Hotels and resorts of Maldives

The hotels and resorts in Maldives range from super-luxurious five-star hotel to a simple yet comfortable resort where you can spend your holidays in peace and relaxation.

1. Anantara Resort

Anantara Resort is just 30 minutes away from the Male International Airport. 110 beach facing rooms with attached bathrooms are epitome of luxury. The tourist will enjoy dining at Aqua, Fushi Café, Baan Huraa, Dine by Design, Terrazzo and Fuddan Fusion Grill. For leisure and relaxation, there is a fully-equipped gymnasium, swimming pool and a spa to spend the vacations.

Dhigufinolhu, Male

Ph: 00960 664 4100

Website: www.anantara.com/html/resort/maldives/intro.html

2. Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree is in the hub of North Male Atoll in Maldives. The 48-villas are shaped like shells are set amidst lush gardens. Enjoy gourmet cuisines at the Ilaafathi Restaurant, In-villa Dining, Sandbank Dining and Naiboli Bar. While staying there, enjoy recreational facilities of the hotel including fitness center, spa and water sports such as snorkeling, wind surfing and catamaran rides etc.

Vabbinfaru Island, North Male Atoll

Ph: 00960 664 3147

Website: www.banyantree.com/maldives/index.htm

Email: Maldives@banyantree.com

3. Full Moon Maldives

Come to relax from the busy schedule of daily life at Full Moon enjoying small luxuries of life. You can select from the Beachfront Deluxe Room, Beachfront Cottage, Water Bungalow, Water Villa and Water Suite to get the mesmerizing views from your room. Relish the variety of cuisines at the Drifter’s Club, Beach Bar, Full Moon Restaurant, Sand Coast Café, Atoll Grill, Ban Thai and Casa Luna. Plenty of attractions such as the spa, swimming pool, water sports and excursions are there for you to enjoy your vacations.

Orchid Magu, Male

Ph: 009606642010

Website: http://www.fullmoonmaldives.com/

Email: reservations@fullmoon.com.mv

4. Hilton Maldives Resorts and Spa

Hilton Maldives Rangali Island is spread over two exotic islands, Rangali and Ranglifinolhu, and connected to each other by footbridge. There are 100 tastefully appointed villas offer marvelous view of the beach. Relish on the variety of recipes prepared by best chefs at Atoll Market Restaurant, Sunset Bar & Grill, Koko Grill Restaurant, Vilu Restaurant and Bar Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Mandhoo Spa Restaurant, The Wine Cellar, Rangali Bar and The Wine Bar. While on vacation pamper yourself with health and recreational facilities offered by the hotel such as swimming pool, gymnasium, health and beauty spa, tennis court, water sports and excursion trips.

Rangali Islands

Ph: 00960 668 0629

Website: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MLEHITW

5. Holiday Island Resort

Holiday Island Resort is located on the tip of South Male Atoll. The luxury property offers 142 rooms with impeccable interiors. The western as well as orient cuisines are on the menu for the guest to go on a gastronomical journey. The recreational facilities at the resort include discotheque, gymnasium, tennis court, water sports, weekly live bands and several cultural events.

Dhiffushi, South Ari Atoll

Ph: 00960 450 011

Website: www.villahotels.com/ResortInfo_holiday_index.html

Email: infor@hoilday-island.com.mv

6. Paradise Island Resort

Beautifully designed Paradise Island Resort is a haven of natural sceneries and serenity. The resort offers 220 beach bungalows and 40 water bungalows to have a comfortable and luxurious stay. You can enjoy a delectable fare at five specialty restaurants serving Japanese and Italian cuisine along with seafood to satisfy your hunger pangs. There are plenty of leisure and recreational facilities to keep you hooked to the island including discotheque, souvenir shop, swimming pool, massage center, tennis court, fishing trips and water sports.

North Male Atoll

Ph: 00960 440 011

Website: http://www.villahotels.com/ResortInfo_paradise_facts.htm

Email: info@paradise-island.com.mv

7. Royal Island Resort and Spa

A part of Villa Hotel Chain, Royal Island Resort is only 30 minutes from Male. The deluxe rooms fitted with all the comforts to make the guests feel relaxed. The Maakana Restaurant, Raabondhi Restaurant, Boli Bar, Fun Pub, Pool Bar and The Palm Terrace at the resort offer gourmet specialties from all over the country. The guests can enjoy the facilities at hotel during their stay such as tennis court, gymnasium, city, excursions, fishing trips and water sports.

