Melbanta-Daiva

During the utsav a special puja is offered to Melbanta Deva.Devotteesoffer chicken as parake, to appease the Deva.The offerings amount to about 4000 chickens each year.

These are then taken to a field and de-feathered( the chickens are also tossed into bonfires to remove the small feathers).The muhurat for the cutting of the chickens is done by an 'achary' (wood cutter) by chopping a chicken with his vuli and hamer (wood cutting tools).All the chickens are cut into small pieces,washed and cooked in huge cauldrons (Kopparige).Simultaneously nine vegetarian dishes and rice are cooked.

A Moily(devadiga) archaka covering his mouth with a white cloth,places a banana leaf in front of Melbanta Dea, Mayandal and the Ganas and serves the food that is prepared.Puja is then performed and all those who have gathered pray to these deities. The food is distributed as prasadam.By the time the food is distributed it is nearly 4.00 am!.

This event is a classic example of community living where its success depends ont he cooperation of all castes and creed not only from this village but also from the surrounding villages.

To know more about Melbanta Daiva refer Sthala Purana