Annosteltavana

Annosteltavana refers to a traditional Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Kerala, particularly among the communities of the Nambudiri Brahmins. The term is derived from the Malayalam words *annu* (rice) and *steltu* (to offer), with *vanam* (forest) and *a* (in), translating roughly to "offering rice in the forest." This festival is closely associated with the worship of the forest deity *Kavari Amma*, a form of the goddess Durga, and is observed during the Malayalam month of *Karkkidakam* (July–August).

The festival typically involves a ritual procession where devotees carry offerings of rice, flowers, and other items to a sacred grove or forest. These groves are believed to be abodes of the deity, and the offerings are made as a form of gratitude and supplication for blessings. The ceremony is often accompanied by chants, prayers, and the playing of traditional musical instruments like the *thimila* (a type of drum).

Annosteltavana is deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of Kerala, reflecting the community’s reverence for nature and the cycle of life. It is also linked to the *Karkkidakam* season, which is considered auspicious for spiritual practices and the worship of deities associated with fertility and protection. The festival is observed with varying customs across different regions, but its core purpose remains the honoring of the forest deity and the maintenance of ecological harmony.

While not widely celebrated outside Kerala, Annosteltavana serves as a cultural and religious practice that underscores the region’s spiritual connection to its natural surroundings. It is often observed in private family rituals rather than as a public festival, reinforcing its intimate and devotional nature.