OCHIRA
34 km north of Kollam town
The
unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol
at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira
Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December
are the two main annual festivals.
Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors
on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep
water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction.
There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