Horubadhoo, Baa Atoll

Ph: 00960 660 0088

Website: http://www.royal-island.com/

Email: info@royal-island.com

8. Soneva Fushi and Six Sense Spa

Soneva Sushi is a luxury resort on a largest private island of Kunfunadhoo given for tourism in Maldives. There are 15 rooms, 17 suites, 33 villas and 3 spa suites having plushy décor to give you a comfortable stay. Give your taste buds a treat at the me Dhuniye Restaurant and Bar. You can also pick up fresh vegetables and herbs of your choice from the kitchen garden for our chefs to prepare for you. Leisure and recreation activities at the resort include swimming pool, massage center, health and beauty club, indoor games, water sports and adventure trips.

Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll

Ph: 009606600404, 009660305

Website: http://www.slh.com/maldives/kunfunadhoo_island/hotel_shimal.html

9. Sun Island Resort

Sun Island Resort is a picture of privacy and tranquility at South Ari Atoll 62 miles away from the airport. 350 rooms including 80 water bungalows and water suites, gives tourists a wide choice of rooms. Dig into the culinary feast at the Maaniyaa Restaurant, Vani Coffee Shop & Bar, Mekunu, Beach Bar, Club Green House Bar, Guraamuli Grill Terrace and Bar, Lobby Bar, Ristorante Al Pontile & Bar, Southern Star Restaurant & Bar, Sun Star Thai Restaurant & Bar. Leisure activities to keep you busy are the swimming pool, games arcade, gymnasium, aerobics, Japanese massage treatment, water sports and souvenir shop.

Nalaguraidhoo, South Ari Atoll

Tel: 00960 668 0088

Onam Festival 2006 IES College of Engineering Trichur Kerala

Onam festival 2006 IES Engineering college Trichur Kerala

Onam Festival 2006 Celebration IES College of Engineering Trichur,kerala

Moolam-Seventh day of Onam

Moolam - Day Seven

Moolam is the seventh day of the festival of Onam which continues for ten days. With just two days left for the festival now, enthusiasm grips the state of Kerala. Bright colours of the festivities can be seen in commercial areas of the state where the shops are loaded with goods and people are jostling for a space. There is hustle and bustle everywhere as excited people do their last bit of shipping. What is even more apparent on the faces of millions of people of Kerala is the spirit of joy and happiness. People get the feel that the time to meet their Onathappan has just come. A year long wait is going to be over and there will be celebrations all around.

Pookalam is made in a new design with kondattam (gaiety) on this day with the most beautiful flowers. For Maveli is coming and there is mirth all over.

Thumbi Thullal

Thumbi Thullal is a fascinating all women dance and singing event performed in Kerala on the occasion of Onam. While men engage themselves in energetic sports, womenfolk perform Thumbi Thullal and have their share of fun.

Wearing their best sarees, stunning jewelery and fragrant gajras, a group of women sit in the formation of circle to play Thumbi Thullal. In the centre of the circle sits the main performer.

Lead singer initiates a song in her melodious voice by singing the first couplet which is taken up by other women. The sequence continues song after song with the lead singer initiating the couplet every time followed by a chorus from other women. Joyful clap dance also goes on in rhythm with the singing.

It is a colorful spectacle to watch women in their carefree mood. The event continues amidst jeers and laughter till the day comes to its end.

Thriketa-Sixth day of Onam

Thriketa - Day Six

Triketta or Thriketa is the sixth day of the carnival of Onam. A feeling of joy and jubilation can be felt amongst the people of Kerala at this time. Cultural programmes and social gatherings are organised by various cultural societies all over the state. People of all religions caste and creed participate in these events as the festival of Onam has come to be seen as a secular festival. Government of India too celebrates Onam as the National Festival of Kerala.

There are no set rituals marked for the day of Triketta. It marks the time for home coming for people staying away from their families for various reasons; Onam is the time for family get together and nobody likes to be away from family and dear ones. Joys of festivities doubles in the company of family members and close friends. On this happy note, Pookalam gets a more beautiful design and fresh flowers.

