Ochira: As the sunlight began to fade, the premises of the Parabrahma Temple at Ochira transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of colour and devotion, with a grand parade of Kettukala (bull effigies) descending upon the Padanilam festival grounds.

From Vishwaprajapathi Kalabhairavan, the tallest among the effigies, to the smaller yet equally striking creations, each Kettukala was accompanied by traditional art forms and pulsating rhythms that sent waves of excitement through the vast crowd.

Lakhs of devotees took part in the Ochira Kalakettu festival, a celebration that blends the agricultural legacy and cultural traditions of the Onattukara region. Around 200 bull effigies, ranging from modest to monumental, were brought in a grand procession from the 52 villages of Onattukara. These colossal creations will remain on display at the Padanilam until tomorrow.

The processions began in the early hours of Friday from various Kalamoodu, the workshops where these effigies are crafted. Several Kalakettu Samithis (bull effigy committees), led by women, also participated with great enthusiasm.

The bull effigy crafted by the Alumpeedika Pouravedi was the first to enter the festival grounds, followed by the Vellikkala (silver bull effigy) of the Thrikkarthika Kettukala Samithi, Vallikkavu, and the massive creations of Shivapriyan Kettukala from Prayar Vadakkukara and Varanadu Komban from Payikkuzhi Kara.

With Vishwaprajapathi Kalabhairavan making its grand entry, the rest of the effigies had to wait for hours before their turn to reach the Padanilam. The procession of Kettukala, adorned in striking red and white, continued well into the night as devotees thronged the venue to witness the spectacular display. Devotees will continue to pour in over the next two days to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creations.