Important celebrations taking place in Kerala - April 15, 2024, for the festival of Vishu

While the next major celebration in Kerala, Vishu, falls on April 15, 2024, several exciting events are happening in the meantime. Here's a glimpse of some upcoming celebrations in Kerala: 

Swathi Sangeetholsavam (January 6th to 12th): Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a ten-day music festival held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, every year from January 4 to 13. The festival celebrates the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, a 19th-century ruler of Travancore who was a gifted musician and composer.

The festival is held at the Kuthiramalika Palace, a beautiful palace built by Swathi Thirunal. The palace is home to a museum dedicated to the Maharaja's life and work. 

The festival features performances by renowned classical musicians and dancers from India and abroad. The performances include Carnatic music, Hindustani music, and classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam. 

Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a major cultural event in Kerala and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich musical heritage of Kerala. 

Nishagandhi Festival (January 20th to 26th): Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a ten-day music festival held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, every year from January 4 to 13. The festival celebrates the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, a 19th-century ruler of Travancore who was a gifted musician and composer. 

Nishagandhi Festival is a week-long festival of classical dances held annually in the Nishagandhi amphitheatre, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, India. The festival highlights the richness of the Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field.The festival was started in 1990 by the Kerala Tourism Department. It is held every year in January, and attracts visitors from all over India and abroad. 

The festival features performances by leading exponents of classical dance from India and abroad. The performances are held in the evenings, and the amphitheatre is open to the public.

The festival is a great opportunity to experience the beauty and grace of Indian classical dance. It is also a chance to learn about the different dance forms and their rich history.

 Chittur Konganpada (February 5th): Chittur Konganpada is a vibrant festival celebrated in Chittur, Palakkad, Kerala, India. It is held on the third day of the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March). The festival commemorates the victory of the Chittur Nairs, a warrior community, over the militia of nearby Konganadu in 918 CE.

 The festival begins with a procession of decorated elephants, horses, and chariots. The procession is followed by a traditional martial arts display by the Nairs. The festival also features cultural programs such as music, dance, and theater.

 The highlight of the festival is the firing of 101 rounds of kathinavedi, a type of iron pipe cracker. The kathinavedi is fired to commemorate the victory of the Nairs.

 Chittur Konganpada is a major cultural event in Kerala and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Kerala.

 History: The Chittur Nairs were a warrior community who ruled the Chittur region for centuries. In 918 CE, they were attacked by the militia of Konganadu, a neighboring kingdom. The Nairs fought bravely and emerged victorious. The victory of the Nairs was a major event in the history of Kerala. It helped to establish the Nairs as a powerful force in the region.

 Celebrations :The celebrations of Chittur Konganpada begin on the morning of the third day of the Malayalam month of Kumbha. The first event is a procession of decorated elephants, horses, and chariots. The procession is led by the Nairs, who are dressed in their traditional martial arts attire.

 The procession is followed by a traditional martial arts display by the Nairs. The display showcases the skills and bravery of the Nairs. The festival also features cultural programs such as music, dance, and theater. The cultural programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 The firing of the kathinavedi: The highlight of the festival is the firing of 101 rounds of kathinavedi. The kathinavedi is a type of iron pipe cracker that is fired with gunpowder. The kathinavedi is fired to commemorate the victory of the Nairs. The firing of the kathinavedi is a loud and exciting event. It is a symbol of the victory of the Nairs and the strength of their community.

 Mannarkad Pooram (February 27th to May 10th): Mannarkad Pooram is an annual temple festival held at the Udayarkunnu Bhagavathy Temple in Mannarkad, Palakkad district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala.

 The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Bhagavathy, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including elephant processions, fireworks displays, and cultural programs.

 Elephant processions:The elephant processions are the most iconic feature of Mannarkad Pooram. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.

The processions are a sight to behold and are a popular tourist attraction. They are also a symbol of the cultural and religious significance of the festival.

 Fireworks displays:The fireworks displays are another highlight of Mannarkad Pooram. The displays are held at night and feature a variety of colorful fireworks. The displays are a spectacular sight and are a popular way to celebrate the festival.

