Men dress as ladies for the day at the Kottankulangara SriDevi Temple's Chamayavilakku Annual Festival in Kerala's Kollam District
The Kottankulangara SriDevi Temple's Chamayavilakku Annual Festival in Kerala's Kollam District has been making headlines for an unusual tradition that takes place during the festivities. Every year, on the seventh day of the festival, men dress up as women and take part in a grand procession that is an integral part of the celebrations. The tradition, known as 'Chamayavilakku,' has been in practice for over a century and is said to have originated from a belief that the goddess Devi, who is worshipped at the temple, prefers offerings from women. As a result, men dress up in traditional women's clothing and offer prayers and offerings to the goddess. The festival sees men of all ages, including young boys, participate in the procession dressed in colorful sarees, jewelry, and makeup. The participants also carry pots of rice on their heads, which are offered to the goddess as part of the rituals. The Chamayavilakku procession is not just a religious ritual but also...