The season of Vallasadya, a unique ritualistic feast offered to the snakeboat crew, at Lord Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of river Pampa at Aranmula came to a close on Thursday.
Hundreds of devotees also turned up to partake of the feast held at the temple premises immediately after the Utchapuja.
As per the custom, devotees who offer the Vallasadya invite the crew of a snakeboat (Palliyodam) of their choice for the ritualistic feast.
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The feast held on the last day of the season was offered to the crew of the four Palliyodams of Nedumprayar, Poovathor-East, Thekkemuri and Kizhcherimel on Thursday.
The oarsmen were accorded a rousing reception in traditional style on their arrival at the temple ghats in the forenoon. Singing Vanchippattu, rhythmic songs in praise of Lord Parthasarathy, they went around the temple and offered Nirapara to the deity before the holy temple mast.
The sumptuous feast was served immediately after the Utchapuja.
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Oarsmen demand an extra course of various side dishes and rice in Vanchippattu style, an added attraction of the feast. As many as 45 items, including four types of payasom, sweets and fried items, were served at the feast.
Palliyoda Seva Sanghom president, K.V. Sambadevan, said a total of 331 ritualistic feasts were held at Sree Parthasarathy Temple during the past 60 days.
District Superintendent of Police, K.K. Chellappan, also attended the Vallasadya held on Thursday.