Kuthiyottam: 815 children set to partake in controversial body-piercing ritual in Kerala’s Attukal

Attukal: The fast of Kuthiyotta Balanmar (the children who perform Kuthiyottam) has started today in Kerala. As per latest reports, 815 children will participate in Kuthiyottam. 

The Kuthiyottam rituals begin on the third day of Kappukettu, when boys aged between 6-12 will stay in the Atukkal temple for the next seven days. The boys are believed to be wounded soldiers of Mahishasuramardini.

The Chooralkuthu ritual will be held on the Pongala day on February 20. During the ritual, a small silver wire will be pierced on the midriff of the boys.

Earlier, there was a controversy regarding the Kuthiyottam ritual, when the director general of prisons R Sreelekha wrote about the mental and physical suffering faced by children participating in Chooralkuthu, which is conducted as part of Kuthiyottam.

Meanwhile, the temple convener said the committee has no plan to change any of the customs of the temple including Kuthiyottam.