Puthari also called as Huthari in some regions is a joyous harvest
festival celebrated in South India. It is celebrated in the Malayalese
month of Chingam (August-September) after the paddy harvest. At this
time rice is just formed and is brought to the house from the field
and de-husked. Farmers are happy looking at the result of the toil
and rejoice by dancing and singing. To celebrate, Puthari villagers
gather in temples which is the centre of cultural activities and make
merry.
Celebrating Puthari
Meaning of the word 'Puthari' is new rice. The festival symbolizes
the solemn beginning of the use of new rice from freshly conducted
harvest season for offering in the temple. As a tradition, sweet Pal
Payasam (pudding made with rice and milk) is prepared with new rice
for offering to the Lord on the auspicious occasion.
Another custom of Puthari entails cutting of little paddy crop which
is ready for harvest. It is bound in small bunches and handed over
to all those present in the fair as a present. This is to be preserved
as an omen of prosperity.
Folk culture of Kerala can be witnessed in all its splendor during
Puthari as the villagers sing conventional songs and perform different
types of folk dances in the traditional temple fairs.
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