Ponadu Chootu Patayani is an annual festival held at the ancient Bhagavathi temple in
Meenachil taluk of
Kottayam District. Celebration starts with a colorful procession, carrying lighted 'chootus' (bunches of dry palm fronds), around the temple.
Patayani, a ritual art form of
Kerala, is performed afterward. A peculiar feature of this festival is the patayani performers hit each other with the burning 'chootus'.
