A stone's throw away from the bustling city of Kottayam lies Pakkil, a quiet hamlet known for the historical Dharmasastha Temple that has a prominent place among the Ayyappa temples in Kerala. Believed to be one of the eight Sastha temples established by Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, Pakkil temple is a favoured destination for devotees during the Sabarimala Pilgrimage season.
One distinctive feature that makes this temple unique is the 'Sankranthi Vanibham', a month-long annual trade fair of traditional household articles. Beginning on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August), this market has long been a one-stop destination for everything ranging from clay pots to agricultural implements. The origin of this fair is associated with the tale of Pakkanar, the mythical figure from the folklore 'Parayi Petta Panthirukulam'. Legend has it that Lord Parasurama, who found difficulty in installing the idol, sought help from Pakkanar who was selling screw pine riddles nearby. Pakkanar made the idol immovable and as a sign of gratitude, he was given permission to sell his wares near the temple. 'Pakkil Vanibham' is held to commemorate this event.
People return to this fair year after year to buy reed baskets, screwpine mats, pottery, vegetable seeds, knives and crocks. 'Sankranti Vanibham' gives a glimpse into Kerala's rural market of a bygone era.
