This annual festival at the Parabrahma temple, has a historical background and highlights the martial skills of the participants. The erstwhile rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha are said to have fought a battle at this place, and the festival is conducted to commemorate the historical event. Ochirakali is conducted on the first and second of Mithunam (Malayalam calender month, falls in June or July) every year.

On this occasion, the young and the old, from the two 'Karas' (East and West parts of Oachira) form themselves into two groups and display the "Kalarippayattu" (traditional martial arts) under the leadership of the "kalari asan (Lead)". On the following three days there is a cattle and agricultural fair/show inside the Padanilam where thousands of buyers and sellers get together even from far away places and trade