Kaliyata Mahotsava
The Shree Perne Muchilot Bhagavathi Kshetra, nestled amidst the serene landscape on the route from Kumbala to Badiadka in the Kasaragod district, stands as a beacon of faith and tradition. This temple, surrounded by sacred groves, provides a tranquil retreat for devotees and is a significant landmark among the eighteen Muchilottu temples dedicated to Shree Muchilot Bhagavathi, the revered family deity of the Vaniya/Ganiga community. With a history that stretches back centuries, the temple is celebrated for its commitment to simplicity, equality, fraternity, and social responsibility, embodying the virtues of its deity, Shree Perne Muchilot Bhagavathi, also worshipped as Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of food and nourishment.
In recent years, the Kshetra underwent extensive renovations, leading to the grand Punarprathishta (re-consecration) and Brahmakalashotsava festival in March 2020. Despite plans for the Kaliyata festival being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community's spirit remained undeterred. After a 20-year hiatus since the last Kaliyatam festival in 2004, the temple community came together to celebrate Kaliyatam from March 1st to 7th, 2024, with great fervor and devotion.
The event was a monumental success, attracting around 150,000 people who participated in the grand celebration. The Vaniya Ganiga community took the lead in preparing and serving delicious, traditional food in the Annapoorna dining hall. Every devotee was served on a banana leaf, enjoying a diverse menu that varied from 6 to 10 items, showcasing the culinary heritage and generosity of the community. This grand feast, coupled with the religious ceremonies, underscored the event's success and the deep-rooted traditions of the Kshetra.
As a symbol of faith and hope, the Shree Perne Muchilot Bhagavathi Kshetra continues to draw devotees seeking blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity. The recent Kaliyatam festival not only celebrated the deity's blessings but also strengthened the communal bonds and the collective spirit of devotion. Visitors left with fulfilled hearts, having offered their prayers at the sacred feet of Amma Bhagavathi, reassured by the compassionate and peaceful presence of Shree Perne Muchilot Bhagavathi. This event marks another chapter in the temple's long history, reinforcing its significance in the lives of its followers and the cultural tapestry of the region.
