The unique festival of Kottankulangara chamayavilakku

There is a temple named Kottankulangara Devi Temple at Chavara in the district of Kollam or Quilon in Kerala, which celebrates a unique festival called Kottankulangara chamayavilakku. It is celebrated on the 10th and 11th of the month of Meenam as per the Malayalam calendar (March / April).

It is a rare, unique kind of festival. During the festival, men dress themselves as women. It is celebrated to show respect to the deity for the favours and blessings received.

The Kottankulangara festival is a beautiful one to watch. The boys with their wonderful transformations make the girls feel jealous. At night, they walk in a procession to the temple with lighted lamps.