Kannur, June 19 -- The Odapoo, a unique flower, is attracting multiple people to Kerala's annual 28-day Kottiyoor festival held in Kannur. The special flower is only found in Kottiyoor during the festival season and is given by people to their relatives to symbolise sharing their joy and blessings after people visit the Kottiyoor temple.

The Kottiyoor festival, also known as Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam, started on June 8 and will be happening till July 4. The festival commemorates the 'Daksha Yaga' and is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. The Akkare Kottiyoor temple, situated at the banks of the Bavali river, only opens during the festival period.

According to the local people near the temple, the people ...