Kerala is preparing for one of the world’s most unique festivals. Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku takes place at the Kottankulangara temple. The festival, which occurs over 19 days in March-April every year, features men dressing as women and making an offering to Bhagavathy, the temple’s goddess.
The ritual itself is known as “Chamaya Vilakku” which translates to “make-up lamp.” Men offer prayers and carry lighted lamps. The intent is to offer thanks for favors received from Bhagavathy and to fulfill vows. The men dress in a variety of female attire, including traditional Kerala settu mundu and wear cosmetics and jewelry to complete their costume. The idea is to be as attractive as possible as women.
Participants do not need to be members of the temple or even believers in Bhagavathy. Men of various faiths come from all over India and surrounding countries to participate in this festival of thanksgiving. Supporters and respectful spectators also fill the best hotels Kerala to observe the ritual.
There are several theories as to the festival’s origins. The most popular relates the story of a group of boys who would jokingly dress as girls while herding cows and offer kottan (a coconut dish) to a stone as part of their play. Bhagavathy supposedly appeared to one of the boys and the ritual became real, with a temple being built on the site.
The temple is located in Chavara, which is near the district of Kollum.
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