The Celebrating Ambalavasi:
Our community comprises multiple castes of Kerala including Pushpakas (Unni, Nambeesan), Chakyars, Moothaths, Ilayaths, Kurukkals, Warriers, Marars and Nambiars. Ambalavasxi is derived from two words, namely Ambalam (temple) and Vasi (inmate). Our community can be broadly classified into two groups - the sacred thread wearing people and those who do not wear it. We originally lived in temples and helped out the priests.