Ochira

Kerala > Kollam > Ochira

Ochira (34 km), to the north of Kollam town, is this unique famous pilgrim centre, with no idol or deity. The famous Parabrahma Temple is dedicated to the Universal Consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku (twelve lamp festival) in November/ December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.