Anizham - fifth day of Onam

Anizham - Day Five

Anizham is the fifth day of Onam celebrations. High point of the day is the grand Snake Boat Race event called Vallamkali, which takes place on the fifth day of the Onam. The hugely popular competition happens on the banks of the river Pamba at Aranmulla. A multitude of domestic and international tourists come to witness the colourful spectacle of the race.

A large number of long snake like boats called chundan vallams participate in Vallamkali. Each picturesquely decorated boat is oared by hundreds of oarsmen dressed in the traditional dhoti and turban. Boats are oared on the rhythm of vanchipattu or boat songs. Vallamkali is essentially a team event as a single mistake by a oarsman can lead to overturning of the boat.

On the home front, more flowers are added to the Pookalam laid in the front courtyard of the house. Women become extremely busy making preparations for Thiru Onam and a general atmosphere of excitement prevail at this time in Kerala.

Visakam -forth day of Onam

Visakam - Day Four

VisakamVishagam or Visakam is the fourth day of the Onam festivities. As the number of days left for the big days are very few now, excitement becomes palpable amongst the people of Kerala. Brisk activities in the market and households can be witnessed on the day of Visakam. Women who have to prepare the elaborate meal of Onasadya on Thiruvonam, gets engaged in the prior preparations on Visakam. Making of various types of pickles and pappadams (papad) besides various other things begins now. Girls engage themselves in making new designs for Pookalam with flowers of different colours and shapes. It is an endearing sight to watch women dressed in their traditional attire working on the Pookalam. They sing and make merry as and at the same time give shape to their creativity. Pookalam designing competitions are also organised at various places. These are extremely popular in Kerala and witness a participation of large number of designers and onlookers.

Athapoovu Competetions
An integral tradition of Onam, Pookalam has come up as an art form. Competitions for decorating Pookalams are organised all over the state. Creativity of the designers is unleashed through such competitions as they come up with innovative designs each year

Onam recipe-Erissery With Yam

Erissery

It is made of raw plantains and Yams sliced and boiled in water with salt and chillies or pepper added. The pulp of the coconut is ground with a little cumin seed added to it. When the whole thing is properly boiled, a few mustard seeds along with scraped coconut pulp fried in coconut oil, is added in to it to give it flavour. Erissery is also made with pumpkin and red oriental beans, the recipe is given below.

Erissery With Yam

Ingredients:

Yam cut into small pieces 60gms
Big raw banana 1 no
Pepper powder 1tsp
Turmeric powder 1/4tsp
Water 1cup
Salt to taste
Grated coconut 1/2coconut
Cumin seeds a pinch
Ghee 10gm
Coconut oil 1tbs
Mustard seeds 1/4tsp

Method:

1. Split the banana lengthwise into 3 pieces. Do not peel the skin. Cut it into small pieces.
2. Boil yam and banana with pepper powder, turmeric powder and salt in 1 cup of water. Grind one fourth quantity of grated coconut and cumin seeds together and add to it.
3. Grind the remaining coconut and saute in a low flame till brown in colour. Keep it aside.
4. Season mustard seeds in ghee. Add the coconut oil, seasoned mustard seeds and the sauted coconut to the vegetable mixture. Mix well.

Visakam -forth day of Onam

Visakam - Day Four

VisakamVishagam or Visakam is the fourth day of the Onam festivities. As the number of days left for the big days are very few now, excitement becomes palpable amongst the people of Kerala. Brisk activities in the market and households can be witnessed on the day of Visakam. Women who have to prepare the elaborate meal of Onasadya on Thiruvonam, gets engaged in the prior preparations on Visakam. Making of various types of pickles and pappadams (papad) besides various other things begins now. Girls engage themselves in making new designs for Pookalam with flowers of different colours and shapes. It is an endearing sight to watch women dressed in their traditional attire working on the Pookalam. They sing and make merry as and at the same time give shape to their creativity. Pookalam designing competitions are also organised at various places. These are extremely popular in Kerala and witness a participation of large number of designers and onlookers.

