Thiruvonathoni sets sail from Kattoor

Anoop Narayana Bhattathiri, a member of the Mangattu Illam in Kumaranallur, sets sail for the Sree Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula on Sunday (File pic) | Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP Thiruvonathoni, the ceremonial vessel carrying provisions for the Onam feast at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula, set off from the ghats of the Mahavishnu Temple at Kattoor on the Pampa river on Tuesday evening, ahead of the feast on Wednesday. Led by Anoop Narayana Bhattathiri of Mangattu Illam at Kumaranallur, the vessel began its journey from Kattoor around 6.30 pm. As per tradition, provisions for the feast were offered by 18 Nair families in the village.The Thiruvonathoni is being accorded a ceremonial escort by a fleet of 10 palliyodams (snake boats) taking part in the Vallasadya ritual at the Aranmula temple. As the Thiruvonathoni makes its way along the Pampa, people on both banks will light lamps and cheer the procession. Many will also gather along the river at night to witness the spectacle of the boats gliding through the illuminated waters.En route to the temple, the Thiruvonathoni will be accorded receptions at Ayroor and Vechoor Mana at Melukara before reaching the Aranmula temple ghats on Wednesday morning. The feast will be prepared in the temple kitchen and served to devotees in the temple dining hall.Legend has it that the deity of the Aranmula temple chose an elder of the Kattoor Madhom in Pathanamthitta as his host every Onam, moved by his devotion. Since then, the privilege of hosting the Onasadya for the deity has traditionally rested with the eldest Bhattathiri of Mangattu Illam.Mr. Bhattathiri will remain at the temple until the Athazha Puja, the final ritual of the day, before returning to Kumaranallur by road after the rituals conclude. Published - August 25, 2026 06:32 pm IST