Meenoottu: Annual Ritual of the Mannan Community

Meenoottu is an annual ritual performed by the Mannan community to seek protection from diseases and ensure the general welfare of the community. Traditionally observed three days after Kalayoottu at Kovilmala, it was once practiced across multiple regions aligned with the sub-kingdoms of the Mannan community. Today, it continues primarily at Kovilmala and Kumily.

The night before Meenoottu, the community gathers at the Ayyapankovil for prayers known as attu mukund vekuka, honoring deities and departed elders. This is followed by a night-long performance of Mannan Koothu, which continues until the next morning.

On the day of Meenoottu, elders and ritual leaders proceed to the riverbank at Ayyapankovil to offer prasadam—a mixture of rice, jaggery, and coconut—to the fishes. During this event, Vayathuka, a form of Mannan prayer, is sung. A special fish, called Kuyil in the Mannan language (and Katti in Malayalam), is believed to consume the offerings. Distinctive markings on the fish’s body—single, double, or triple lines—represent the hierarchy of Mannan community leaders.

Elders recall that initially only a single fish appeared, but later, upon request, a school of fishes joined. The fishes are ritually fed three times: first for the King and his family, then for other community leaders, and finally for the entire community. According to the Ilayaraja, when the special fish circles in front of the King, the King may ask questions about impending diseases or deaths, with the fish signaling answers through movements of its gills and fins.

Following the river ritual, the community visits the nearby Ayyapan temple (Ayyapankovil) to offer prayers to Lord Ayyapan, known locally as Periyathu Ayyapan. Coconut-breaking rituals are performed for divine predictions before continuing with prayers.

The ceremony concludes with a communal feast, followed by the final ritual, Kooshaduka, at the King’s residence. The King blesses the gathered community clan by clan, sprinkles divine water for protection, and distributes a small portion of ritual rice to each individual, to be cooked with food at home.

Modern changes have introduced challenges to Meenoottu. Construction of check dams has disrupted the river flow, and unsustainable fishing practices, such as the use of crackers by outsiders, have further interfered with the ritual, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the traditional connection with the fishes and divine presence.