ARATTU at THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
(Sree Padmanabha Temple)
Arattu
festival is the closing ceremony of the ten day
festival in the Lord Padmanabha temple at Thiruvananthapuram.
There are two such festivals every year. One takes
place in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November)
and the other in Meenam (March-April).
The
Arattu is a ceremonial procession of the Lord
at the close of the ten-day-festival. The previous
night, there is a procession called pallivetta
inside the fort encircling the temple.
On
the day of the Arattu, His Highness the Ex-Maharaja
enters the corridor of the temple, and after some
rituals, the procession takes out through the
eastern gate with the accompaniment of nagaswaram,
drum etc.
His
Highness with sword in hand and escorted by armed
guards, infantry, mounted police, officers etc.
leads the procession to the Sanghumugham beach.
A caparisoned elephant goes in front with drum on
its back, that is beaten to indicate that the God
is coming in procession. Six more caparisoned elephants
follow. The procession leaves the temple gate at
about 5pm and a 21 gun salute is made. On reaching
the beach the ceremonial bath is taken in the sea.
AMBALAPUZHA
ARATTU
The Sree Krishnaswamy temple at Ambalapuzha dedicated
to Parthasarathy was established by the Chembakasserry
Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran in the
year 790 M.E. He offered his state to Sree Krishna
and ruled the country as his regent after assuming
the name of Deva Narayana.
The Arattu festival of this temple commences with
the flag hoisting ceremony on the Atham day in Meenam
(March-April). The important Arattu Utsavam, however,
takes place on the Thiruvonam day in Meenam.
'Velakali'
is an important feature of this festival. The famous
Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (a milk pudding of exceptional
sweetness) is the important offering of this temple.
>> top
ARANMULA
UTHRITTATHI
For ages, Keralites have cherished a reverential
attitude to rivers. When the weather becomes delightfully
pleasant and the nature exults in her full glory,
it is the apt time for Keralites to hold the Jalotsavam
(water - carnivals).
Boat race is in a way a display of physical might
of the people who forget their differences in partaking
in this sport. In that respect, the boat race is
symbolic of the Jalotsavams in Kerala. The most
famous is the Aranmula Snake Boat Race conducted
on the Uthrittathi day of Chingom (August-September).
The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa held
annually at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi asterism
in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate
the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that
day. The deity is supposed to be in all the boats
that take part in the carnival and all of them are
expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously.
There
is thus no element of competition in the Aranmula
Boat Race as in other regattas held in this district
and elsewhere. The race is not conducted to win
any trophy or prize. The crew regard the occasion
as one for rejoicing and merry-making and cheerfully
row up and down the river to the tune of songs.
Even though the festival is of Hindu origin and
is associated with the Parthasarathy Temple, it
is an all-community affair and participants include
members of all classes and communities living in
and around Aranmula.
The
festival is now being organized under the auspices
of the Palli Oda Seva Sangham, a popular organization
of the boat owners. It constitutes a national festival
for the people of Central Travancore and special
boats and buses ply to carry the people to witness
the event.
During the races, the banks of the river on either
side would be thronged with millions of spectators.
In recent years, the festival attracts spectators
from all parts of the country and even from abroad.
The Valla sadya is an important vazhipadu (offering)
in the temple on this occasion.
The snake boats at the Aranmula regatta present
an enchanting as well as imposing spectacle. They
are of extraordinary shape. About 100 ft. long,
the end of the boat is curving upwards with the
front portion tapering gradually. The rear portion
would be towering to a height of about 20 feet.
The boats resemble snakes with their hoods raised.
A 150 - crew including oarsmen, singers and ruddermen
man each boat which is gaily decorated for the occasion.
The occupants carry banners and ornamental umbrellas
of silk and gold. It is doubtful whether there is
any other national festival resplendent with such
an aura of spiritual devotion, endearing friendship,
sportsman spirit, majesty and rapturous delight
as the Aranmula boat race. Similar Snake-boat races
are organized at Champakkulam and Paippadu in Kuttanad,
the rice bowl of Kerala, during the Onam days. >> top
ASHTAMI
at VAIKOM
The
Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom is one of the most famous
and oldest Siva temples in Kerala.
The
utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve
days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam,
(November-December) the Ashtami falling on the last
day.
During
the night on the Ashtami day the deities of the
neighbouring temples will be ceremoniously brought
in procession to this temple. >> top
ATTUKAL
PONKALA
There is an ancient Bhagavathy temple (Mudipura)
at Attukal in the Kaladi ward of the Thiruvananthapuram
Corporation. The most important festival in this
temple, generally known as Attukal Ponkala commences
on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February-March) and continues
for nine days.