 Cultural programs:The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 Significance: Mannarkad Pooram is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

 Uthralikavu Pooram (February 28th): Uthralikavu Pooram is an annual temple festival held at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Mahakali, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including elephant processions, fireworks displays, and cultural programs.

 Elephant processions: The elephant processions are the most iconic feature of Uthralikavu Pooram. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.The processions are a sight to behold and are a popular tourist attraction. They are also a symbol of the cultural and religious significance of the festival.

 Fireworks displays: The fireworks displays are another highlight of Uthralikavu Pooram. The displays are held at night and feature a variety of colorful fireworks. The displays are a spectacular sight and are a popular way to celebrate the festival.

 Cultural programs: The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 Significance: Uthralikavu Pooram is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

History :The history of Uthralikavu Pooram dates back to the 15th century. The festival was started by the Kolathiris of Thrissur, who were the rulers of the region at the time. 

The festival has been celebrated continuously for centuries and is now one of the most important festivals in Kerala. Uthralikavu Pooram is a vibrant and colorful festival that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Kerala. The festival is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the region. 

Painkuni Festival (March 27th to April 5th):

The Painkuni Festival is a ten-day annual festival held at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Meena (March-April) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor Lord Vishnu, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including special rituals, elephant processions, cultural programs, and the famous Arattu ceremony.

Special rituals:

·       Kodiyettu: The festival begins with the hoisting of a ceremonial flag, called kodiyettu. This marks the beginning of the ten-day festivities.

·       Annaprasadam: Annaprasadam is a special offering of food made to Lord Vishnu on the fifth day of the festival. The food is prepared in huge quantities and is distributed to devotees.

·       Pallivetta: On the ninth day of the festival, the head of the Travancore royal family performs the palli vetta (royal hunt) ritual. This ritual is a symbolic representation of the king's duty to protect his people.

Elephant processions: The elephant processions are a major highlight of the Painkuni Festival. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.

Cultural programs:

The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

Arattu ceremony:

The Arattu ceremony is the most important event of the Painkuni Festival. The ceremony takes place on the tenth and final day of the festival. During the Arattu ceremony, the idol of Lord Vishnu is taken in a procession to the Shankumukham beach. The idol is then bathed in the sea, and the water is collected by devotees. The Painkuni Festival is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate. 

History:The history of the Painkuni Festival dates back to the 16th century. The festival was started by the Travancore royal family, who were the rulers of the region at the time. 

Palayur Church Festival in Thrissur: The Palayur Church Festival, also known as Palayur Mahatheerthadanam, is a significant religious and cultural event held annually at the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Palayur, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. 

Date: The festival usually falls during the Lenten season, typically in March or April. In 2024, it will be held on July 13th and 14th.

 Highlights: 

·       Pilgrimage: The highlight of the festival is the 30-km-long annual Lenten Mahatheerthadanam (great pilgrimage) on foot from Thrissur to Palayur. Thousands of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, participate in this devotional walk that begins on the first day of the festival.

·       Religious ceremonies: Special prayers, masses, and processions are held throughout the two days, culminating in a solemn mass on the second day.

·       Cultural programs: The festival also features vibrant cultural programs showcasing traditional Kerala art forms like music, dance, and drama.

·       Festivities: The celebrations resemble Hindu festivals held in the region, with lively pageantry, orchestras, and fireworks displays, adding to the festive atmosphere.

·       Religious: The festival commemorates the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in India and the establishment of the Palayur church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the country.

·       Cultural: The festival blends religious rituals with vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the region's rich heritage and traditions.

·       Social: The pilgrimage fosters unity and brotherhood among people of different communities, promoting religious tolerance and social harmony.

Additional information: The festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India and abroad. The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church is a renowned pilgrimage center and holds significant historical value for Christians in India. The festival is a unique blend of religious devotion, cultural expression, and social unity, making it a truly remarkable event in Kerala. 