Athapoovu Competetions
An integral tradition of Onam, Pookalam has come up as an art form. Competitions for decorating Pookalams are organised all over the state. Creativity of the designers is unleashed through such competitions as they come up with innovative designs each year

Chodhi - Day Three

Third day of the ten-day-long carnival of Onam is called Chothi or Chodi. The day is marked by buzz and lot of activities. Frenzied shopping can be witnessed in the market place all over the state as everybody buys new clothes and accompanying accessories for the grand festival of Onam. Gifts are also procured for everyone in the house including the servants. Some shopping is also done for closed relatives. With the increasing hype for the festival, thanks to the media, shopkeepers too come up with innovative incentives to lure the customers who are in the mood to spend. These days even electronic good keepers offer attractive discounts to cash in on the bullish mood of the festivities.

Well, there are no set rituals for Chothi. Specific flowers are added to Pookalam on this day too. It may be noted that different types of flowers are added to Pookalam on each day as each flower is devoted to a particular deity. As a result Pookalam increases in diameter on this day and gets a refreshing new design.

Pulikali

Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.

Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills.

The Appearance

Striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.

It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies.

The Play
It is a wonderful sight to see humans in the guise of tigers roaming in the streets. Children, specifically take great delight in their performance as the entertainers dance, pounce and walk like a tiger. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tiger being hunted by a human beings are also beautifully depicted by them. Beat for the dance movement is provided by percussion instruments like 'udukku' and 'thakil'.

Onam Recipes-Theeyal

Theeyal

Ingredients:

Baby onions1 Cup

Curry leaves 5 no

Mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon

Tamarind paste 2 tablespoons

Sugar 1/2 teaspoon

Asafoetida 1 Pinch

Grated coconut 1/2 c up

Red chillies 7 no

Coriander seeds 1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon

Black peppercorns7

Turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon

Oil 3 tablespoons

Salt

Method

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a small pan and saute coconut till it is light brown. Add 5 red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns and fry till it emits an aroma. Add the turmeric powder. Stir-fry for 2-3 seconds. Keep aside to cool. Grind into a coarse powder

Heat 2 tbsp. oil and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and remaining red chillies. When the seeds start spluttering, add asafoetida and onions. Saute for 5 minutes on a medium flame. Add the ground masala powder and cook for a few seconds. Add water, tamarind extract, salt and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Chithira - second day of onam

Chithira - Day Two

Today Chithira-second day of onamChithira is the second day of celebrations in the ten-day-long Onam festivities. There are not any marked rituals for the day but people offer their prayers to evoke divine blessings.

For girls the importance of the day lies in the fact they will add new flowers to Pookalam which they started on the day of Atham. So they have to unleash their creativity and think of the most innovative and creative design. Boys of the house will get the job of arranging flowers for the girls. After all everybody wishes to invite Lord Maveli in their own house by making the best Pookalam in the neighbourhood.

Planning and intense discussions for the big day of Onam begins from this day. Each event is discussed in detail so that nothing remain undone or incomplete. A long shopping list is prepared and children get the opportunity of putting in their long pending demands in the elaborate list. A time for wish fulfillment for everyone!

Atham - Day One Of Onam

Atham - Day One
Atham is the first day of festivities in the ten-day-long Onam carnival. The day of Atham comes ten days before the asterism Onam or Thiru Onam hence Atham is regarded holy and auspicious by the traditional people of Kerala.

To complete the rituals of Atham people take early bath and offer prayers in the local temple. There is also a set breakfast for Atham consisting of steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). This breakfast remains the same till the tenth and the last day of Thiru Onam. A swing decked with flowers is also slung from a high branch and youngsters take great delight in swinging and singing Oonjal (swing) songs.

Major highlight of Atham is that people start making pookalam from this day. Pookalam, also called Athapoo, is an intricate floral mat laid in the front courtyard by maidens of the house. This is done to welcome the holy spirit of legendary King Mahabali whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. In subsequent days more flowers and new designs are added to this pookalam. Selection of flower is also an important matter as a particular flower is selected for each day for a specific deity. Great deal of thought and creativity is employed in the making of Pookalam as girls vie with each other for the best design.

Athachamyam

A grand procession called is also carriedAthachamyam
on the day of Atham to mark the beginning of the grand carnival of Onam. The procession is carried out to commemorate the royal custom of the erstwhile state of Kochi when it was customary for the King to travel with his entire entourage to the Thripunithura Fort. Even in the absence of King today, the custom still retains its majestic charm. Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing make Athachamyam a spectacular event. The procession of Athachamyam is of marked importance at Thripunithura, Kochi.