The festival begins with Thottampattu (a song about
Bhagavathy) which goes on during all the nine days.
On the ninth day, several thousands of women assemble
in the temple compound with ponkala pots and the
required quantities of rice and other ingredients
for ponkala. >> top
Adoor
Gajamela
On
February 07, 2006 at
Parthasarathy temple, Adoor, (near KSRTC bus stand,
Adoor), Pathanamthitta district the event Adoor
Gajamela takes place.
Gajamela
or the elephant pageant on the concluding day is
the highlight of the 10-day annual festival at the
Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Sree Krishna, known here in the name of
Parthasarathy (Partha's charioteer; Partha (Arjuna)
was one of the five Pandava princes, the heroes
of the epic, Mahabharatha). Majestically caparisoned
elephants take part in this spectacular procession.
Getting
there:
Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 25 km
away.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International
Airport, about 92 km away.
>> top
KUTHIYOTTAM
AND KETTUKAZHCHA ( Chettikulangara Temple)
Chettikulangara temple near Kayamkulam is one of
the famous Devi Temples in Kerala. The Bharani Utsavam
celebrated in Kumbham (February-March) in this temple
is quite an event to the local people as well as
to those residing in the neighbouring villages.
>> top
CHITTUR
KONGANPADA
Konganpada is a grand festival of historical significance
celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur'
ten kilometer from Palakkad town.
A unique festival it is held every year on the first
Monday after the dark lunar night in Kumbham (February
-March) to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur
over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by
the then Chola King Rajadhi Raja. >> top
Chottanikkara
Makam
The
"Makam" star is one of the most auspicious
days during the period of the annual festival.Devotees
from all over the country swarm in to the temple
on that day. The ritualistic bath of "Devi"
in ceremonial pond in the morning at the sacred
pond at Onakkoor far on the northern side of the
Temple. After this "Devi" accompanied
by Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven caparisoned
elephants march towards the "Pooraparambhu"
the traditional vantage point where they remain
till 11 a.m.
After
the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes.
Only to re-open at 2 p.m for the "Makam Darsana".
The whole temple premises will be over crowded by
devotees especially the women folk to have a look
at Devi who appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour
and glory decked in her sacred gold ornaments, precious
jewellery and innumerable garlands. It is a resplendent
vision. This is exactly the form of vision which
Villwamangalam Swamiyar was believed to have had
when he faced westward after the "Prathishta"
(installation) of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy, Chottanikkara
Devi appears at this moment clad in glittering clothes
brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her
four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram
(Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees.
It is fervently believed that Darsanam at this moment
will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and
cherished desires. It is fervently believed that
those who gain "Darsana" at this crucial
"Mithuna Lagna" , will be blessed with
the fulfilment of their long standing desire and
prayers.
The
Chottanikkara Makam Thozal festival will be held
on February 14 this year (2006). Arrangements will
be made by the Chottanikkara Devaswom to help the
devotees to attend the ceremonies at the devi temple
from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Puliyannoor
thantri will hoist the flag for the festival on
February 8 at 8 p.m. and ezhunellippu will be held
on February 15 and arattu the next day morning.
A
statement by the executive officer of the devaswom
said that in many calendars the `Makam thozal day'
had been indicated to fall in March. This statement
was to clarify the ambiguity about the festival
dates and to help devotees reach the temple on the
correct date.
>> top
ETTUMANOOR
FESTIVAL
Ettumanoor
is located 12 Kms north-east of Kottayam town. The
ancient Siva temple here has brought glory and fame
to the place.
Myths
have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had
worshipped at this temple. The name of the place
had its origin from the word 'manoor', which means
the home of deer.
The
arattu festival of this temple is celebrated on
a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham
(February-March) every year. Large number of people
flock to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of
the festival when seven and half elephants made
of gold (nearly 13 Kgms) will be held in public
view. The temple, the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala,
has many valuable possessions. >> top
GURUVAYOOR
FESTIVALS
One of the famous temples in India, Guruvayoor is
situated in an out-of-the way village in Chavakkad
taluk, though it draws a vast concourse of pilgrims
from every part of the country.
Devotees
throng to this temple not to see and appreciate
the variety of its structural patterns or to revel
in the festivals celebrated there, but only to feel
the air of benediction that pervades this famous
shrine of Guruvayoor appan and to invoke his blessings.
