New Delhi: India’s temples are renowned across the world not only for their spiritual significance but also for their unique customs and traditions. One such temple is the Kottankulangara Devi Temple in Kerala’s Kollam district. Every year, during the Chamayavilakku festival, men dress as women to offer prayers to the goddess. Wearing sarees, traditional jewellery, and full makeup, they participate in the rituals with deep devotion. This distinctive tradition attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from India and abroad.
What is special about the Chamayavilakku festival?
A two-day Chamayavilakku festival is organised every year at the Kottankulangara Devi Temple. During this period, thousands of men reach the temple wearing traditional sarees. Not only sarees, but they also wear jewellery, bangles, bindis, flower gajras and complete makeup. Special worship of the Goddess is done with a lamp in hand. During the festival time, temporary stalls of make-up artists and beauty parlours are also set up around the temple premises, where devotees dress up traditionally before the puja.
How did this tradition start?
According to local belief, centuries ago, some shepherd boys in this area used to disguise themselves as women and worship a stone while playing. Pleased with his devotion, the goddess is said to have appeared there and blessed him. After this, the temple was established at the same place. Since then, the belief has been going on that the wish of a man who assumes the form of a woman and worships the Goddess with true devotion is fulfilled.
Is this ritual connected with devotion?
The temple administration and local people consider it only a religious tradition. He says that dressing up as a woman is not a part of any performance but a symbol of devotion and humility towards the goddess. This is the reason why every year thousands of devotees from different states participate in this festival. Many people have been following this tradition continuously for years and associate it with their faith.
Why is there discussion in the country and the world?
This tradition of Kottankulangara Devi Temple is counted among the most unique religious traditions of India. Due to the increasing influence of social media and tourism, this festival has now become a topic of discussion at the international level. Foreign tourists also reach Kerala to see this unique event. This confluence of religious faith, cultural heritage, and age-old beliefs makes this temple one of the most unique religious places in the country.