From the day of Atham an atmosphere of joy and jubilations envelops the very air of Kerala as people get engaged in one activity or the other. Everybody wishes to celebrate Onam in best possible manner.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Kerala

Alappuzha is famous for its annual boat race, held on the second Saturday of August every year. The long elegant snake boats, with crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted trophy, attract spectators from all over. The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952., Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha, and inaugurated the function in which the gigantic snake boats with over 100 rowers in each raced one another.

It is called a Snake Boat Race as its 135 feet length has since been overtaken by Vellankulangara snake boat, which is 140 feet long. Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a marvelous treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the legendary songs. Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. This boat race attracts a large number of tourists. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August. The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to a state of frenzy. The Legend The Rajas of Yore The story of these battling boats goes back 400 years in history when the rajas of the erstwhile principalities of Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam, Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) and Vadakkumkoor (Kottayam) in the old Travancore area, which were part of the present Alappuzha district and Kottayam district, frequently, crossed swords on the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Chempakasserry troops suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the superior navy their rivals commanded. It soon dawned on the Chempakasserry Raja that the real defect was with his war boats, which were sluggish and cumbersome. He called all the boat architects in the land to his court and told them of his desire to have better and faster boats for the troops. After days of hard labour, a man who was reputed to be the best boat architect in Chempakasserry, Koduppunna Venkitanarayanan Asari, came up with a specimen which satisfied the raja’s requirements. It had speed, manoeuvrability and capacity to carry 100 able-bodied warriors on board and its eel-like construction was most ideal for launching an ambush since it could be easily kept concealed behind the overhanging bushes on the river banks. The Asari was generously rewarded and in the subsequent battles, the Chempakasseri Raja emerged victorious.

The Trophy

The title Nehru Trophy Boat Race was assigned after Pt. JawaharLal Nehru. The Trophy named as Nehru Trophy earned its title from Panditji as it was donated by the late Prime Minister of India, to the winners of the first race which was an impromptu one conducted in Punnamada Lake in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha district in Kerala State in 1952.

The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Panditji are inscribed above his signature.

This Snake Boat Race is an aquatic festival that fosters a sense of unity and fraternity and sports man spirit event and attaching foreign tourists also. The Myth goes that on Panditji’s way to Alleppey from Kottayam the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats, gave him a roaring reception. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner.

OTHER MAJOR BOAT RACES HELD IN KERALA

Aranmula, Uthrattadi Vallamkali
Pathanamthitta district

The two day Aranmula Boat Race is more a water fiesta than a competition, conducted during Onam. The event is a re-enacting of the legend involving a devout Brahmin who made a votive offering of feeding one pilgrim a day. One day Sree Krishna himself appeared to him and the overjoyed Brahmin vowed to offer 51 measures of rice and all the provision for the thiruvona sadya (the sumptuous Onam feast) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy* Temple. Once, the thiruvonachilavu thoni (the boat carrying the offerings) was intercepted by rivals from another village, but the Brahmin's own villagers came to the rescue on snake boats. From then on the offering was carried by a fleet of palliyodam - about 48 of them representing the nearby backwater villages. (A palliyodam is a large, luxurious snake boat used by gods and royalty.)





Today, only 26 snake boats participate in the event which is marked by a colourful water carnival - an imposing effigy of Sree Krishna is taken out in procession on the lake with children dressed as nymphs and princesses. On the second day, snake boats decorated with silken parasols, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers assemble near the temple early in the morning and then move away in pairs, creating a magnificent pageant. The boat race proper is held in the afternoon.

* Parthasarathy is Sree Krishna
in his role as Prince Arjuna's charioteer, in the epic Mahabharatha.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Champakulam, Alappuzha

The oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala, this event is closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the moolam day of the Malayalam month midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Temple.

Legends say that Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, as instructed by the royal priest, built a temple at Ambalappuzha. But just before the installation of the deity he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. The king was disturbed, but his minister suggested an inspired solution. To bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna - presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. The minister with a few others went to Kurichi, met the authorities there and returned with the idol. On the way back they stopped at Champakulam to spent the night and perform a pooja. The next morning boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colourful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the Temple.