Panachikkadu Festival: The Panachikkadu Festival is a nine-day annual festival held at the Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, arts, and learning. The festival features a variety of events, including special rituals, elephant processions, cultural programs, and the Vidyarambham ceremony. 

Special rituals: 

·       Kodiyettu: The festival begins with the hoisting of a ceremonial flag, called kodiyettu. This marks the beginning of the nine-day festivities.

Aaraattu: On the eighth day of the festival, the idol of the goddess Saraswati is taken in a procession to the nearby Panachikkadu river. The idol is then bathed in the river, and the water is collected by devotees.

Elephant processions: The elephant processions are a major highlight of the Panachikkadu Festival. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols. 

Cultural programs:The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 ·       Vidyarambham ceremony:The Vidyarambham ceremony is the most important event of the Panachikkadu Festival. The ceremony takes place on the ninth and final day of the festival. During the Vidyarambham ceremony, young children are initiated into the world of education. The children are given a slate and chalk and are taught the alphabet. 

The Panachikkadu Festival is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

Vishu (April 15th): As mentioned earlier, Vishu marks the beginning of the new year in Kerala. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and features the traditional Vishu Kani, feast, cultural programs, and temple visits. 

Other events: 

Kerala Boat Races: These thrilling races, held in various backwaters throughout the year, are a highlight of Kerala's tourism scene. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha is one of the most popular. 

Theyyam Festival: This ancient ritualistic dance form, performed in North Kerala, showcases the vibrant costumes and traditions of the region. 

Remember, dates for some festivals may be subject to change, so it's essential to confirm before making travel plans.

Constituent Temples of Thrissur Pooram

One of the largest temple complexes in South India is a classical example of rich Kerala temple Architecture. The main temple complex is spread over nine acres on a small hillock encircled by 64 acre Thekkinkadu maidanam. The 4 gopurams (magnificent gateways) beautifully carved out of wooden pillars and wooden bracket figures and the towering "pallamathils" ( boundary walls of laterite built in the shape of elephants belly) are imposing piece of skill and taste. The rare architectural techniques adopted are the mixture of many rituals, geometry, iconography, astrology, vastusastra, tantra sastra and murals with organic pigments. Most of the other temples in Kerala show one or more of these features but in Vadakkumnathan it is near to perfection and so it is unique.
 

Kanimangalam Sastha Temple

 
The Kanimangalam Sastha is the first God "who is the incarnation of "Brahspathi" (Deva Guru) - which is the premier pooram entering Sree Vadakkumnathan.
Starting its journey on pooram day at 4 O'clock in the morning accompanied by Nadapandy and Nadaswaram and associated with 3 elephants and reaches Kulassery temple at Veliyannur. More chenda artists with a strength of 100 numbers accompanied by Pandymelam, it reaches to Manikandanal pandal from were it turns east and enter through Southern Gopuram of Vadukkumnatha Temple and reaches Elinjithara. Sree Vadakkumanathan pay great respects to Deva Guru and Honour him opening Lord's Thirunanda. After the Pandymelam the deity with 14 elephants passes through western gopuram in front of Sreemoolasthanam were the Pandymelam at its brisk point performed and finally ends the day times pooram.
The same process repeated in the evening at 6.30pm and the Pooram ends by 9 O' clock. The next day there is Uthram Vilakku at Sastha temple with Aarattu and with Thanthrika Poojas and other ceremonies the curtain of Kanimangalam Pooram ends in the temple. The hoisted flag on a temporary areca nut tree have been pull down by the elephant.

Chembukkavu Karthiyani Temeple

 
One among another 108 Durga kshetras "Karthyiayani" with Vigneswara and Dharma sastha are deities here. Since the deity is allergic to sunstroke is forced to return on pooram day before the temperature rise and pleased to travel again in the wee hours according to legend. However the foremost offering is "Nai Vilakku" (Ghee is used instead of oil to lighten the lamp) in this temple substantiate the story of "Headache". The chieftains of the foremost among the 32 grammas of Kerala (to be translated as corporations) Thrissur Namoodiries and Dutches had a long legal battle about the ownership of this temple. The history long back to 280 years. Another version of the story is simple, innocent and straight forward namboodiri families were drawn to this politics between His Excellency of Kochi & the Dutches.

