The Thaalappoli is more regal and more in line with regular temple festivals of Kerala, with caprisoned elephants (with 'nettippattam') lined up, adding to the grandeur and the excitement.
Just as in the case of the Bharani, however, there are regular groups from afar that this festival also attracts - although not so many and not as varied as the Bharani.
The Kudumbi community in and around Kodungallur and Kochi is one such. Thaalappoli is the time of their annual visit to the Goddess of Kodungallur for the Suvaasini Pooja, when women make and are offered special pujas.
Mani from the village of Murukkumpadam in Vypin island in Ernakulam district has been a regular participant of the community's annual Suvaasini puja at the temple for several years.
The group hires a vehicle for the visit and often visits other temples such as the Guruvayur temple before heading to the Kodungallur temple for the annual puja. After the puja, they take part in the general festivities and return home after the 'Vedikkettu'.
The Suvaasini puja is performed for the women and girls of the community - with 'aval', coconut, jaggery, betel nut and leaf, bananas - for their well-being and in turn, the well-being of the community itself.
