HAPPY NEW YEAR

Festivals of Kerala - Sabarimala Festival

Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January.

There are two main rituals called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which is celebrated from November to mid-January in Kerala during which time, the devotees perform austerities and penance.

The Pilgrimage

Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere living before starting on the pilgrimage. Regardless of caste, creed and colour they wear black dhoties and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconuts filled with ghee, camphor and rice.

The temple dome is covered with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the steps. Among the pilgrims, there are a few who are undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time while ther are a few who have been doing so for the past many years.

The first timers are known as 'Kanni Swamis' and the leader of the group is known as 'Guru Swami' or the lead person of a team who is incharge of all the rituals.

Devotees take a ritual bath while climbing up the hill in the holy river Pamba, which absolves one's sins. En route at Erumeli, in a supreme instance of communal harmony, they pay obeisance at the shrine of Vavar, a Muslim deity believed to be a close ally of Lord Ayyappa.

To ease the ardour of the long trek through the forests to the temple at the peak of the Sabari Hills, devotees constantly chant the name of the holy one. No women in the fertility age group are allowed into the precincts of the shrine of the Lord who is considered to be an Eternal Bachelor.

Makaravillakku At Sabarimala Festival

FestivalMakara Vilakku Pooja is a seven-day festival conducted annually in the famous Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. The festival begins on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranthi, the day on which the sun is in summer solstice (vernal equinox). This is also the first day of the Malayalese month of Makaram. Makara Vilakku Pooja commemorates the day on which idol of Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Sastha was enshrined in the temple and is the most important event to be conducted at Sabarimala. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in the celebrations of Makara Vilakku every year. Mandala Pooja festival extends to 41 days prior to Makara Sankranthi.

Importance of Sabarimala Shrine

Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is the most sacred pilgrimage centre for the people of Kerala. Presiding deity of Sabarimala shrine is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. This is so because, Ayappan is said to be born of union between Lord Vishnu and Shiva when the former took the avatar of Mohini, the seductress. Shiva succumbed to the charms of Mohini and Ayappa was born out of this union. Hence Ayappa is also called 'Hari Hara Putra' where 'Hari' is Vishnu, 'Hara' is Shiva and 'Putra' means son. No wonder, Sabarimala attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country particularly, southern states of India every year.

What makes the shrine so much more interesting is the rugged terrain on which it is located. The spirit of the thousands of devotees must be saluted who walk this terrain on foot as no other means of transport function in the rough stretches of Western Ghats where Sabarimala is located. Pilgrims have to make their way through the dense forests housing wild animals. For the lovers of adventure, there is a mandatory, 5 km stretch from Pamba to the shrine which can be passed only by trekking. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala requires a lot of prior preparations and is not advisable on all times. It is open only from November to January.

Ceremonies and Celebrations during Makar Villaku

One very important ceremony of Makara Villaku is the bringing of deity's jewellery, Thirivabharanam from the Pandalam Palace, three days prior to Makara Sankranthi. The sacred jewelry is kept in a box and is brought in a royal procession. Thousands of devotees line up on either side of the route for a glimpse of the box, which is carried by a priest, or oracle on his head. The oracle moves hysterically oblivious of the presence of thousands of people. He dances, but the box remains on his head as if it gets glued on his head. Procession halts at a few temples en route and reaches Sabaripettam in the evening of Makara Sankranthi. It then moves towards Sannidhanam amidst music, dazzling lights and lot of revelry. A strange phenomenon occurs at this time. A kite appears all of a sudden and starts hovering around the box. The incidence is well received by the devotees who get filled with joy.

The jewelery consists of a diamond crown, gold bracelets and necklaces studded with precious gems, Lord's swords, silver arrows and gold images of elephant, horse and leopard. Thousands gather for that dazzling glimpse of a fully ornamented deity.

The other spectacular event is the appearance of 'Makarajyothi' in the north-east horizon on Ponnambala Medu. Chants of 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' reverberate as the devotees turn ecstatic on the strange occurrence.

Makara Vilakku poojas and ceremonies are performed on the 'Manimandapa' (sacred platform) near the Devi shrine where a picture of Sastha riding on a leopard's back is depicted. After the pooja, Malikappurath Amma is mounted on an elephant's back and carried in a procession comprising of torchbearers, drummers, buglers etc. to Pathinettampadi. The procession halts for sometime and shouts a call for Vettavili (hunting) and returns after circumabulating the main temple.

Festivities continue for seven days and culminate with 'Guruthi'. In this offerings are made to the Lord. The temple is vacated after Guruthi. Nobody remains inside as a tradition.

On the last day of the Makara Vilakku celebrations, which is Makaram 5th morning, a 'Ganapati Homam' is conducted at the temple. Later the Thiruvabharanams are removed. After performing some more rituals the procession makes its return journey along with the Thiruvabharanam.

Shopping in Isle of Man

The main shopping area on the Island is Strand Street, located in the centre of the Island's capital Douglas. Here you will find High Street names such as Marks & Spencer, WHSmith, Boots and Woolworths as well as an abundance of local shops. The street is home to two modern shopping centres,

The Strand and Tower House, which is located a little further up the street on Castle Street.

