Allum Thallum Utsavam

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During the Ponal/Makara Sankramana utsavams in the Tamil month of Thai, the final day of the festivities is dedicated to the "Allum Thallum" utsavam, featuring the prominent participation of Thondanoor Nambi. The sequence of events unfolds as follows:
In this ritual, the presiding deity's utsavar murtis of Swami Chellapillai are initially presented with offerings such as food, fruits, sweets, and other refreshments. This ceremony takes place in the presence of revered figures like Nammazhwar, Kaliyan, and Swami Emberumaanar, accompanied by the recitation of Arayar Sevai. As a gesture of appreciation for their service, all of the Lord's attendants are honored with "bahumanams" or tokens of honor.
Subsequently, Veda mantra pushpams (offering of floral chants) are dedicated to the deity. Following this, with grandeur and splendor, Thondanoor Nambi participates in a procession that traverses through the four "mada veedhis" or streets surrounding the temple. He finally enters the temple premises, where a formal calling of his presence in front of the deity takes place, referred to as "arulappadu." During this, Thondanoor Nambi responds with "Naaindhen Naaindhen( naan irundhen)," signifying his presence.
Nambi is then offered Gandhams, taken from what was offered to the deity, and is honored with a "parivattam" (a headgear) and a garland, along with the traditional offering of "tamboolam" (betel leaves and nuts). He is handed a basket for the next phase of the ritual, known as "aLradhu," where he collects handfuls of rice. This "aLradhu" aspect represents the "Allum" part of the ceremony's name.
In a captivating spectacle, a dish of sweet potatoes is placed on Nambi's back. He bends forward and moves, while another Swami the "Karagam Sthanika" pushes the sweet potato dish, throwing it onto the onlookers and devotees gathered to witness the event. This pushing action is referred to as "ThaLradhu," which forms the "Thallum" part of the ritual's name.
Following this entertaining segment, Thondanoor Nambi is presented with the rice he collected in the basket as a token of honor. He then participates in a procession accompanied by musical instruments ("vaadyam") to his designated residence or "Thirumaligai."
Notably, this festival coincided with the Punarvasu Nakshatra in the month of Thai. On this day, Swami Ramanujar, who performed the Praana Pratishtai ritual for Lord Thirunarayana Perumal based on the Saatvata Samhitai of Sri Paancharatra Aagamam, enjoys the "ekanta sevai" (exclusive service) of the main deity throughout the day. During this time, no disruptions are allowed and no one is to come between them, not even from the temple priests( Archakas).

Writeup: Shubang Mukund( Venkatakrishnan)