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.

Important Hindu Celebration of Bharat - Navratri 2023

Navratri 2023 starts on October 15, Sunday and will end with Vijaya Dasami celebration on October 24, Tuesday. India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated here is Navaratri. Derived from the Sanskrit words "nava" meaning nine and "ratri" meaning night, Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in different parts of the country.

 Navaratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is a time for people to come together and celebrate. The nine nights are divided into three sets of three nights, each dedicated to a different form of the goddess Durga. The first three nights are dedicated to the goddess Durga, the next three to the goddess Lakshmi, and the final three to the goddess Saraswati.

 During Navaratri, people observe fasts and engage in various religious and cultural activities. One of the highlights of the festival is the Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional folk dances that are performed in large groups. People dress up in colorful traditional attire and dance to the rhythmic beats of the music. The dances are accompanied by the singing of devotional songs and the playing of traditional musical instruments.

In addition to the dances, Navaratri is also a time for people to visit temples and offer prayers to the goddess Durga. Elaborate rituals and ceremonies are performed, and the temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. People also create small clay idols of the goddess and worship them at home.

Navaratri is not just a religious festival, but also a time for socializing and enjoying delicious food. Special dishes and sweets are prepared and shared with family and friends. The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and community.

In conclusion, Navaratri is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated in India. It is a time for people to come together, worship the goddess Durga, and celebrate the victory of good over evil. The festival is marked by colorful dances, elaborate rituals, and delicious food. Navaratri is a true reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Famous Velankanni Church Tamil Nadu- Our Lady of Good Health

Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage center located in the coastal town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Asia, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world each year.

 The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is believed to have appeared several times in Velankanni in the 16th and 17th centuries. These apparitions are said to have been accompanied by miraculous healings, which have made Velankanni a renowned center of faith and devotion.

 Velankanni Church

 The church complex consists of three main churches: the Shrine Basilica, the Church of the Assumption, and the Old Church. The Shrine Basilica is the largest and most important of the three churches. It is a neo-Gothic structure with a white marble façade and two towering spires. The interior of the basilica is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and murals depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

 The Church of the Assumption is a smaller church located adjacent to the Shrine Basilica. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. The Old Church is the oldest church in the complex. It is a simple, thatched-roof church that was built in the 17th century.

 In addition to the three churches, the Velankanni Church complex also includes a number of other religious and cultural attractions, such as:

•  The Way of the Cross: This is a series of 14 stations depicting the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.
• The Rosary Garden: This is a beautiful garden with 15 statues representing the mysteries of the Rosary.
• The Prayer Hall: This is a large hall where pilgrims can gather to pray and sing hymns.
• The Museum: This museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, including relics, paintings, and sculptures.

Velankanni Church is a place of great spiritual significance for people of all faiths. It is a place where people come to pray for healing, forgiveness, and hope. The church is also a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

 If you are planning to visit Velankanni Church, here are some tips:

 The best time to visit Velankanni is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.

The church is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses available in Velankanni to accommodate pilgrims and tourists.

The church offers a variety of services to pilgrims, including food, accommodation, and medical assistance.

If you are visiting the church during peak season, it is advisable to book your accommodation and travel arrangements in advance.

Velankanni Church is a truly unique and special place. It is a place where people of all faiths can come together to experience the power of faith and hope.

The major Indian festivals in September 2023

Kajari Teej (September 2): This festival is celebrated by married women in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands.

Kajari Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. The festival is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.

On the day of Kajari Teej, women wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They then dress in their best clothes and jewelry. They also wear a garland of basil leaves, which is considered to be a symbol of love and devotion.

After dressing, women go to the temple to pray to the goddess Parvati. They also pray to the god Shiva, who is Parvati's husband. Women pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands, as well as for the well-being of their families.

In the evening, women gather together for a feast. They eat special dishes that are prepared for the occasion. They also sing and dance to celebrate the festival.

