This blog is your one-stop guide to the most renowned religious landmarks and captivating festivals across the globe. Embark on a virtual pilgrimage to discover the architectural wonders, sacred spaces, and cultural experiences that ignite faith and inspire millions.
Koorkenchery Pooyam is a
vibrant and energetic festival celebrated at the Sree Maheswara Temple in
Koorkenchery, Thrissur district, Kerala, India.
It is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, the son
of Lord Shiva, and is
observed in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January or
February). In 2025 February 11th is the pooyam date.
The festival is renowned for
its spectacular Kavadiyattom performances, a ritual dance where devotees carry
elaborately decorated structures called kavadis on their shoulders while
dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and cymbals. These kavadis,
often adorned with colorful flowers, peacock feathers, and images of deities,
can weigh several kilograms and require immense devotion and physical endurance
to carry.
The Kavadiyattom performances
begin in the morning and continue throughout the day and night, creating a
mesmerizing spectacle of colors, music, and devotion. The festival also
features traditional Kerala percussion music, processions of elephants, and cultural
performances, making it a grand celebration of faith and tradition.
Koorkenchery Pooyam is a
significant cultural event in Thrissur district, attracting thousands of
devotees and tourists alike. It offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural
heritage of Kerala and the deep-rooted devotion of its people.
If you're planning to visit
Thrissur during January or February, be sure to experience the vibrant energy
and spiritual fervor of Koorkenchery Pooyam. It's an unforgettable cultural
experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Kumaranelloor temple, also known as Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Kumaranalloor, Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered one of the 108 most important Devi temples in Kerala.The temple is believed to be over 2400 years old and is known for its unique architecture, particularly the circular sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) and the nalambalam (outer enclosure). The temple also features beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics.The main festival celebrated at the temple is the Trikarthika festival, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December). This festival is known for its grand processions, traditional dances, and cultural performances.If you're planning to visit Kumaranelloor temple, here are some additional details:
Location: Kumaranalloor, Kottayam district, Kerala, India
Deity: Goddess Durga
Architecture: Traditional Kerala style with a circular sanctum sanctorum
Main festival: Trikarthika (November-December)
Other festivals: Navratri, Mandala-Makaravilakku
Dress code: Traditional Kerala attire (mundu and saree)
Thiruvathira is a
popular Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Indian state of
Kerala. It is primarily a women-centric festival, celebrated in the Malayalam
month of Dhanu (December-January).
Significance:
Birthday of Lord Shiva:
Thiruvathira is believed to be the birthday of Lord Shiva, one of the
principal deities in Hinduism.
Union of Shiva and Parvati:
It is also associated with the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Death of Kamadeva:
Some legends connect it with the death of Kamadeva, the god of love, who
was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Thiruvathirakali:
The most distinctive feature of Thiruvathira is the Thiruvathirakali
dance. Women perform this graceful dance in a circle around a traditional
lamp, symbolizing the divine presence.
Thiruvathirakali dance
(Kanipayyur Kaikottikali Sangam)
Fasting: Women observe a
partial fast on this day, consuming only certain permitted food items.
Decorations:
Houses are decorated with flowers and traditional motifs.
Special Dishes:
Special dishes like 'Thiruvathira Puzhukku' (a mix of tubers and
vegetables) and 'Koova Payasam' (arrowroot porridge) are prepared.
Thiruvathira is a celebration
of womanhood, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time
for women to come together, participate in traditional rituals, and strengthen
their bonds.
While Thiruvathira is
primarily a home-based celebration for women in Kerala, temples, especially
Shiva temples, play a significant role in the festivities. Here's how
Thiruvathira is related to temples in Kerala:
1. Special Poojas and Rituals:
On Thiruvathira day, special poojas and
rituals are performed in Shiva temples across Kerala. These may include:
Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity)
Deeparadhana (waving of lamps)
Special offerings and prayers
2. Visiting Temples for
Blessings:
Women, especially young and married women,
visit Shiva temples on Thiruvathira to offer prayers and seek blessings
for a happy married life and the well-being of their families.
