Festivals

Paliya Ulsavam is an annual festival celebrated by the Paliyar community in Kerala during the harvest season, typically in April. Historically, the festival coincided with the community’s agricultural cycle, functioning as a ritual of gratitude to their deities for protection against harm and as a prayer for future prosperity. While the festival once took place in open community spaces, centred around a sacred tree with gatherings, feasts, and ritual dances, it has transitioned over time into temple-based worship. This shift reflects both cultural adaptation and the community’s effort to preserve collective identity while responding to external social and religious pressures.

The Paliyar community are seen worshipping their clan deities such as Palichiyamma and Karuppswamy. Recently, newer temples have been constructed for different deities within the community. Badrakali temple at Chakupallam, Mariyamma temple at Shivalingakudi and Palichiyamma temple along with other deities at Kumali are examples.