Neelamperur Pooram Padayani: Highlights of the year, special figurines

With an array of colourful wings set to unfurl across its skies, the Alappuzha village Neelamperur is gearing up for the grandeur of Pooram Padayani at the Neelamperur Palli Bhagavathy Temple, to be celebrated from September 6 to 21. The grand procession featuring the majestic swan will take place on the final day, September 21, at 12.30 am.

The Neelamperur Padayani is linked to the legend of Bheemasenan’s quest for the mythical Kalyanasaugandhikam flower. The belief is that, at the end of his journey, Bheemasenan beheld swans amidst a garden filled with the blossoms of this sacred flower in the land of the gandharvas.

Two big swans
One of the highlights of this year’s Padayani will be the inclusion of two giant swan figurines. The larger one, standing 9.25 feet tall, is being offered to the temple by Vineeth Kumar Mangalath. Its outer frame is crafted entirely from wild jack wood.  With another giant swan, measuring 7.25 feet, set to join it, this will be the first time since 2010 that two large swan figurines will be featured together in the Padayani. In addition, a third swan measuring 5.25 feet and around 50 other figurines will also be part of the rituals, the temple committee said.

Highlights of this year’s padayani
Sep 6 – 10 pm – Start of Padayani, Choottuvaypu
Sep 7 – 10 pm – Choottupadayani
Sep 8 – 10 pm – Choottupadayani
Sep 9 – 10 pm – Choottupadayani
Sep 10 – 10 pm – Poomaram
Sep 11 – 10 pm – Thattukooda
Sep 12 – 10 pm – Paravalayam
Sep 13 – 10 pm – Kudanirthu, Kudampoojakali, Thothakali (procession of Pookudas)

Sep 14 – 10 pm – Beginning of Plavilakolam, Thaapasakolam (figurines)
Sep 15 – 10 pm – Elephant
Sep 16 – 10 pm – Hanuman
Sep 17 – 10 pm – Plavilanirthu, Kudampoojakali, Thothakali, procession of Plavilakolangal (Bheemasenan)
Sep 18 – 10 pm – Pindiyum Kurutholayum, Aarambham Kodikoora procession
Sep 19 – 10 pm – Kaaval Pisahaachu
Sep 20 – 9 am – Start of Chirambukuthu
7.30 pm – Continuation of Chirambukuthu
11 pm – Kudampoojakali, Thothakali, Velakali, procession of Velayannangal and Ambalakotta

Sep 21 – 6 am – Start of colouring of Padayanikalam
12 Noon; Uchapooja, Kottipadi Sava, Annamoottu
8 pm- Thengamurickal ritual for Puthan annam
10 pm- Kudampooja Kali
10.30 pm - Sarvaprayaschitham to be led by temple Melsanthi Shankaran Namboothiri, Anunjavangal by the Devaswom President PK Manoj Kumar, Thothaakali
11 pm-  Hiruvanad Samarppanam of Puthan Annam
12. 30 am- Procession of grand swans, swan figurines, kolangal, Poyyana and Simham