The Jabri Festival of Banthaje in Kasaragod still holds many mysteries waiting to be unfolded. For centuries, the Kappadan community has upheld strong beliefs that have stood the test of time and continue to remain firm.
The mystical Jabri Festival, held once every twelve years, was conducted this year on May 2, 2017. It is a unique ritual associated with cave entry, performed by a particular community in the Malabar region.
Banthaje forest is located in Belloor Panchayat.
Marriage of Kappadans and death rituals held before the auspicious cave entry ceremony
The marriage of the Kappadan who enters the Jabri cave was conducted in March this year, prior to the cave entry in May. The Jabri cave is located on the Kerala–Karnataka border, in the Banthaje forest region.
As per tradition, before entering the cave, the marriage of the person who serves as the guide is conducted, followed by his symbolic death rites. After this, the Kappadans observe a vratham (fast) for 48 days. During this period, they remain completely isolated from the outside world.
The Kappadans belong to the Scheduled Caste community, specifically the Mogeru community. They are traditionally chosen for this sacred ceremony. This year, Babu and Ananthan from Nettanige were selected as Kappadans. Babu is already married, while Ananthan’s marriage was conducted prior to the cave entry. He married Geeta from Karnataka on March 12, 2017.
According to custom, they are allowed to stay with their families for three days after the wedding. After these three days, the symbolic death rites of the Kappadans are performed, and they begin their 48-day fast.
A hut is built at the hilltop near the temple for them to stay during this period. There, they remain completely isolated from their families and the outside world. They shave their heads and sleep on green leaves laid on the ground. Food is provided from the temple. The meal is placed inside the hut, and during this time, both individuals must avoid eye contact.
The Jabri cave is considered divine in nature and is believed to be Swayambhoo (self-manifested). It is regarded as the Moolasthanam (original sanctum) of the Nettanige Mahothaabaara Mahalingeswara Temple. The cave entry ritual was conducted on May 2 this year, while the temple festival commenced on March 12.
Jabri Cave entry conducted on May 2 this year
On May 2, the Kappadans emerged from their huts and led their team to the Jabri Cave. The journey begins from the temple premises. The Kappadans wear new white clothes and carry wooden torches in their hands. As they move forward, they clear the forest path for others to follow. After climbing a steep hill and walking through the dense forest for nearly two hours, they finally reach the mouth of the cave.
Devotees and believers accompany them up to the entrance of the cave. Once the Kappadans enter, the followers wait outside while the rituals are performed inside.
After completing the ceremonies, the Kappadans return carrying soil from the inner part of the cave. This soil is believed to possess divine powers.
According to tradition, the rituals performed inside the cave and whatever is witnessed there must never be revealed to anyone. For this reason, the ceremonies conducted within the cave and the experiences inside it remain a closely guarded secret from the outside world.
You can read a few more articles related to temple rituals, offerings, customs and celebrations, mostly associated with temples across across Kerala. Here is the page link. Click on the images in the gallery to read
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