It is believed that while digging for foundation the parts of this Kshetra was found and hence this temlple. The ooralan was Cungrath menon family. Sri Kathiayani temple at Chembukkavu coming under the direct control of the Cochin Devaswam Board. With its proximity to the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples and its rich tradition of giving spiritual solace to hundreds of its devotes, the temple plays a major role in the Thrissur Pooram every year.

Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple

 The Panamukkumpally Dharma Sastha Temple is situated about 2 kilometers east of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple Thrissur. The idol, which is said to be 2500 years old, symbolizes Sree Dharma Sastha mediating Padmasanam with a pot filled with Amrit in hand. It is very rare to see such a posture of Sri Lord Sastha. The other idols of the temple are Lord Shiva, Vinayaka and Nana Durga. It is believed selfless devotion and prayer, with complete dedication to the Lord Sastha can cure even major diseases. It is also very auspicious to begin education of children in divine presence.

Thekkemadom Swamiar who migrated from Kottayam to Thrissur constructed this temple at Kizhakkumpattukara for "SRI AYYAPPA" which they have brought along with. The decedents of Madom make customary visit to the Temple and offer Pushpanjalis to the Lord.

Karamukku Temple

 
The famous Pookkattikara-Karamukku Temple is situated 5 kilometer from Vadakkumnathan Temple under Thrissur corporation. Through Ernakulam route or Thrissur - Kodungallur route the temple can be reached. Pookkattikkara - Karamukku Temple is built around paddy fields accompanied by the 2 acres wide "Karamukku Pond" a reservoir which is very helpful for perennial water supply for residents of the area and for sacred bath for devotees.

This temple is a multi temple viz, Pookattikkara Siva temple & Karamukku Bagavathy temple. The earlier temple was in the southern side of the "Pookattikkara" village and brought to this place. Lord Parasurama brought some Namboodiri families from north Malabar to do the "Poojas" of Sri Vadakkumanatha temple. It is believed that this family brought their family deity "Lord Siva" along with them and hence the Pookattikkara temple. Karamukku Bagavathy is one among the 108 Durgalayas made by Bargava Rama. The Karthiyani Devi along with her brother Krishna is the main deities of karamukku temple. Edampiri Ganapathy, Nandi (the holy bullock) and Siva are the deities of "Pookattikkara" Temple. When this is combined the Pookattikkara-Karamukku temple. Two prominent double Vatta SreeKovil (holy shrines), and another single Vatta Sreekovil is the the miniature of Sree vadakkumanatha temple. The three (two big and one small) Balikallus shows the importance of this temple.

Laloor Sree Karthiyayini Temple

 Laloor Sree Karthiyayini Temple is one among 108 Durgalayas found by Saint Parasurama. This temple is located at Laloor, 5Kms away from Sree Vadakumnatha temple in south - west direction. Laloor Sree Karthiyayini temple is distinct in many ways. There is no sub - shrines in the temple. The size of the "Valiya Balikkallu" is nearly 8 Feet high which shows that the type of prathistha. Temple architecture is closely connected to Sankaranarayana temple in Vadakkumnatha complex. The priests were from the same family who were head priest of Sree Rama temple of Vadakkumnatha temple. The sanctum sanctorum and mural paintings are in the shrines. The Kerala style of architecture, the gothic style of mural painting of the temple are without any parallel. The temple was owned by Mannath family. Due to various reasons the temple was taken over by Cohin Dewasam Board.

Laloor:Gramadevatha of "Aranattukara". "Chathur bahu vigraha". OORALAN: Moolathadam Nair Family.
Pooram: Laloor pooram has the privilege of the first pooram to hoist the pooram flag before noon of the "Kodiyettam" day. System followed is "Padahadhy" style. The next day o f "Kodiyettam" Laloor Bhagavathy, after daily rituals travels to Pookkattikkara - Karamukku temple. After the poojas there, Devi travels back to Laloor along with Karamukku Bhagavathy. It is believed that this courtesy call to fellow pooram participant was another extinct rituals where all ten participants followed once.

