Mekkotta Thalappoli is celebrated as a part of the annual festival of
Mekkotta Bhagavati Temple at
Vallikkunu in
Malappuram District. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagavati. This festival is also celebrated in Niramkaithakotta Temple.
This festivity is held at Thalappoli Parambu, about 2 km south of Mekkotta Temple. During this time, the Mekkotta Bhagavati visits her sister at this place. Caparisoned elephants carry the weapon (Thiru Udaval) of the Bhagavati, which is tied up with dress (Thiru Udayada) of Bhagavati. Along with this, the gold mirror image is also brought at midnight. The procession returns with the Thalappoli.
The Thalappoli begins when Komaram after three rounds ‘Pradakshina’ takes rice from the thalam. A special feature of the festival is the running of the woman bearing the thalam. The 'Kolam of the Devi', drawn using various powders, is rubbed off before the closing of the temple for seven days.
