Onam 28 : 'Kalabhairavan' Uproots In Ochira Kalavela Or Kalakettu Celebrations
In the heart of Kerala’s Onattukara region, the Ochira Kalakettu festival, a centuries-old tradition showcasing elaborately crafted bull figures, took a dramatic turn during this year’s 28th Onam celebrations. Among the 200 bulls paraded, Vishwaprajapati Kalabhairavan, a towering 72-foot structure, stole the limelight—only to be unexpectedly uprooted, as viral videos captured the spectacle.
Kalabhairavan, prepared by Njakkanal West, required an investment exceeding ₹14 lakh, with an earlier iteration of the bull costing ₹48 lakh. This massive figure stood as the tallest in this year’s festivities, symbolising devotion and agricultural prosperity. Each handcrafted bull, called Kettu Kala, is dedicated to Ochira Parabrahma, marking the traditional relationship between humanity and divinity. The festival recalls the ancient practice where farmers from 52 localities (karas) would bring their bulls and harvest to the temple to express gratitude for a good yield.
The Kalakettu or Kalavela is celebrated on the 28th Onam, a day observed in the Malayalam month of Kanni, following the main Thiruvonam in Chingam. During the event, these bull figures, known as Nandikeshans, are mounted on chariots and pulled through fields using ropes, symbolising the unity of Onattukara’s diverse communities across castes and religions. Notably, the 62-foot Onattukara Kathiravan bull also joined the parade, adding grandeur to the occasion. Onattukara region covers areas from Alappuza and Kollam districts, mainly localities from Karthikappally, Mavelikkara and Karunagappally Talukas.
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Preparations for Kalakettu begin well in advance, with communities collecting ropes, cloth, and other materials. Many societies even maintain bull heads specifically for these celebrations, ensuring the continuation of this cultural legacy. Besides the bull parade, the festival features food donations, traditional meals such as Kanjisadya and Payasasadya, art performances, and aid distribution, reinforcing the festival’s spirit of generosity.
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From towering bulls touching the skies to miniature ones that fit in the palm, the bulls rolled into Ochira on chariots for the grand procession on the afternoon of the 12th. The event continues to embody the spirit of Onattukara’s agricultural traditions, bringing together thousands to celebrate humanity, harvest, and heritage.
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