Neelamperoor Padayani is a Padayani conducting in Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathi Temple in Neelamperoor, Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is conducting on the pooram day after Thiruvonam .The mythology of Neelamperoor padayani lies with Cheraman Perumal myths. It is believed that it was started after the arrival of king Cheraman Perumal in Neelamperoor.
Etymologically, the word padayani has been evolved by combining two separate words, ‘pada’ meaning a group of militants and ‘ani’ meaning row. Neelamperoor Padayani is also said to be the ‘festival of nature’ because of its close associations with the surrounding ecosystem where it is performed. Neelamperoor village is part of a wetland agricultural ecosystem, topographically elevated from the surrounding areas and dotted with vast stretches of paddy fields, marshes, ponds and small patches of island formations. Effigies are made from natural materials like stem of arecanut tree, dried leaves, the stem sheath of banana plantain, lotus leaves and chethi (ixora) flowers.
The key feature of this festival is the procession of effigies. They include the figures of animals like swans, elephants, etc. and deities such as Bhima, Ravana, Yakshi, etc. as an offering to the goddess. These decorated effigies shows the craftsmanship of artists in Kerala.
As per the rituals, the padayani is started with a symbolic sanction of Cheraman Perumal in the western side of Bhagavathy temple. Devotees march towards the monument of Perumal with lit torches of coconut leaves. This ritual longs for four days.
This days are followed by Kudapadayani which consists of floral decorations in umbrella made from the stems of coconut leaves. The next four days effigies made up of jackfruit leaves are offered to the deity. The last two days are of effigies of swan which is made up of plantain stems and slender leaves of coconut trees with ixora floral decorations. The highlight of the last day is 45 feet long swan effigy.
Thothakali, a rhythmic dance performed in front of the fire accompanied by drumbeats and traditional music is another part of Neelamperoor Padayani.
