Maramadi

Maramadi is an annual festival popularly known as Maramadi Mahotsavam and is held during the post harvest season in the villages of Kerala. The Maramadi is sometimes also known as Kala Poothu. It is a bull racing competition and the freshly ploughed fields are put to use by creating a racing track for the oxen and bulls. The fields are filled with water and the muddy water splashes about as the bulls are raced. Each pair of these pairs are managed by about three farmers who act as guides. The villagers gather around these fields keeping safe distance. The air is rent with excitement fervor as there is stiff competition over these races. Different categories of bull races have been introduced now and these are the 'Idathu Kayar' category, the `speed' category and the 'champion' category. The villagers gather around the fields keeping a safe distance.

The bulls and oxen used are specially bred and trained. They are well fed and well groomed. On the day of the event they are dressed in colours and their horns are painted in different colours.

The most famous among the Maramadi races is held in Anandapali village, Pathanamthitta District near Adoor City in Kerala. Maramadi is also a major attraction in the festival, 'Kakkoor Kalavayal' held every year at Kakoor village of Ernakulam district.