Laloor Pooram: On the seventh day after Tantric Poojas. Laloor Bhagavati's "Ezhunnallippu" starts Pooram muhurtham at 6.30 a.m. Along with "Nadhaswram" and Panchavadhyam with five elephants, the Ezhunnallippu reaches at Naduvilal of Swaraj round. During the course of time the number of elephants increases to nine. The melam starts procession moves to Sreemoola Sthanam with Pandymelam and ends at 10.30 A.M. the deity go inside temple to pay respects to Lord Vadakkumanathan and exit to Southern gopuram and returns to Laloor.

Night Pooram starts at 6.30 p.m from the temple and the day time routine is repeated. Next day after "Kodikkal Pooram", "Kodikkuth" and "Uthram Pattu" the celebration ends.
 

Choorakkottukavu Durga Temple

 Choorakkottukavu Sree Durga Temple situates under the valley of vilangankunnu, the famous Tourist Kendra in Trichur. It locates on the Eastern side of Trichur - Kunnamkulam Road. The distance from the Temple to Trichur town is only 8 K.M. this is one of the oldest Temples in Kerala. According to mythology the "Prathishta" of this Temple was done by Parasurama. After defeating the adamant Kshathriyas Parasuraman created 108 Durga Temples and 108 Sastha Temple in Kerala.

"CHORAKOTTUKAVU" Nanadurga. Sub temple of Ramanchira. No Sub shirens.

Choorakkottukavu Sree Durga Temple is one of the famous Durga Temple. After passage of time the deity was surrounded by choral bushes. When the laborers cleaning premises the Sickle hit on the Deity and blood was ousted. Then the public realized there is some sanctity for the place and a Temple was constructed there. One of the peculiarities of this Temple is that there is no roof for the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Deity faces to the Western side. On the front side of Sree-Kovil there is a Mukha-Mandapam. Followed by Valiyambalam and compound wall. The major festivals of this Temple is Pooram (Trichur Pooram) and "Karthika Vilakku" in Malayalam month Vrischikam, also celebrate Vijayadasami, Mahasivarathri and "Ramayanamasom".

"Karthikavilakku" is a major festival of this temple. We celebrate it for 3 days. There will be various cultural and spiritual programmes on these days. On "karthikavilakku" day there will be "Ezhunnellippu" with Elephants and "Panjavadyam".

Another major celebration of this temple is "Pooram" (Trichur Pooram). This temple is one of the major participants of Trichur Pooram. The Pooram celebration commences by ritual named "kodiyettam". After "kodiyettam" there will be "Aarattu" every day till "Kodikkal Pooram". There will be "parayeduppu" also. On the part of parayeddppu Bhagavathy on the top of caparisoned Elephant accompanied by Melam visits every house and accepts offerings. During these 7 days there will be various cultural programs also in the night. On the Trichur Pooram day at 6.30 A.M. Bhagavathy with all pomp and pageantry goes to Trichur Town accompanied by "Nadhaswaram". The villagers and devotees follow to participate in the pooram. Pakal Pooram commences at 9.30 A.M. and ends at 11 A.M .After pakal Pooram Bhagavathy takes rest in Paramekkavu Temple. Out "Rathri Pooram" commences at 10 P.M. and ends at 12 o clock. On both occasions Chenda artists perform "Pandimelam". Immediately after "Rathri Pooram" Bhagavathy returns to temple. On the next day by a ritual named "Kodikkal Pooram" our Pooram celebrations come to an end.

Ayyanthole Karthyayani Temple

 
Sree Karthyayani Temple is located in the vicinity of Ayyanthole Civil Lines, the nerve center of district administration, which is about 4 KMs North West of famous Vadakkumnathan Temple. Sree Karthyayani Mahamaya, the deity of this temple presides over with all prowess, strength and prosperity making the people of the area feel her presence day in and day out.

