Elathu is a ritual that is performed in Kavus (Temples where theyyam performed). Elathu is a ritual where the Velichappadan (Kind of priest) visit all the houses of the village before the festivities like Kaliyattam. Elath is the short form of the word Ezhunnallath. The main purpose of Elathu is to announce the arrival of the festivities to the whole village.
It is customary to go from house to house in Elathu, where a person comes down from the Kavus with an escort and hand lanterns, goes down the steps of the house and returns to bless the family members.
