Padayani - Shree Bhagavathikunnu Devi Temple

Padayani is a combination of music, dance, painting, and satire. Elanthoor is a Padayani village. Choottu (dry coconut leaves tied in a bundle) , the spirit of Padayani with its thappum (beats), thalavaum(rhythms) and kolam tullal (ritual Padayani mask dance), is a regular feature in the lives of the people of Elanthoor. Padayani reflects the ancient socialist society before the Aryanization and Chathruvarnya, the ‘four caste’ system. So, the entire village takes active part in Padayani without any racial discrimination. With the blessing of Sarveshwari Elanthoor Bhagavathi kunnilamma, this devout village has been nurturing similar ancient dravidian period artforms. Kallari was also practiced during this period. Even today, Padayani and Kacchaketti Tullal, is encouraged and practiced by the people of Elanthoor.