[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/42S4IQ5EXSA?f=user_uploads&app=youtube_gdata]

You are watching Tharakkal Pooram, the festivities on the evening of the sixth day of Arattupuzha Pooram – 2011. The rituals begin with Lord Sastha arriving in the temple courtyard in all his glory atop a caparisoned elephant to shower blessings on the devotees. The procession is accompanied by Pancharimelam, the traditional percussion orchestra. It is followed by a grand Pandimelam, another traditional percussion ensemble, led by maestro Kuttan Marar and team. You can also watch devotees offering ‘para vazhipadu’ to appease Lord Sastha. Para is the traditional measuring vessel used in Kerala. The offering is a simple ritual in which a para-full of paddy is offered to the God by the devotees. You can also watch the arrival of Goddesses Thottippal Bhagavathi and Oorakathammathiruvady in separate grand processions featuring caparisoned tuskers. While the procession of Oorakathammathiruvady is featured by Pandimelam, the procession of Thottippal Bhagavathy is in the accompaniment of Panchavadyam.