Kajari Teej is a day of joy and celebration for married women. It is a day to come together with other women and to pray for the well-being of their loved ones.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Kajari Teej:

• Women fast for the entire day. They break their fast only after the moon is sighted in the evening.
• Women wear a garland of basil leaves.
• Women pray to the goddess Parvati and the god Shiva.
• Women gather together for a feast in the evening.

Kajari Teej is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the love and devotion between married women and their husbands.

 Krishna Janmashtami (September 6): This is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is celebrated with great pomp and show all over India, with special pujas, fasting, and feasting.

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the eighth month of the Hindu calendar. It is a celebration of the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Krishna Janmashtami:

• Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• They dress in their best clothes and jewelry and go to the temple to pray to Krishna.
• Images of Krishna are bathed in milk and water, and dressed in new clothes.
• Devotees offer prayers and offerings to Krishna.
• In some temples, special dramas and dances are performed.
• In the evening, devotees break their fast and feast on special dishes.
• They also sing and dance to celebrate the occasion.

Krishna Janmashtami is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the birth of a beloved god and his teachings.

Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. The festival is celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Hartalika Teej:

• Women fast for the entire day. They break their fast only after the moon is sighted in the evening.
• Women wear a garland of basil leaves.
• Women pray to the goddess Parvati and the god Shiva.
• Women gather together for a feast in the evening.

Hartalika Teej is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the love and devotion between married women and their husbands.

In some parts of India, Hartalika Teej is also celebrated by unmarried women. Unmarried women pray to Parvati for a good husband. They also fast for the entire day and break their fast after the moon is sighted in the evening.

Hartalika Teej is a festival that is rich in tradition and meaning. It is a day for women to come together and celebrate their love and devotion to their husbands and families.

 Ganesh Chaturthi (September 19) is a 10-day festival that marks the birth of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. It is one of the most popular festivals in India, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.

The festival begins on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the sixth month of the Hindu calendar. On this day, families and communities install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes and public places. The idols are then worshipped for the next 10 days. Here are some of the traditions associated with Ganesh Chaturthi:

Installation of Ganesha idols: The idols are made of clay and are often elaborately decorated. They are installed in homes, temples, and public places.

Prayers and offerings: Devotees offer prayers and offerings to Ganesha, such as flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense.

Feasting, singing, and dancing: The festival is a time for celebration, and people gather together to feast, sing, and dance.

Immersion of Ganesha idols: On the 10th day, the idols are immersed in water. This is a symbolic gesture of bidding farewell to Ganesha.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and colorful festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. It is a time for Hindus to come together and celebrate their faith and traditions.

Ananta Chaturdashi/Ganesh Visarjan (September 28): This is the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, when the Ganesha idols are immersed in water. It is a day of great joy and celebration.

I hope this helps!

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra-India

 Jagannath Rath Yatra (July 1-2023): This 12-day festival is celebrated in Puri, Odisha, to honor the Hindu god Jagannath. The festival features a grand procession of three chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is a 12-day festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, to honor the Hindu god Jagannath
The festival takes place in the month of Ashadha, which is July-August in the Gregorian calendar.
The festival features a grand procession of three chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, and the procession winds its way through the streets of Puri.The festival is a time of great joy and celebration for the people of Puri, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Here are some of the key events of the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival:

Nabakalebara: This is the ritual of building new chariots for the deities. It takes place every 12 years.
Chhera Pahanra: This is the ritual of cleansing the deities with water from the Ganges River. It takes place on the first day of the festival.
Bahuda Yatra: This is the journey of the deities from their temple to the Gundicha Temple. It takes place on the 1st day of the festival.
Suna Besha: This is the golden attire festival. It takes place on the 2nd day of the festival.
Ratha Yatra: This is the main event of the festival. It takes place on the 3rd day of the festival.
Naba Deepa: This is the festival of nine lamps. It takes place on the 9th day of the festival.

Thrissur Pooram Sample Fire work Paramekkavu Devaswom