An enquiry into the origin of the temple will definitely reveal a lot of information and its connection with stories shrouded in our Puranas. One of the stories related to this temple is 'Dakshayaga'. When Siva started his Thandava dance carrying the dead body of Sathi Devi, who gave up her life in the Yagna Sala unable to suffer the humiliation any more, Lord Vishnu to pacify the outrages Siva shot an arrow and cut the body of Sathi Devi into fragments. It is said, Sathi's bodies was cut into 108 pieces and one of the pieces is believed to have fallen in the place where this temple is located. Later on during 'Thretha Yuga' , Lord Vishnu reborn as Parasurama found out this place and performed penance to have Darsan of Devi. Pleased with this penance, Devi appeared before Parasurama and later immediately made an idol identical to Devi’s appearance and he duly performed the installation ceremony on his own according to the custom and entreated Devi to protect the people of the area from all adversities and calamities. The idol of this temple is exactly the same that was installed by Parasurama in the 'Thretha Yuga'. Another story connected to this temple, in the Bhagavatha is as follows. 'Lord Vishnu' was reborn as a child of Devaki as Sree Krishna and at the same time 'Adi Parasakthi' took birth as a daughter to Yasoda. As directed by the Lord, Vasudevan exchanged the children and King Kamsa saw a female child born to his sister. As his usual practice, Kamsa wanted to kill this daughter also by striking it against the rock. When he lifted the child by her feet in his attempt to strike on the rock, the beautiful child escaped from his hand by pushing herself by kicking on the shoulders of Kamsa and flew away in the space and at last came to the Temple in Ayyanthole and merged with the idol installed by Parasurama. Ayyanthole is so called because; it is the place that Devi chose for merging with God after kicking on the shoulders of Kamsa. On account of the divinity acquired by this temple in ways more than one, the prowess and strength of the Devi is not only unprecedented about also inexplicable. The auspicious Devi of the Temple (Karthyayani) may be worshipped by the Devotees according to the belief and imaginations. Devi presiding in this Temple is very generous in granting the wishes of believes. The form of the Devi is also beautiful that nobody will be satiated by seeing and looking at her who is in a standing posture with a shining sweet face and has Conch shell, whirling disc, Lotus and 'Kadibandham' in her four hands. The idol available in the sanctum sanctorum of this holy temple is exactly the same that was installed by Parasurama. Made of Anjana stone (that is black stone) and well covered by Pancha Loha (an alloy of five of different metals) the idol of Devi with a pleasing face and semi closed lotus eye is also beautiful that the devotees want to see her face again and again every day. Famous astrologers have also expressed their opinion against any change or modification of the Pancha Loha covering or the 'Prabha Mandalam' around the deity.

Nethilakkavu Bagavathy Temple

 
Naithalakkavu temple is situated, 6 km north of Thrissur city in a village called Kuttur. It is under Cochin Devaswom Board. The temple has been considered to have connections with Cochin Royal family, in the days of their reign the Amma of Naithalakkavu had a special place in Shakthan Thampuran's Palace then. The Amma is considered to be the deity of the village Kuttur, which has been surrounded by Siva Temples. The Naithalakkavu Amma has the sole authority to open the Thekke Gopuram(South Gopuram) of Vadakkunatha temple for the Thrissur Pooram.

The sanctum sanctorum of Shiva in this temple is one of the largest rounded sanctorum in Kerala. Besides Siva and Naithalakkavu Amma, Sri Durga, Shastra, Ganapathi, Anthimahakalan, Rashasu & Dampathu Rashasu is been present as Upadevas. A Rashasu named Kelumman is installed under Alstonius (Pala) tree outside the walls of the temple. The Naithalakkavu Amma is faced towards west, while Siva is faced to east direction. It is an important temple among Vadakkunthan's Rishabhagiri temples.

