Paraveppu

Paraveppu is a ritual performed in Hindu homes in connection with the Uthralikavu Pooram Festival in Wadakkancherry. It is meant as an offering to the deity.
Uthralikavu near Wadakanchery is one of the most important Kavu temples in Kerala.
Kavu temples are located amidst paddy fields and in the midst of hills and forests. There may not be an idol as such. The deity is usually exposed to sun and rain and is believed to be the protector and nourisher of the fields.
Kavu temples are dedicated to the mother goddess in the form of Bhagawati, Lakshmi, Saraswathi or Bhadrakali.
The Goddesses of Kavu temples are believed to be powerful. Their anger will result in dreadful diseases, floods, droughts and such other natural calamities.
Within the Paraveppu ritual, a para (wooden/brass measure) full of paddy is normally arranged in front of the house along with the lighted lamps and other offerings such as fruits and jaggery.
The offering is made through the Velichappadu. He is regarded as the intermediary between the devotee and the deity. He is well comparable to the ancient Greek Oracle. Velichappads are an integral part in almost all the important Devi temples.

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decorating the space around the offerings
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arrival of the procession with the Velichappadu who is accompanied by the sound of drums, ilathalam (cymbals) and kombu (trumpet)
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lightening the lamps and fillling the para
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starting of the ritual
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starting a procession around the offerings

 

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The Velichappadu, dressed in red and carrying a sword and shield - while franatically dancing gets 'posessed by the spirit of the deity'.
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He then distributes sanctified rice grains into the open hands of the family members and continues his dance around the offerings.
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His untrimmed long hair falls loose on his back and fore head while the family members listen to his word in this possessed state.
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While the Velichappadu is briefly interacting with the family members, he takes back the rice grains with a money offering of the devotee
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It is a much sought of honour and favour that the Velichappadu shares the sadya (feat meal) with a family.

 

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The Velichappadu.
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The ritual is over.
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He then distributes sanctified rice grains into the open hands of the family members and continues his dance around the offerings.
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A consort of the Vellichapadu during the sadhya (vegetarian feast meal served on a banana leaf ).