The
important religious festivals celebrated in this
temple are:
1. Ashtami Rohini in Chingom
(August - September)
2. Sukla Paksha Ekadasi in Vrischikom (November-December)
3. Kuchela Day in Dhanu (December-January) the day
on which Kuchela visited Sree Krishna with beaten
rice.
4. Dhwaja Prathishta day (Erection of flag staff
in the temple) on Makayiram Asterism in Makaram
(January- February).
5. Vishukkani in Medam (April)
6. The ten days Utsavam commencing from Pooyam Asterism
in Kumbhom (February-March). >> top
HARIPAD
TEMPLE FESTIVAL
Sree Subrahmonia Swamy temple, at Haripad, is one
of the oldest and most important temples devoted
to Lord Subrahmania. It is situated on the Kollam-Alapuzha
highway.
Annually three festivals are celebrated in this
temple, of which the Chithira festival is the most
important. It takes place in Medom (April-May).
The procession with the golden peacock throne is
quite attractive.>> top
KANATHURKAVU
UTSAVAM
Kanathurkavu is an ancient Hindu temple in the heart
of Kannur consecrated to the Goddess Mahadevi and
later to Sree Rama also.
During
the annual festival in April, thousands of people
go there to witness Theyyattom, dance ritual of
the Mahadevi and other Gods. >> top
KAPPALLY
KUMBHAM THIRA
There is a temple about half a kilometer to the
east of the Kappally palayat temple. This is the
Kappally temple where the Thira festival is conducted
annually from 3rd to 13th of Kumbham (February-March)
every year. The most important day of the festival
is the 12th of Kumbham.
>> top
KODIYETTU
UTSAVAM AT THIRUVARATTUKAVU BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE, ATTINGAL
The Kodiyettu Utsavam of this temple, dedicated
to the Goddess Bhagavathy, is celebrated in memory
of the consecration of the temple. Commencing on
the Makayiram day in Vrischikam, (November-December)
it ends on the Uthram day. >> top
KODUNGALLOOR
BHARANI UTSAVAM
Kodungallore, the ancient capital of Kerala lying
about twenty miles north-west of Ernakulam had a
hoary past. The Kodungallore Bhagavathy temple is
one of the wealthiest temples in Kerala.
Bhadrakali
born of the third eye of Samhara Rudra, killed the
demon Darika. It is to commemorate this event that
the famous Bharani festival is celebrated in the
Kodungallore Bhagavathy temple in Meenam (March-April)
every year. >> top
KOODALMANICKAM
UTSAVAM
The ancient and historic Koodalmanickam temple is
situated in the Manavalassery village, about nine
kilometers from the Irinjalakuda railway station.
The deity of this temple is Sree Bharatha who is
generally not found consecrated in Kerala temples.
This temple is in the true architectural pattern
of Kerala temples. The festival here is held annually
for all days in Medom (April-May) from Utram to
Thiruvonam asterisms. >> top
KUMARANALLOOR
THRIKKARTHIKA UTSAVAM
The
Kumaranalloor temple is situated in the Perumbaikad
village of Kottayam Taluk.
KUTTIKOL
THAMPURATTY THEYYAM
The Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam festival which
showcases most of the major Theyyams is a fascinating
event. The festival with its psychedelic colour
and pageantry is unforgettable.
The
event is held at Kuttikkol Thampuratty Bhagavathy
Temple at Kuttikkol near Erinhipuzha, Kasaragod.
Event
begins : February 22- 26, 2006
Getting
there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 28 km
away.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km away
>> top
KOTTUVALLIKKAVU
KUMBHA BHARANI
The Kottuvillikavu Bhagavathy temple is situated
15 kilometers to the west of the Aluva railway station
in the Kottuvally village of Paravur taluk. This
temple is said to have been built by Kottaukal Padanayar
from Kodungallore (Cranganore). >> top
LOKANARKAVU
UTSAVAM
Lokamalayarkavu, or Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy temple
as is familiarly known, is situated at Memunda,
six kilometers east of Badagara in North Kerala.
Two festivals are celebrated here annually in the
months of Vrischikam (November-December) and Meenam
(March-April). The festival in Vrischikam is known
as Mandalavilakku, which is the most important one.
>> top
KALAPATHY
RATHOLSAVAM
Kalpathy
Ratholsavam (the last three days of the annual seven
day chariot festival) is held at the Sree Viswanathaswamy
Temple at Kalpathy in Palakkad District. The temple
is over 700 years old. Vedic recitals, spectacular
procession of beautifully decorated temple chariots
drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees
are the highlights of the festival.