Thrissur pooram Fireworks

The Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful and famous temple festival of Kerala. The pooram fireworks performed by the two major participants namely, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi is a fantastic event. The fireworks held at Thekkinkad ground near the Vadakkumnathan Temple start in the early hours of the night and last for several hours.

Thrissur pooram is now going on at Thrissur.The fireworks will start at 3AM in the morning.It is a must watch festival and fire work.

The impressive processions of those Thriuvambadi Bhagavathy from the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi from Paramekkavu temple are the major and the main part of the Pooram.highlights of the pooram are Kudamatam and the firework show known as 'Pooram vedikettu'. The celebrations which last for over 36 hours includes parasol displays and firework shows.

Fireworks are an essential part of almost all events in Kerala .But in Thrissur Pooram; the fire works are distinct in character, performance, excellence and magnitude. Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples compete with each other to provide the crowd with the best and the most unexpected.

People come from faraway places to watch this amazing display of pyrotechnics. There are four major firework displays in Thrissur Pooram. The ‘sample fireworks’ on the day before the Pooram, the colorful sparklers that light up the sky (amittu) by both sides on the Pooram evening after the Southward Descent, the most impressive event that mark the peak of Pooram celebrations in the early morning hours, and the final fireworks the following noon after the Goddesses bid farewell to each other that mark the end of Pooram.

The chemistry : The technique is a mixture of sound, light and strength, the proportion may vary according to the type –say amittu( less sound more colour full), dynamite (High pitch sound only) Earlier potassium chlorate was used to increase the loudness and was replaced by potassium nitrate since earlier is more accident prone. The colour full display of amittu was started in Thrissur pooram . Thanks to Dr.T.C. Krishnamenon for his able guidance.

Some of the combinations

Stonshiam Carbonate – Dark Red

Lithium Carbonate – Light Red

Calcium Chloride - Orange

Sodium Nitrate - Yellow

Barium Chloride – Green

Copper Chloride –Blue

Titanium and Aluminum – White

This is only a guide line and proportion is the skill of the technocrat and Aluminum powder, magnesium etc are added to give some gimmicks.

According to sources, an active member of Thrissur Pooram committee witnessed a Chinese firework display during his visit to the Park Fare Exhibition at Madras about 80 years ago. Inspired by the spectacle, he brought some items of Chinese fireworks to Thrissur like poothiri, lathiri, moolipeevu, vaanam etc. It obviously fired popular imagination and in no time, the art and craft of fireworks was taken up by enterprising indigenous families, who developed it into the pulsating event that it is now. Every year new and never-seen-before items are added to the fireworks, with both the temples devoting a large share of resources for it.

The earliest masters of fireworks display, like Kuriya, Ponnuveetil Gopalan Nair, Vellattu Narayana Panicker, Chelapadan Anthony, Vadakkethala Kochapu etc were not formally or technically trained in the art. They learned it through experience and experimentation and virtually developed it into a major industry. All the fireworks-managers of today are the followers of these pioneers. For a long time the responsibility of the Paramekkavu fireworks was vested with Karayarakattil Jose, who has now retired from the scene.

It was only in the early 1970’s that a fixed schedule for fireworks display was introduced. Until then whichever party - Paramekkavu or Thiruvambady - that reaches the pandal first would begin their fireworks display. As this led to a lot of misunderstandings and also untoward incidents, a rotation system was introduced. According to this, each temple would take turns to light their fireworks first. From then on, both the parties have followed this system.

The fame of the Thrissur fireworks crossed boundaries and reached USA and a master was invited to display fireworks in connection with a presidential Sworn - in USA

