Vechorukku, also known as Orukku, is a ritual associated with
Kalamezhuthu Pattu, a folk art form of northern
Kerala. This ritual is held immediately after the Kalamezhuthu, the traditional art form of making a
Kalam, a customary powder drawing made on the floor. Kalamezhuthu is bound by strict rules regarding what colors to be used on a particular part of the body, what to draw first and so on. Orukku, which adds more beauty to the Kalam, is placed around it.
Lamps (Nilavilakku, each with seven wicks), leaf paddy, rice, coconut and pookula (bunch of coconut flower) are the articles used for Vechorukku. There are ten Orukkus, each is devoted to Guru, Ganesh, Ashtadikpalakas and other gods. One can see all parts of the Kalam clearly in the light of these lamps. Along with the lamps fragrance sticks are burned.