>> top
MANNARSALA
UTSAVAM
In
olden times every Hindu family in Kerala had a serpent-grove.
Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri.Subramanyaswamy
temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple
of Nagaraja (God of Serpents), the largest of its
kind in Kerala . Built in a grove the temple is
reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods.
On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of
Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the
serpent idols in the grove and temple are taken
in procession to the illam (family connected with
the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice
flour and milk), Kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric
and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female
member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja
and the procession is conducted with great pomp
and rejoicing. >> top
NELLIKULANGARA
VELA
In the Vallanghi village of Chittur Taluk , there
is a beautiful temple dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy
. The deity of this temple is called Nellikulangara
Bhagavathy .
To
invoke the blessings of the Goddess, the people
of Vallanghi and Nemmara conduct a festival of 20th
Meenam (March-April) every year. This is the famous
Vallanghi vela.>> top
THRISSUR
POORAM
The
most colorful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur
Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators
form all parts of the State and even outside.
Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of processions
of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring
temples to the Vadakunnatha temple, Thrissur.
This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran,
the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram
festival is also well-known for the magnificent
display of fireworks.
It
is celebrated by two rival groups representing the
two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi
vying with each other in making the display of fireworks
more grand and more colorful.
Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen
elephants and all efforts are made by each party
to secure the best elephants in South India and
the most artistic parasols, that are raised on the
elephants during the display. The commissioning
of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost
secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing
in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations
last till the break of dawn, the next day.
At the close of the Pooram both these groups enter
the temple through the western gate and come out
through the southern gate to array themselves, face
to face, one from the round and other from the Municipal
Office road. This spectacle is highly enchanting.
Although this grand festival is known as Thrissur
Pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight
-day Utsavam of nine temples.
The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the
grounds of Vadakkunnatha Temple and back is not
only important, but also quite enlivening. The marvelous
as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a
combination of five percussion and wind instruments,
is to be felt and enjoyed. >> top
SABARIMALA
SHRINE
The
shrine teems with devotees especially during the
main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandalapooja
and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the
pilgrim season.
The temple stays closed during the rest of the year
except for the first five days of every Malayalam
month and during Vishu (April).
This year, the opening and closing days for the
'Mandalapooja Maholsavam' are 5.30 PM on
15- 11- 2005 and 10 PM on 26- 12- 2005
A
pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe
austerities for 41 days. During this period, the
pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian
habits and cardinal pleasures.
A flashback:
For many centuries Sabarimala in the south has been
an important pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of
devotees from all over India, especially from the
southern states.
The presiding deity at Sabarimala is Lord Ayyappa
known as Dharma Sastha, who is considered a symbol
of unity between the Vaishnavites and Saivites,
his origin being traced to a union of Siva and Vishnu
under special circumstances.
He
is also believed to have fulfilled his mission in
life and rejoined his Supreme Self enshrined at
Sabarimala. Some scholars say that Sastha images
seen all over Kerala are those of Lord Buddha, but
there are others who dispute this theory.
The temple is situated in the interior of the mountain
ranges of the Western Ghats Sahyadri, and it is
inaccessible except on foot. Pilgrimage
to Sabarimala cannot be undertaken at all seasons,
because it requires long preparation and fixed timings.
A
devotee who wishes to perform the pilgrimage should
undergo forty-one days' Vritham' (penance) consisting
of strict celibacy, morning and evening ablutions,
growing of beard and daily prayers. Saranamvili
or the call of dedication and refuge in Lord Ayyappa
is an essential part of the daily worship.
January 14, every year synchronizing with the day
of Sankramom (crossing of the sun from Dhakshinayana
to Uttarayana) is the most important festival day
of the temple. On the above day , lakhs of pilgrim
each called an Ayyappa (assuming the very name of
the Lord) flock to the shrine for worship. Here
they see the Makara Vilakku the appearance of a
spontaneous phenomenon of strange light in the distance,
indicating the presence of god, and return ennobled
and strengthened in spirit.
Situated
not far from the Sabarimala temple, there is a shrine
in the name of Vavar, a Muslim of great valour,
who was thought to be a close associate of Sri Ayyappa.
It is a rare feature of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala
that the Hindu pilgrim offer worship at this shrine
of Vavar also during their trip, indicating the
communal harmony that prevailed in Kerala for ages.
During the entire pilgrimage, all distinctions of
caste and class are forgotten.
To reach
The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one
can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle.
Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala.
