of the dancers or actors who wear the Kolams,
the singers who recite a different poem for each Kolam, and the instrumentalists
who evoke wild and loud rhythm on their simple drum called
thappu and cymbals, etc, takes the form of procession of Kali and her
spirits returning after the killing of the Asura chief Darika.

Getting there:

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 119 kms from Pathanamthitta

Nearest Railway station: Thiruvalla , about 30 Kms from Pathanamthitta