PATHANAMTHITTA: An eight-month-old baby fell down during Garudan Thookkam, an offering in the temple. The incident happened at the Ezhamkulam Devi Temple in Pathanamthitta. The baby fell from the hands of the person holding it during the thookkam held last night. The baby was immediately admitted in the hospital.

The hospital authorities informed that there is no need to worry and that the baby is safe and stable. Criticism is being raised that the ritual was being performed without adequate security systems. There were 624 thookkams this time and in that there were 124 children. Even six-month old babies are part of it. Ezhamkulam is a famous temple for the thookkam in southern Kerala.

Garudan Thookkam is associated with the murder of Darika. Garuda was flying above and watching the fierce battle between Darika and Kali. After slaying Darika, Kali was ready to attack Garuda. Kali retreated from the attack only after drinking three drops of Garuda's blood. Garudan Thookam is submitted as a reward for the problems solved in the abode of Goddess Bhadrakali The ritual is performed based on this belief. Thooka chadus is a chariot mounted on four large wooden wheels.