A number of gift shops around the Island provide a wide range of Manx souvenirs and quality gifts, from paintings to a miniature Laxey Wheel. Items such as the world famous Manx kippers, printed TT shirts, loghtan sheep products and special Manx souvenirs can be purchased online.There are familiar High Street names, local speciality stores, the Woollen Mills at Laxey, heritage shops, excellent new facilities in Douglas and many other traditional shops across the Island.



‘The superb Tynwald Mill Craft Centre at St John's is one of several outlets selling Manx rural craft products made right here on the Isle of Man The Story of Mann ‘Heritage Shops’ have established an international reputation for their unique range of unusual and practical gifts and souvenirs - designed to suit all ages and pockets. ‘Manxness’ is the theme and the Island’s Celtic past is clearly evident in the styles of the Manx artists and crafts people whose popular work forms the backbone of attractive displays including jewellery, ceramics and woollen goods.



Heritage Shops’ can also boast a comprehensive literature section covering all aspects of Manx heritage. Story of Mann Site guidebooks, maps and Manx history books are among the many publications available to anyone wishing to explore the Island and things Manx in detail. A large part of the ‘Heritage Shops’ range of goods have been designed and produced exclusively for Manx National Heritage, and are not available to purchase elsewhere on the Island.



As a basic guide, Douglas is the main shopping centre and the location of UK retail chains; Peel is a good place to hunt for all things antiquarian; Ramsey and Port Erin have a little bit of everything; the Tynwald Mills complex at St Johns is a smart, 'leisurely' outdoor shopping centre; Castletown has many small speciality shops; and Laxey is home to traditional craftsmen working in metal, wood, leather, textiles and pipe-making.


For bargain hunters there are plenty of craft fairs and small weekend car boot sales and, during the summer, weekly outdoor markets in Peel, Ramsey and CastletownDouglas, the capital, supports a wide range of retailers from some of the biggest chains in the UK to locally owned businesses that offer excellent quality and service in their stores.



The town centres around the Island are generally compact and easy to shop in, predominantly filled with good Manx-owned retail businesses. The main shopping towns are Douglas in the east, Castletown and Port Erin in the south, Peel in the west and Ramsey in the north.

The Tynwald Mills complex, on the way to Peel, is an excellent example of a total quality approach to range, product and choice, backed up by high standards of customer service, a unique selection of mainly one off stores, creating a destination shopping and leisure experience built around the Mill Shop, which features a selection of the UK's top mid range fashion brands for men and women.



The major retail sector, food, includes the supermarkets and numerous locally run "convenience" stores, serving the day to day needs of the population. This sector is backed up by butchers, bakers, cafes, pubs, off-licences, newsagents and post offices

Visu - Festival of Kerala - Malayalam New Year Day

Vishu is a festival held in the state of Kerala (and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu) in India around the first day in the Malayalam month of Medam (April – May). This occasion signifies the Sun's transit to the zodiac Mesha. Mesha Raasi as per Indian astrological calculations. It is also known as the Malayalam New Year day and thus the importance of this day to all Malayalees regardless of their religion or sect. Similarly the day is celebrated in almost all places in India by the Hindus albeit by different names.

The festival is marked with offerings to the divine called Vishukkani. The offerings consist of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is completed the previous night. On the day of Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first thing one sees.Since the occasion marks the beginning of Malayalam New Year, it is also considered auspecious to read verses from Hindu Holy book "Ramayanam" after seeing the "Vishukkani". It is also believed that the page of the "Ramayan" which randomly opens up by you will have the narrations which will have a bearing on your life in the coming year. Devotees also throng the well-known Srikrishna temple "Guruvayur" to have a "Vishukkani Darshan" on the early hours of "Vishu" day.

"Vishu" is celebrated with more fanfare and vigour in North Kerala as compared to other parts of Kerala. Bursting crackers is part and parcel of the celebration especially for children. Elder’s gift firecrackers to children and every child vie with each other to make a world of their own. The smell of the lingering smell of the fire crackers on a Vishu morning is a long cherished nostalgic memory of any Malayalees, taking him down the memory line. The people wear new clothes (kodi vastram) for the occasion and the elders of the family distribute tokens of money to the children, servants and tenants. These tokens are called Vishukkaineetam and are usually in form of coins. People carry on this custom believing that in this way, their children will be blessed with prosperity in the future.

Beaches of India -- Beaches in Kerala

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!



Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected.

Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala

B Kumarakom each - cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds include Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip.

Alappuzha Beach - a popular hangout and relaxation spot, around 140 years old pier that extends in to the sea, lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland.

Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry.

Varkala Beach - the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mineral water springs with medicinal properties, also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.


Fort Kochi Beach - historic fort, leisurely walk through the lanes of the city to learn about eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.

Kappad Beach in Kerala - Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.

Dharmadam Island - beautiful beach island, coconut palms, green bushes, breathtaking sight. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Ezhimala Beach - a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop, carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills, famous for medicinal herbs.

