Pettathullal

The custom of Pettathullal starts with 'Prayashchitham' or atonement which is done to seek forgiveness for the intentional and unintentional sins committed during the vrata kalam (fasting period) by placing a coin and betel leaf on the holy irumudikettu or travel kit. The next custom is the offering of Pettapanam kettal or Dakshina to Periyaswami. The kanni Ayyappas are instructed to carry a bundle, tied to a stick on their shoulders, which will be filled by vegetables and cereals.^[6]

The pilgrims participating in Pettathullal often come in groups and chant "Ayyappa thinthakathom, Swamy thinthakathom". They dress like tribes with their bodies and faces smeared by colours and charcoal and carry weapons such as sarakkol (arrows) and wooden maces.^[7] An important element is that of 'Kanni Ayyappas', where the first-timers to Sabarimala must participate in the thullal by holding a wooden arrow. The thullal is accompanied by instrumental music such as Chenda melam, Nagaswaram, Pambamelam, mantras, and hymns that begin at the Petta Sree Dharmasastha temple (Kochambalam) adjacent to the Vavar masjid.^[8]

The pilgrims then proceed to Vavar mosque and are harmoniously welcomed by Mahallu Jamaat committee members.^[9] After taking a circuit around the mosque, a representative of Vavar accompanies the group to the Sastha temple (Valiyambalam) about 0.5 km away. The thullal of Alangadu group is held in the afternoon.^[10] The Aalangadu group expects a star to twinkle in the sky before the sunset. The festivities end with a circuit of the temple by the pilgrims.^[11] They abandon their weapons at the temple roof and bathe in Peeruthodu river. Both groups light camphors at the temple and seek the blessings of Ayyappa to continue their journey to Sabarimala.

• Sabarimala Trek