Years later the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colourful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.
Payippad Jalotsavam
Alappuzha

The three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad. The story is that the people of the village decided to build a temple with Sree Ayyappa as the presiding deity. After the temple was ready, they had a vision directing them to a whirlpool in Kayamkulam Lake where they would find the idol of Sree Subramanya which was to be installed at the temple. Accordingly, the elders of the village with divers and swimmers rowed to the spot and found the idol which was escorted back ceremoniously by devotees from the entire region in colourfully
Other boat races held during Onam (August/September):

ATDC Boat Race, Alappuzha

Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Pulinkunnu

Neerettupuram Boat Race

Kumarakom Boat Race

Karuvatta Boat Race

Kavanattinkara Boat Race,

Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalamela,

Kottayam Mahatma Boat Race, Mannar

Thazhathangadi Boat Race,Kottayam

Kottapuram Boat Race,

Kodungallur and Kumaranasan Smaraka Jalotsavam, Pallana.

The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is held on the Ernakulam Lake during the Cochin Carnival in the last week of December.

ONAM BOAT RACE PICTURES

onam dances--Kaikottikali

Kaikottikali or Thiruvathirakali

Kaikottikali, also known as thiruvathirakali, is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the women of Kerala often performed during festive seasons like Thiruvathira and Onam.

The actor recites stories from the epics (based on Sanskrit text) interpreting them in Malayalam, enlivening his narration with Thandava dance rhythms and also gestures and bodily postures which are clearly derived from Natya Sastra.

It is a simple and gentle dance with the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as seen in some parts of the Malabar area. Typically dressed in Kerala style with mandu and neriyathu and the hairbun bedecked with jasmine garlands the women dance in gay abandon, singing melodious Thiruvathira songs which are well-reputed for their literary flourish. One of the performers sing the first line of a song while the rest repeat it in chorus, clapping their hands in unison. Moving in a circle, clockwise and at time anticlockwise, at every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful gestures, upwards and downwards and to either side, in order to clap

Onam festival of kerala --Thumbi Thullal

Thumbi Thullal

Thumbi Thullal is a fascinating all women dance and singing event performed in Kerala on the occasion of Onam. While men engage themselves in energetic sports, womenfolk perform Thumbi Thullal and have their share of fun.

Wearing their best sarees, stunning jewelery and fragrant gajras, a group of women sit in the formation of circle to play Thumbi Thullal. In the centre of the circle sits the main performer.

Lead singer initiates a song in her melodious voice by singing the first couplet which is taken up by other women. The sequence continues song after song with the lead singer initiating the couplet every time followed by a chorus from other women. Joyful clap dance also goes on in rhythm with the singing.

It is a colorful spectacle to watch women in their carefree mood. The event continues amidst jeers and laughter till the day comes to its end.

Onam festival of kerala--Pulikali

Pulikali / Kaduvakali

Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.

Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills.

The Appearance

Striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.

It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies.
The Play

It is a wonderful sight to see humans in the guise of tigers roaming in the streets. Children, specifically take great delight in their performance as the entertainers dance, pounce and walk like a tiger. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tiger being hunted by a human beings are also beautifully depicted by them. Beat for the dance movement is provided by percussion instruments like 'udukku' and 'thakil'. The Swaraj Round in Thrissur district is the venue of a grand Pulikali on the fourth Onam day. On this day Pulikali troups from different parts of the district come here to perform.

Onam festival of kerala--Kummatti kali

Kummatti kali - The Mask Dance

Kummattikali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, South Malabar in particular. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people.

Most interesting facet of Kummattikali is a peculiar way in which Kummati performers clad themselves. They don a heavily painted colourful wooden mask depicting faces of Krishna, Narada, Kiratha, Darika or hunters. These masks are usually made out of saprophyte, jack fruit tree, Alstonia Scholaris, Hog Plum tree or the Coral tree.

Dancers wear skirts woven out of plaited grass. Some performers cover their whole body with bunches of grass for a more bushy appearance. The semblance is made more joyful with the 'talla' attached externally to the mask giving the appearance of a toothless open mouth. Dancers also hold and manipulate long sticks of residuary agricultural produce called 'Kummattikali', it is from this that the dance derives its name. Their dance is related to Shaiva myth. 'Thamma' (an old woman) walks in front with the help of a stick. Thamma is symbolic of mother of every being and everything.

