On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent season, the coastal regions of Kochi witness an ancient ritual. A group of believers walk the streets at midnight, carrying a cross, chanting intense verses. The persistent, guttural hymn chanting, known as ‘Devastha Vili’ is believed to exorcise lost or evil spirits.
The continuation of a centuries-old ritual, the Devastha Vili has an intriguing history, says Maridas Kalloor, whose recent book, Devasth Aroopathilekkulla Vili, is a deep dive into the evolution of the practice. Written in Malayalam, the book explores the ritualistic nature of Devastha and its potential to be brought out of its religious confines.
The book
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Fascinated by the unique cultural tapestry of coastal Kochi, the former joint registrar of the Kerala High Court, Maridas spent a year talking to practitioners of Devastha Vili from the region, studied and analysed European religious practices before documenting the traditions surrounding Devastha.
Believed to have been composed by Roman Catholic missionary Saint Francis Xavier in Portuguese when he came to Kochi’s shores in the 16th century, the Devastha Vili could have been a clever blend of various European lent traditions and ritualistic practices observed in the region, says Maridas. “For the recent converts to Christianity, who were from a background well-entrenched in ritualistic devotion, the use of bells, the holy cross and the loud chanting (in Devastha) would have been easy to relate to and adapt,” says Maridas.
He draws interesting parallels between traditions such as Fogareus, which is observed during the Holy Week in towns such as Braga and Sardoal in Portugal, where locals dressed in cloaks or dark robes take out a procession in the dead of the night, carrying torches. “Designed as a deliverance for souls in purgatory, the hymns are chanted loudly. The men who perform the Devastha observe a strict fast and the entire process creates a surreal atmosphere — of fear and devotion,” Maridas adds.
Translations of the Devastha emerged in Tamil and Malayalam. The versions in Malayalam are divided into Valiya Devastha, which uses Sanskritised Malayalam and Cheriya Devastha, which uses Malayalam.
“The coastal region — extending from Kodungalloor to Kanyakumari is a melting pot of various influences, it has an identity quite unlike any other region,” says Maridas. “For instance, Chavittunadakam, an art form blending European theatrical elements with Kerala martial art, originated in this region. Devastha Vili also has the potential to come out of its purely religious domain and be treated as an artform,” he adds.
The new Devastha
Maridas has composed 10 Devastha hymns, called Naveena (new) Devaasth, which highlights its performative aspects. “This can be recited on other occasions too and can be performed on stage,” he adds.
The spirit of the Devastha tradition is rooted in a sense of renewal; taking it out to a public space would draw more people to it and attract the attention it deserves, says Maridas.
An author with three short story collections and a couple of awards to his credit, Maridas lends his retired life to the joys of writing. He is currently working on a novel, Liberame, written in the Paravur-Kodungallur slang.