Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi Jayanthi honors the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi annually on October 2nd. Known as India’s unofficial “Father of the Nation”, Mahatma Gandhi was a national icon who led the struggle for India’s independence from British colonial rule. Continue reading
Photo credits : Ramesh Kidangoor
Thazhathangadi is located near to Kottayam town, by the bank of River Minachil. It is one of the oldest trade centers in Kerala and during its prime it was essential to the trade in the region. At the end of the Onam Festival Thazathangadi hosts the oldest snake boat competition in Kerala . Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The world famous Aranmula boat race will be held this year on September 20th. The uthrattathi Vallamkali sees 26 boats participating in the two days of festivities. The festivities involve the oarsmen singing traditional boat songs and wearing white Mundu and turbans. The boats are decorated with golden lace at the head of the boat and a flag and ornamental umbrellas in the center. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
The Kavadi festival is celebrated at all the shrines of Lord Murgha, the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The Kavadi is a short wooden pole supporting 2 bent pieces of steel or wood with two baskets at each end. Devotees carry this structure that can weigh up to 30 kilos across their shoulders. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
Pulikkali, which means “tiger play”, is a popular folk art form, also known as Kaduvakali. This iconic Onam event is mainly practiced in the Thrissur and Palaghat districts of Kerala. Participants painstakingly paint their bodies like tigers and don tiger masks. (The process can take the entire day to complete with first the removal of body hair and then the application of multiple layers of paint.) The procession also includes men representing hunters. The best performers are chosen out of the hundreds of participants. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
The cattle race is one of the many charismatic Onam celebrations enjoyed by farmers during the end of the harvest season. A special 100 meter track filled with mud and water is created. The skilled drivers balance precariously on a modified plow while the pairs of bullocks charge through the farmland at hair-raising speed. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Once upon a time an Asura King Mahabali ruled Kerala, he was dearly loved by this country and was known to be a just and wise ruler. His story is recaptured in the popular folk song:
When Mahabali ruled the land
Everyone was equal
Happily they lived
Danger befell none
There was no falsehood or fraud
And no untruth
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Kerala is a land of celebrations and Onam in particular transcends regional and religious profiles. Of the many festivals that are celebrated here, Onam is the most spectacular event of all. It celebrates the return of King Mahabali, who sacrificed his life to save his people but is said to visit his subjects annually at the harvest time. Continue reading
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