Ochirakali, a festival of martial arts, is performed as a part of the annual festival of Parabrahma Temple at
Ochira in
Kollam District. It is conducted in memory of the battle fought between the kings of two feudal principalities -
Kayamkulam and
Ambalapuzha. The festival falls around 15th June and lasts for two days. In Ochirakali, a mock fight is enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the battle field called padanilam. Then they perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction.
Ochira is around 34 km north of
Kollam.