From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the
temple.
for more details log on to sabrimala.org
>> top
SARKARA
BHARANI AND KALIYOOTTU
The famed Sarkara Bhagavathy temple is situated
at Sarkara village, near Chirayinkeezhu railway
station. The festivals celebrated in this temple
are Kaliyoottu in Kumbham and Bharani in Meenam
(February-March). Kaliyootu is celebrated to commemorate
the fight between Darika and Bhadrakali. >> top
SIVAGIRI
MUTT
Sree
Narayana Guru was the Kingpin of a social revolution
which transformed the caste-ridden society of Kerala.
His philosophy of 'one caste, one religion and one
God for man' and 'man should progress whatever be
the religion' had far-reaching impact.
He even went to the extent of installing and consecrating
idols in temples to establish that the authority
to perform religious rites does not rest only with
Hindus, especially Brahmins. The Sharada temple
and his mutt at Sivagiri atop Varkala hill has now
become a place of pilgrimage.
The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru,
and the Samadhi day are befittingly celebrated in
August and September respectively every year. On
these days colorful. processions, seminars, public
meetings, cultural shows, community feasts and special
rituals are held.
In
the last week of December, devotees of Sree Narayana
Guru, donned in yellow attire stream to Sivagiri
from different parts of Kerala and outside, in what
may be called a pilgrimage of enlightenment.
Seminars
and discussions on various themes of modern life
ranging from industrialization to women's emancipation
are held during the days of pilgrimage. The Maha
samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru also attracts a large
number of devotees and tourists. >> top
MAHA
SIVARATHRI
‘Maha
Sivarathri’ Festival on Feb 26, 2006
The
word ‘Maha Sivarathri’ means `the great
night of Lord Siva.
Mahasivarathri is said to commemorate the day on
which lord Siva consumed the deadly poison (kalakutaviaham)
to save the world from destruction.Godess Parvathy
is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva with great
devotion . Lord Siva was pleased by her prayer and
blessed her. She asked for the benefit of all the
creatures, that in future whoever worships the Lord
on the siva ratri day with devotion, they should
also be blessed and should be given the ultimate
liberation and it was granted.
In Kerala, it is celebrated in the Malayalam month
of Kumbam (February-March). It is celebrated by
the Hindus all over Kerala. The Mahasivarathri is
considered a very important day for fast and Siva
worship.
There
is no other place in Kerala where Sivarathiri is
celebrated on such a grand scale as in Aluva.The
festival is held on the banks of Periyar at Alwaye
.The sand bank is extensive and the pilgrims running
into several thousands congregate here. People belonging
to all classes, castes and creeds assemble for this
festival, The pilgrims keep awake the whole night
and return home next morning after performing Bali.
There are shows, dances etc. meant for keeping the
pilgrims awake throughout the night.
>> top
more pictures
SUNDARESWARA
TEMPLE FESTIVAL
This temple was founded in 1916 by Sree Narayana
Guru , Lord Siva is the deity consecrated in the
temple which has since been opened to all irrespective
of caste or creed. Eight -day festival is conducted
in March- April every year. >> top
THIRUNAKKARA
UTSAVAM
The celebrated Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam, on the
Thiruvakkara Hill at the very centre of the Kottayam
Municipal town is one of the important Siva temples,
Famous for its historical importance, antiquity
and sanctity.
The grandest festival of this temple is the "Arattu
Utsavam" lasting for ten days from the 1st
Meenam (March-April) which is attended by hundreds
of thousands of people, irrespective of caste or
creed.>> top
THIRUVATHIRA
The
Thiruvathira festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira
in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).
The people celebrate this festival upon age-old
tradition and they do it with great joy and respect
for the past.
The
Ardra Darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu corresponds
to Thiruvathira of Kerala. It is considered to be
high auspicious to worship Siva and the devotees
go to the temple before sunrise for 'darshan'.
Apart
from the worship in the Siva temple, there is very
little celebration in the houses. Tradition has
it that Thiruvathira festival is celebrated in commemoration
of the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of
love. According to another version Thiruvathira
is the birth day of Lord Siva.
Even though the Thiruvathira is celebrated by most
of the Hindu communities it is essentially Nair
women's festival. Nair women get up at about 4 am
and take bath on seven days commencing form the
asterism Aswathi. While taking bath they sing certain
songs mostly relating to the God of Love, accompanied
by rhythmic sound produced by splashing water with
their fists. In conclusion they stand in a circle
in the water hand in hand singing songs.
