Kuchela dinam

Kuchela dinam or 'Kuchela's day' is an yearly festival celebrated by Hindus in south India. It is observed on the first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu in Malayalam calendar. In Hindu mythology, Kuchela (also known as Sudama) is the childhood friend of Lord Krishna who made an offering of beaten rice (aval) to Krishna despite his poverty. Following the offering, he became wealthy because of the benevolent blessings of Lord Krishna. Several temples in South India, including the famous Guruvayur Temple observes kuchela dinam in remembrance of Kuchela's willingness to part his food despite extreme poverty. Devotee's offer specially prepared beaten rice in Krishna temples on Kuchela dinam. The offering is known as aval nivedyam and contains grated coconut, jaggery, ghee, dried ginger and cumin in addition to beaten rice. Special counters will be opened at the temples from the eve of Kuchela day to facilitate aval nivedyam. In Guruvayur temple, devotees line up outside the temple and offer packets of beaten rice at the namaskara mandapam situated in front of the sanctum sanctorum and the steps leading to the shrine called thripadi. Devotees believe that poverty will be eradicated and prosperity will follow after aval nivedyam.