Rhythm for the dance movements is provided by vibrating the string of a bow like instrument called onavillu. Arecanut wood is used to make the bow and the strings are beaten with a narrow bamboo stick.

Kummatti dancers are a sight to watch as they move around from house to house collecting jaggery, rice, or small amounts of cash. Onlookers, specially children take great delight in their performance.

Themes of Kummattikali are mostly taken from the stories of Ramayana, Darika Vadham, the story of Shiva and folk tales like Manjan Nayare Pattu.

It may be noted that folk art of Kerala can be classified into two broad categories - ritualistic and non-ritualistic. Ritualistic can be further divided into - Devotional, performed to please a particular god and goddess and Magical Art Forms. Theyyam, Thira, Poothamthira, Kanyarkali, Kummattikali, etc. are some of devotional art forms.

Kummatti dances are more rampant in Trichur District, during Onam. Pristine or original form of Kummattikali can be seen in the Bhadrakali temple in Palghat district.

ONAM--FESTIVAL OF KERALA --Pookalam

Pookalam

Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day-long Onam celebrations.

'Pookhalam' consists of two words, 'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means colour sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as 'Aththa-Poo' during the festival of Onam.

People believe the spirit of their dear King Mahabali visits Kerala at the time of Onam. Besides making several other arrangements, people, especially adolescent girls prepare elaborate Pookalams to welcome their most loved King.

Making of a Pookalam
Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookkalam.

Athapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters.

Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. Its a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day.

Various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Commonly used flowers include Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora). Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are given more importance in Pookalam as they are small in size and glitter in the the soft rays of the sun. 'Thumba Poo' is also considered to be the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva.

On the next day of Onam, Thumba flowers are used to decorate Onapookalam. The arrangement is not touched for the next 15 days. On the 15 th day, called 'Ayilyam', Pookalam is decorated again. On the next day, called Magam, Pookalam is given a cut in its four corners with a knife. This marks the end of Pookalam decorations for the year. Some also follow the tradition of erecting a small pandal over the completed flower carpet and decorating it with colourful festoons.

Making of Pookalam is itself a colourful and joyous event. Being a team effort it helps to generate feeling of togetherness and goodwill amongst the people. It is animating to watch women as they prepare Pookalam while singing traditional songs. Giggling and sharing jokes between the thought provoking and back breaking job.

Trends
Earlier, people used to make efforts to collect flowers for designing a Pookalam. Children used to get up early in the morning and gather flowers in their small 'Pookuda' (basket) from the village gardens. These days, the trend has changed and people have the option of buying flowers from the market in the shape and colour of their choice.

Pookalam decoration competitions are organised by various societies and groups all over the state on the day of Onam. They have become extremely popular and witness huge public participations. Big prizes are also kept in these contests as they have turned up to be extremely competitive events. A large number of people assemble just to have a look at the innovative and meticulously prepared art pieces.

A beautiful design, though it is said, is created in the heart, use of technology is also in vogue in designing of a Pookalam. People prepare design first on computer and then implement it on floor. This saves a lot of time and energy and helps the designers to come up with stunning Pookalams.

MORE ONA-POOKALAM

ONAM--SPECIAL RECIPES

Sarkarapuratty (Fried Bananas Chips in Molasses)

Ingredients :

Semi ripe Banana - 1 Coconut oil - 100gms Molasses or Jaggery - 75gms

Dried ginger powder - 5gms Ghee - 1tsp Water - 1/4glass

Method of Preparation :

Peel the bananas and split it into two pieces. Cut it into ¹/₄" thick pieces. Fry it in warm coconut oil.

Heat the molasses in ¹/₄glass of water. Remove from fire when it becomes thick. Add dried ginger powder and fried banana pieces in this molasses solution. Keep stirring till the banana pieces separates.

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Kaya Varuthathu (Banana Fry)

Ingredients :

• Semi ripe banana - 1
• Coconut oil - 150gm
• Turmeric powder - ¹/₄tsp
• Salt - to taste

Method :

Peel banana and slice into thin round pieces or split bananas into 4 thin pieces and slice. Heat oil and fry the banana pieces. When it is ³/₄ done, add turmeric powder and salt mixed in 1tsp water. Fry well.