Thiruvathira
is a day of fasting and the women discard the ordinary
rice meal on that day, but only take preparations
of chama (panicum milicceum) or wheat. Other items
of their food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts,
etc.
From prehistoric times, Malayalee woman enjoyed
an enviable position in the society, and she was
practically the mistress of her house. The elevated
position she occupied at home and in the society
has influenced to a considerable extent the social
structure, customs and religious practices of the
people.
The
culmination of this phenomenon is clearly visible
in setting apart one of the three great festivals
of Kerala viz. Thiruvathira, exclusively for womenfolk,
for which a parallel can hardly be found in any
section of the Indian Society.
Oonjalattom, swinging on an oonjal (swing) is an
item of amusement on this occasion. At night the
women keep vigil for Siva and perform Thiruvathira
kali or Kaikottikali. They stand in a circle around
lighted brass lamp, and dance each step at the rhythm
of the songs they sing, clapping their hands. The
songs sometimes consist of Kathakali songs including
the works of Irayimman Thampi.
Among Namboodiris and Amblavasis (temple servants)
and Bairs who have close association with Namboodiris
, there is custom called Pathirappoochoodal, Meaning
wearing of flowers at midnight.
At the midnight of Thiruvathira, an image of Siva
is placed at the central courtyard and flowers,
plantains and jaggery are offered to the deity.
They then perform Kaikottikali round the deity.
Flowers are taken from the offering and worn by
them. >> top
THRICHAMBARAM
UTSAVAM
Thrichambaram
temple dedicated to Sree Krishna is located at the
Taliparamba village, about 14 kilometer from Pappinisserry
railway station. The annual festival at this temple
lasts for 14 days from 22nd Kumbaham (February-March). >> top
UTHRA
SEEVELI IN THIRUVALLA TEMPLE
Situated about three kilometer form the Thiruvalla
railway station , the Sree Vallabha temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. The large tank near the temple is
believed to have been formed naturally. Five other
deities have also been installed here.
The
flag -staff of the temple, about 50 feet tall ,
is made of granite. It is believed that its bottom
touches the water table . On the top of the flag-staff
has been installed a three-feet high idol of Garuda,
the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. >> top
UTHRALIKAVU
POORAM
The annual festival at the Sree Ruthira Mahakaalikavu
Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is the most famous
event in the region and is called the Uthralikavu
Pooram. The eight-day celebration is highlighted
by day-and-night elephant processions. The concluding
day of the festival is celebrated as pooram day,
when about 21 elephants in traditional caparisons
line up with colourful parasols, swaying venchamarams
(white tufts like those used for cheerleading) and
Aalavattams (peacock-feather fans). Traditional
musical ensembles like the Panchavadyam and the
Pandimelam add rhythm to this magical spectacle.
The cultural fare during the festival includes temple
and folk art performances.
Venue:
Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, near Vadakkancherry,
Thrissur district.
Event
Date : February 28, 2006
Getting
there: Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about
20 km away. Nearest airport: Cochin International
Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur. >> top
VARKALA
JANARDHANASWAMY TEMPLE ARATTU
The Janardhanaswamy Temple at Varkala is about three
kilometers form the Varkala railway station. The
Arattu festival at this temple is celebrated every
year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettu
(Flag hoisting) of Karthika day ending with Arattu
on Uthram day. The festival lasts for ten days.
On an average more than ten thousand people gather
everyday to attend the festival. A colorful. procession
led by caparisoned elephants in which ornamental
silk umbrellas, peacock fans etc. are carried, which
is one of the prominent features of the festival. >> top
VAIKATHASHTAMI
FESTIVAL
Mahadeva
Temple at Vaikom, Kottayam district.
The
sacred Ashtami festival of the temple takes place
during the dark lunar fortnight of the Malayalam
month Vrischikam (Sagittarius) which concludes on
the Ashtami day.This year the event is on 24 Nov.
On the Ashtami night, Thidampu, a symbolic idol
of the Lord Siva (known here as Vaikom Mahadeva)
is taken out in procession. On its way, many deities
from nearby temples join the procession. The cultural
fare includes classical music and dance performances
including night-long Kathakali performances on the
eighth and ninth days.
Getting
there:
Nearest railway stations: Ernakulam, about 36 km
towards the north; Kottayam, about 40 km towards
the south.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about
56 km away.
>> top
THEYYAM
FESTIVAl at Perumthitta Tharavad &
Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam
Theyyam,
the colourful ritual dance of Kerala is one of the
oldest art forms of India. It incorporates dance,
mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient
tribal cultures, which attached great importance
to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits.
