Rooted in tradition
K.K.GOPALAKRISHNAN
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Kannambra Vela, which falls on May 24, is a miniature version of Thrissur Pooram.
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GRAND SPECTACLE: The Kannambra Vela.
Kannambra is a village in Wadakkumcherry of Palakkad district, between Palakkad and Thrissur. Kannambra Vela, which is in fact a miniature version of Thrissur Pooram, as far as the rituals are concerned, is the culmination of all velas and poorams of north Kerala. This year it falls on May 24.
The chief participants in the vela are the Kannambra Siva Temple and the Rishinaradamangalam Vishnu Temple. While the former is a temple owned by the Kannambra Nair family, the latter is connected with the Tamil Brahmins in the area.
This Vela is said to have its origins in the acute rivalry between one predominant Nair family and the Tamil Brahmins of an adjoining village during the days of feudalism. More historical details, like the year this old ritual tradition began, are not available. Some senior members claim that the celebration reached its zenith during the early years of the last century under the patronage of the late Sankaranunni Nair of Kannambra family.
The main functions of the vela are held on the precincts of Sri Kurumba Bhagavati Temple. It is believed that the deity of this temple represents the manifest power of the main deity of Kodungallore temple. For several years now, the Vela is conducted as a friendly competition between these two groups.
41 days of Tholpavakoothu
The vela starts on the day of Vishu, with 41 days of Tholpavakoothu (puppetry) performance at the Sri Kurumba temple. Every year, the vela takes place on the 41st day of the festival.
Other traditional arts forms of Kerala like Kathakali and Chakyarkoothu were staged until recently at the Kannambra Siva temple during the Vela.
Although considered a miniature of the Thrissur Pooram, the Kannambra vela is not as spectacular or picturesque. The participation of 30 caparisoned elephants and the unique exchange of colourful parasols (kudamattam) make the Pooram bigger and colourful.
However, the Kannambra Vela is hailed for its Panchavadyam and the technical brilliance of the chenda melam. Earlier, there were only three elephants from each temple. They were the specially chosen for the festival.
To pay tributes to the founders of the Kannambra Vela, a book on the Vela and the Kannambra family is being compiled, which will be officially released on May 24.
More than a mere traditional history of an affluent Nair family, the book critically looks into the socio-cultural ethos and etiquette of the locality, thus making it a valuable addition to the vibrant history of Kerala.
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