Ayyavazhi Festivals - Nitham Thirunal

The Nitham Thirunal is likely to be celebrated only in Swamithope pathi. This celebration includes the daily rituals connected to the Panividais and worship in Swamithope. Usually the Palliyarai is opened for worship at 4.00 am daily, with the sounds of Blowing Conch and bells. Following this, a Panividaiyalar used to circumambulate the Pathi, first the Santhana-veethi (First circumambulating route) and then the Ratha-veethi (Second circumambulating route). Then around the Palliyarai (sanctum sanctorum) is again closed around 4.30 am and opened again for the morning Panividai at 5.30 am. Then the Elunetru is carried in a Vahana around the Pathi through the two circumambulating routes. When the Vahana reaches the Vadakku vasal (the northern entrance) in the Santhana-veethi, the Dharma-mani is rung and the 'Thavanai Pal' (holy rice gruel) is given for the worshippers. Once the Vahana bavani comes to the end, the elunetru is taken back to the Palliyarai under umbrella and the 'Nithiya Pal' (holy rice gruel) to the worshippers.

As part of noon-fest, the east entrance (main entrance) is opened and the noon-prayer, Ucchippadippu is sung by Payyans which was followed by the worshippers. At the end, after smearing Thirunamam for the worshippers, Santhana-Pal (Sandal-milk) is offered to the worshippers and followed by offering 'Thavanai Pal' in the Vadakku Vasal. The evening celebrations are the same as that of Morning. The only difference is instead of 'Thavanai Pal' (the rice gruel) the 'Umban Annam' (rice cooked with vegetables together) in the Vadakku Vasal.

The Ukappadippu is sung during the morning and evening fests and Ucchippadippu during the nool festival. The Vahana-bavani is conducted in the morning and evening. The Palliyarai is opened for the common mass for worship three times a day, and closed around 8.00 pm. Akilam admits that by celebrating every day as a festival, the evil Kali would destroy itself.

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