Artisans keep 150-year-old tradition kicking

KOCHI: For most of the artisans and vendors from the backward communities, selling their artworks and other things at the ongoing Pullavanibha Mela at Palluruthy, is a tradition that beckons them every year. The tradition was set more than 150 years back when the artisans from backward classes were allowed to enter the Azhakiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple, by the then-king of Cochin. “It was a celebration for our ancestors who had faced the brunt of segregation in society. They approached the then-king and seeked his permission to enter the temple and to sell the items made by them at home. The king granted them two days at the end of the Danu masom (Dhanu month) to carry out trade in the temple premises,” said Haridas K, crockery trader at the temple festival.The festival opened avenues for the poor who would come to the Azhakiyakavu Temple once every year to sell their homemade products. They came from far off places like Nedumbassery, Korathipetty, Aluva, Manuthy, Thrikkakara, Chengamanad etc. For some it continues to be a homecoming, for others it is a hope for better business. Ironsmith Shaju said, “We have seen the business coming down over the past years. Earlier, we came here hoping to make some good money at the festival, but now we come here just to keep the tradition from dying. Earthen pots, mostly made out of the special mud from Velankani and Shornur, are available at stalls mostly run by women. “In the past, our mothers used to indulge in pot making. However, it was not carried on to us, mostly because, we have not studied the skill or have shifted to other locations where we do not have access to the special soil,” said Ammu S, a earthen pot seller.Handwoven mats, steel cutlery, handicraft items, ornamental pots, vegetables and plants grown at home are also available at the festival. Abbas, a 75-year-old crockery vendor and probably the oldest member of the clan, who participates in the mela every year, said that sometimes he takes pain to travel to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to get good items for  lower prices and has travelled for this festival too. The participants at the festival which will end on Sunday, hope the tradition to continue for many more years to come.