Kannambra or Rishinarada Mangalam vela, celebrated on24-25 May, is one of the biggest festivals of Palakkad region. Considered as the culmination of the summer festivals, it is the annual celebration of Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy which is led by two competing groups Kannambra Desam and Rishinarada Mangalam Desam.

On the day of the fair, the competing groups carry out procession including seven elephants and the traditional orchestras such as Panchavadyam, Pandi melam, and Desa Vadyam, towards the temple. The elephant walking in the centre holds the ‘Thidambu’ of the Goddess. This festival is popularly known as ‘chakka vela’ based on its relation to a story about the harvest of jackfruits and mangoes during this period.

The highlights of Kannambra vela are the Eedu Vedi which consists of fireworks at noon, and Vaalum Chilambum Ezhunnallathu- a colourful procession announcing the arrival of the Goddess. Due to the huge popularity of this festival people attend Kannambra vela in large numbers, thus making it an occasion for family reunions.

Photo Credit: httpwikimapia.org1618394Vela-Parambu-Rishinaradamangalam-and-Kannambra-Desam#photo371821