Draft:Kettukazhcha

Kettukazhcha is an important festival during Shivarathri at Nooranad Padanilam temple in Alappuzha district. Giant effigies of bulls, known locally as kettukala, are pulled to the temple from 15-odd territories (kara) of the temple. Kettukazhcha is a festival in Kerala that involves a procession of chariots and effigies from 13 provinces to a deity in gratitude for favors and to seek blessings. The tradition is associated with the Chettikulangara Bharani festival, which takes place during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). The festival includes 13 provincial floats, including six large temple cars called Kuthira (Horses), five smaller temple cars called Theru (Chariots), and effigies of Bhima, Hanuman, and Panchali. The chariots are as high as 100 ft and are decorated with horse motifs. The procession also includes brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks, and cultural performances.