Kollam: Thousands of spectators thronged the water-filled ‘padanilam’ or the battlefield where around 2,000 ‘warriors’ demonstrated their battle skills before the deity of Parabrahma temple at Oachira as part of the annual festival on Tuesday.
Around 450 teams from various places, including Karunagappally, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara taluks, had registered with the temple committee for the fight.
The festival is conducted in a water-logged ground during the first days of ‘Midhunam’ month of the Malayalam calendar commemorating the bravery of the erstwhile king of Kayamkulam who fought his enemies.
The warriors, who practise martial arts for a month by keeping religious obligations, display their expertise in fighting using canes, swords and daggers in the battlefield.
The teams are cheered by the drums played in the background. People representing 54 karas or divisions, headed by a master of the game or ‘kali ashan,’ take part in the mock battle.
The Oachirakali commenced with the flag-hoisting by 7.30 in the morning. A colourful procession showcasing tuckers and various dance forms was taken out under the leadership of veterans representing each division taking part in the festival.
The first part of the battle takes place on land soon after the procession. A Brahminy kite, according to myth, takes a round above the field named ‘ettukandam,’ after which the battle in the field begins. The festival will end on Wednesday.