Mopila Bay - natural fishing harbour with quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact, ruined fort and temple.

Muzhappilangad Beach - one of the longest beaches in Kerala, also the only drive-in beach in India.

Pathiramanal Beach - island beach on the Backwaters, a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.

Payyambalam Beach - beautiful beach sites, surfing in calm and peaceful waters.

Sankhumugham Beach - breathtaking sunset, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

Tanur Beach - coastal fishing town believed to be visited by Francis Xavier in the year 1546 AD.

Thangassery Beach - a seaside village of historic importance, ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.

Thirumullavaram Beach - beautiful beach filled with coconut palms, ideal for an early morning walk.

Complete List of 79th Academy Awards -Oscar Winners

Complete list of winners at the 79th annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles:

Best Motion Picture: "The Departed"

Lead Actor: Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland"

Lead Actress: Helen Mirren, "The Queen"

Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine"

Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls"

Directing: Martin Scorsese, "The Departed"

Foreign Language Film: "The Lives of Others," Germany

Adapted Screenplay: William Monahan, "The Departed"

Original Screenplay: Michael Arndt, "Little Miss Sunshine"

Animated Feature Film: "Happy Feet"

Art Direction: "Pan's Labyrinth"

Cinematography: "Pan's Labyrinth"

Sound Mixing: "Dreamgirls"

Sound Editing: "Letters From Iwo Jima"

Original Score: "Babel," Gustavo Santaolalla

Original Song: "I Need to Wake Up" from "An Inconvenient Truth," Melissa Etheridge

Costume: "Marie Antoinette"

Documentary Feature: "An Inconvenient Truth"

Documentary Short Subject: "The Blood of Yingzhou District"

Film Editing: "The Departed"

Makeup: "Pan's Labyrinth"

Animated Short Film: "The Danish Poet"

Live Action Short Film: "West Bank Story"

Visual Effects: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"

___

Jean Hersholt Award (Oscar statuette): Sherry Lansing.

Honorary Academy Award (Oscar statuette): Ennio Morricone.

Curacao-Vibrant Island Country

Curacao, with its capital at Willemstad, is an island nation on the southern side of the Caribbean Sea off the West Coast of Venezuela. It is the part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) of the Netherlands Antilles, a self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curacao is the largest and the most populated of the ABC Islands with a land area of 444 sq km.

eventsTraditionally, the Carnival began as the religious practice of the Catholics called ‘Carne Levale’ meaning ‘Abstinence from Meat for Lent’ in Curacao. The practice continued in the island even in the 19th century when the people organized the masquerade parties and marches in the private clubs. But the Curacao Carnival gained popularity only after 1969. It has now become one of the largest and longest carnival spectacles in the Caribbean Islands, beginning in early January and concluding by end of February and sometimes extending to even March. The eight weeks of festivity this year will begin in January 2007 at Willemstad.

Calendar of events-Curacao

Curaçao has a full calendar of festivities that delight local residents as well as visitors. Major holidays, such as Carnival and Christmas, spread a decidedly festive atmosphere over the entire Island. Banks and other businesses are decked out with streamers, balloons and other decorations befitting the occasion.

History of Curacao

Curacao is a large protected natural port that was mapped before 16th century and in due course became a prominent hub of commercial activities. This island is the place of origin of Papiamentu, the language of the ABC Islands spoken as far as the Netherlands Antilles Islands of St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten.

Flora and Fauna of Curacao

Curacao is a sub-tropical & semi-arid island in Netherlands Antilles & does not support much of greenery and animal life. The flora and fauna found in Curacao can survive these weather conditions.



Culture of Curacao

Although Curacao is the member of the Netherlands Antilles and has governmental ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, yet the 130,000 people of the island are more attached to African and Caribbean region culturally through language, music and dance.

Cuisine of Curacao

The population of Curacao comprises of more than 50 nationalities. Therefore, the cuisine of this island is bound to have such a vast diversity in its food. The immigrants to Curacao have brought with them their own culinary styles that have been incorporated into Curacao’s cuisine and have got the local flavor with the passage of time.

Forts in Curacao

Curaçao has a full calendar of festivities that delight local residents as well as visitors. Major holidays, such as Carnival and Christmas, spread a decidedly festive atmosphere over the entire Island. Banks and other businesses are decked out with streamers, balloons and other decorations befitting the occasion.



Museums in Curacao

Curacao is rich in history and culture. There are numerous museums that tell the history and lore of the lovely island. Museums housed in ancient buildings display interesting artifacts that reflect Curacao's culture & history. Here is a list of some of the museums in Curacao

Attractions in Curacao

The island of Curacao is dotted with intriguing caves, 18th century forts and monuments which are interesting architectural showpieces as well as popular tourist attractions. Also you may come across on your travels, centuries old stalagmites and stalactites that are still in a state of evolution.



Beaches in Curacao

The long and beautiful coastline of Curacao is lined with nearly 30 public and private beaches. The beaches range from the intimate rocky coves to long stretches of lively beaches. The sheltered southwestern coast with calm and crystal clear waters features almost all the swimming beaches of the island.

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