Thrissur Pooram 2010 Overview

Thrissur Pooram - Overview

Thrissur Pooram is called 'the pooram of all poorams'. It the biggest or the best of all poorams. The Thrissur pooram, is celebrated every year, on the pooram day, in the month of Medam (mid-April to mid-may) month as per the malayalam calendar. While all poorams have a huge influence on surrounding neighborhoods and towns, few other festivals require their active involvement. Thrissur town plays host, for 36 hours from the wee hours of the pooram day, to one of the most largest collection of people and elephants. The richly decorated elephant, as seen during the Thrissur pooram, is now globally recognized, and its association with Kerala. On the pooram day, fifty (50) or more elephants pass through the very center of Thrissur town, the Vadakkunnathan temple. The main features of the pooram festival are these decorated elephants with their nettipattam (decorative headdress), beautiful craftedthe kolam, decorative bells and ornaments etc. Add to this the panchavadyam, the rhythmic beating of the drum, and what would be a cacophony otherwise is turned into an organized but spontaneous symphony. The fireworks display in the early hours of the next day, rival shows held anywhere in the world, without even using many of the modern and newer pyrotechnics.

Thrissur Pooram 2010 date is April 24. The Trichur Puram festival, referred as the Mother of all Poorams, is annually observed in the Malayalam month of Medam (April – May).

Thrissur Pooram is celebrated at of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, situated on a hillock (Thekkinkadu maidan) in the centre of the city, on the Pooram day in the month of Medom (April-May). Processions of richly caparisoned elephants accompanied by percussion ensembles from various neighbouring temples culminate at the Vadakumnathan temple. The most impressive processions are those Thriuvambadi Bhagavathy from the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi from Paramekkavu temple. The celebrations which last for over 36 hours includes parasol displays and firework shows.

Vadakkunnathan is a mere spectator at this festival, lending its premises and grounds for the great event. The pooram festival is also well known for the magnificent display of fireworks. Fire works start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours.

The Pooram Festival 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 grander and more colourful. 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 and colourful parasols, which are raised on the elephants during the display. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.

The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Among the varieties of festivals celebrated in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is the most thunderous, spectacular and dazzling. There are three temples participating in the event. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all people. The images of the deities from all temples of the village are taken on elephants to the main temple. The climax of the festival is the exhibition of thirty elephants and the famous fireworks at 2.30 am local time.

Vadakumnathan Temple gate

Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple gateAdhering to the medieval Peruvanam tradition, the festival is confined to the temples of Devi (goddess) and Sastha (divine combination of Shiva and Vishnu). Ten deities from the neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deiety of Thrissur.

Principle participants are Paramekkavu and Tiruvambadi, close to the Vadakunnathan temple. Also participating and known as constituent Poorams are the suburban temples at Kanimangalam, Karamukku-Chiyyaram, Choorakkattukara-Amala, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithilakkavu-Kuttoor, Chembukkavu and Panamukkampilly-Eastfort Thrissur for a total of eight deities. The sprawling Thekkinkadu maidan, encircling the Vadakumnathan temple, is the main venue of the festival .

Thrissur Pooram Temple Festival of Thrissur in Kerala

Thrissur Pooram is the annual temple festival of the town of Thrissur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most colourful temple festival of Kerala which attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and even outside.
Thrissur Pooram is celebrated at the premises of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, situated on a hillock (Thekkinkadu maidan) right in the centre of the city, on the Pooram day in the month of Medom (April-May). Processions of richly caparisoned elephants accompanied by percussion ensembles from various neighbouring temples culminate at the Vadakumnathan temple. The most impressive processions are those Thriuvambadi Bhagavathy from the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi from Paramekkavu temple. The celebrations which last for over 36 hours includes parasol displays and firework shows.
This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin State in the late eighteenth century. Perhaps, there is no other festival in Kerala that draws such an unbelievable number of people to a single event. However Vadakkunnathan is a mere spectator at this festival, lending its premises and grounds for the great event. The pooram festival is also well known for the magnificent display of fireworks. Fire works start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours.
The Pooram Festival 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 grander and more colourful. 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, several kinds of which are raised on the elephants during the display. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.
The procession but also quite enlivening. The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Among the varieties of festivals celebrated in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is the most thunderous, spectacular and dazzling. There are three temples participating in the event. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all people. The images of the deities from all temples of the village are taken on elephants to the main temple. The climax of the festival is the exhibition of thirty elephants and the famous fireworks at 2.30 am local time.

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.