Hundreds of devotees thronged the ancient Bhagavathy Temple at Ezhamkulam near Adoor to witness the Thookkom vazhipadu held as part of the annual Bharani festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbom on Sunday.
The ritual reminiscent of the human sacrifice (Narabali) of yore began at the temple premises at 6.30 am.
According to the temple devaswom, a total of 634 Thookkom vazhipadu have been registered at the devaswom office and the ritual is likely to culminate by Monday afternoon.
The splendid display of towering decorated chariots (Kettukazhacha) was also held as part of the annual festival on Saturday.
