The Cherubharani ritual starts with the arrival of the Malayan Thattaan - the chief role-player of the ritual - and his companion at the North Nada(entrance), accompanied by customary 'vaadyam'(instrumental music) and dressed in a special red 'mundu' and 'pavizhamaala'(coral necklace) given specifically for the ritual by the Kodungallur Thampuran. The Malayan Thattaan's is a traditionally handed-down position, just as is the case with the Thampuran.