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Lord Buddha

In the sixth century before the Christian era, religion was forgotten in India. The lofty teachings of the Vedas were thrown into the background. There was much priest craft everywhere. The insincere priests traded on religion. They duped the people in a variety of ways and amassed wealth for themselves. They were quite irreligious. In the name of religion, people followed in the footsteps of the cruel priests and performed meaningless rituals. They killed innocent dumb animals and did various sacrifices. The country was in dire need of a reformer of Buddha's type. At such a critical period, when there were cruelty, degeneration and unrighteousness everywhere, reformer Buddha was born to put down priestcraft and animal sacrifices, to save the people and disseminate the message of equality, unity and cosmic love everywhere. Buddha's father was Suddhodana, king of the Sakhyas. Buddha's mother was named Maya. Buddha was born in B.C. 560 and died at the age of eighty in B.C. 480. The place of his birth was a grove known as Lumbini, near the city of Kapilavastu, at the foot of Mount Palpa in the Himalayan ranges within Nepal. This small city Kapilavastu stood on the bank of the little river Rohini, some hundred miles north-east of the city of Varnasi. As the time drew nigh for Buddha to enter the world, the gods themselves prepared the way before him with celestial portents and signs.
Flowers bloomed and gentle rains fell, although out of season; heavenly music was heard, delicious scents filled the air. The body of the child bore at birth the thirty-two auspicious marks (Mahavyanjana) which indicated his future greatness, besides secondary marks (Anuvyanjana) in large numbers. Maya died seven days after her son's birth. The child was brought up by Maya's sister Mahaprajapati, who became its foster-mother.

The World of Kalari

It is a Hindu form of martial arts that dates back to the 12th Century, which probably makes it the oldest form of martial art. 'Kalari' has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kholoorika' meaning military training centre and 'Payattu' means the fight.

Kalari also refers to the specially constructed hall with ample space of fighting floor with idols of all the presiding deities of the art and photographs of the entire lineage of Gurus. The instruction and practical training in this art is imparted inside the Kalari.

Kalaripayattu as the Martial Art of Kerala

Kalaripayattu is taught by the Guru or master who is an exponent in the field. It is taught by the master to the students and is considered to be a sacred art form of Kerala. Kalaripayattu developed during the 9th century was practiced by the warrior clan of Kerala, the Nair community to defend the state and the king. The Nair community considered it an honour to die for the nation and the king.

This martial art is as much a spiritual discipline, as it is physical. It helps the students in character build up, self-confidence and adoptability to circumstances. Kalaripayattu helps systemize the flow of energy in the body.

The pupils are trained in self-discipline and physical culture. Before the pupils are initiated into the techniques of warfare, their bodies are toned pliable, agile and versatile by regular massage by feet and hands with medicated oil. Then taught to wield Kuruvadi (short sticks), spear, dagger, sword, shield, etc. The last and sophisticated piece in the weaponry is 'Urumi' a thin springy three-meter long double edged sword worn around the waist locked like a belt drawn unwound in a flick of a moment when required. It is highly lethal for an adept wielder can aim it to swirl around the neck of the opponent and, at the slightest jerk, the head will roll on the floor of the arena. Flying feats, daring onslaughts and dodging with dexterity are the ways in combat. Defensive and offensive strikes with lightning speed are its peculiarity. There are customarily eighteen 'Adavu' (tricks) in this warfare. Seventeen of them are fighting with all the weapons one by one and the eighteenth being 'Poozhikkadakan', a feat producing a cover of whirlwind of dust around the combatant by stamping the earth and swift circular movement to camouflage him from the opponent and to take him by surprise with sudden retaliatory deathblow.

The Kalari the training arena has to be built in specific dimensions. The structure of Kalari (cocoon-like) is greatly suited for training in the humid climate of Kerala. The ritualistic and spiritual atmosphere plays an important role in forming a strong character and moral attitude to the disciples. To acquire discipline and concentration, a series of symbolic rituals are practiced everyday. The training is mainly divided into three parts Maithari, Kolthari, Ankathari.

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: India Fashion Week

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