Celebrated In:Kollam, Kerala
Centre of Activity: Oachira Temple
Held In: June
Main attractions: Oachirakkali, A Mock Battle Dance

Introduction :
The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam. The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic Consciousness). Rows of men dressed up in ancient soldier's constumes wave wooden swords and shields and advance and retreat to the rhythm of traditional drums.

Description of Oachirakkali Festival:

The Oachirakkali Festival is held in the state of Kerala in the southernmost part of India. The Oachirakkali Festival in Kerala is celebrated at the venue of the Oachira Temple, located at a distance of nearly 32 kilometers from Kollam. The Oachirakkali is also known as Oachira Dance and the Oachirakkali Festival is a kind of ancient, but organized mock battle. Unlike all the other temples in Kerala, there is no shrine or idol at the Oachira Temple. The principal divine being of the Oachira Temple is known as the Parabrahmam or the Cosmic Consciousness. During the Festival of Oachirakkali in Kerala, many rows of men are dressed up in ancient soldier's costumes. They wave their shields and wooden swords and advance and move back to the tempo of traditional drums.

Time of Celebration of Oachirakkali Festival:

The Kerala Oachirakkali Festival or the Oachira Dance festival is held in the month of June every year in the state of Kerala in South India.