It is considered auspicious to have a
darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva on this day.
3. Temple Ponds for Ritual
Bathing:
Some women take a ritual bath in the
temple ponds early in the morning as part of the Thiruvathira observances.
This is often accompanied by the singing of Thiruvathira songs in praise
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Performance of
Thiruvathirakali:
In some temples, Thiruvathirakali
performances may be organized as part of the Thiruvathira celebrations.
This provides a public space for women to showcase their traditional dance
and devotion.
Prominent Temples:
While Thiruvathira is observed
in almost all Shiva temples in Kerala, some prominent ones include:
Vaidyanath Temple, Vaikom:
This ancient Shiva temple is known for its grand Thiruvathira
celebrations.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple:
Another famous Shiva temple where Thiruvathira is observed with great
fervor.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam:
This temple also sees special rituals and observances on Thiruvathira.
In essence, while Thiruvathira
is centered around homes and women's rituals, Shiva temples provide a crucial
spiritual backdrop for the festival. They serve as places of worship,
gathering, and celebration, further enhancing the religious and cultural significance
of Thiruvathira in Kerala.
The Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam,
also known as the Arattu Utsavam, is a grand festival celebrated at the
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It's a vibrant
celebration that takes place in the Malayalam month of Meenam, which typically
falls in March or April.
The festivities begin with the
‘Kodiyettu’ (flag hoisting ceremony), marking the start of the celebrations.
The temple complex transforms into a riot of colors and traditions, showcasing
the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Here are the key dates for the
Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam 2024:
Kodiyettu (flag hoisting): March 14, 2024
Pooram (festival day): March 20, 2024
Arattu (concluding ceremony): March 23, 2024
The
Arattu, which falls on March 23 this year, is the grand finale of the festival.
It features a spectacular procession with decorated elephants, vibrant floats,
and performances by drummers and artists.
The
Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam is a must-visit for anyone interested in
experiencing the rich culture and traditions of Kerala.
The Thirunakkara Mahadevar Templeis an ancient
Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the heart of Kottayam
city, Kerala, India. The temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala that
are considered to be sacred.
The
temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Thekkumkur
Raja. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The
main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (gateway tower). The gopuram
is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
The
inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva. The idol is made of
black stone and is in the form of a lingam. The lingam is surrounded by a yoni
(pedestal).
The
temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees from all over Kerala
come to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple is also a popular
tourist destination.
Here
are some of the interesting facts about the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple:
The
temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala that are considered to be
sacred.
The
temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Thekkumkur
Raja.
The
temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style.
The
main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (gateway tower).
The
gopuram is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological
scenes.
The
inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva.
The
idol is made of black stone and is in the form of a lingam.
The
lingam is surrounded by a yoni (pedestal).
The
temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Devotees
from all over Kerala come to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide. It's
the ninth month of
the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the
moon. During Ramadan, Muslims believe the Quran, the Islamic holy book, was
revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This month is a time for spiritual growth, marked by fasting from dawn to
sunset for around 30 days. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and
sexual activity during fasting hours. They focus on prayer, charity, and
self-reflection. Many Muslim countries adjust work schedules to allow for more
prayer time.
Fasting as a Pillar of Islam
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core
practices of the religion. The Five Pillars include:
Shahada: Declaring
faith in one God.
Salah: Performing
five daily prayers facing Mecca.
Zakat: Giving
charity to the poor.
Hajj: Pilgrimage
to Mecca for those who are able.
Sawm: Fasting
during Ramadan.
Suhoor, Iftar, and Community
Before dawn, Muslims have a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. After sunset,
they break their fast with Iftar, traditionally starting with dates. Iftar is
often a large meal shared with family and friends, featuring traditional dishes
and sweets. Many communities hold gatherings and celebrations during Ramadan.
This holy month fosters a spirit of generosity and togetherness within
the Muslim community.
Ramadan
2024 Working Hours in the UAE
Public Sector:
Working hours will be from 9am to 2:30pm Monday to
Thursday.
On Fridays, hours are from 9am to 12pm.
Exceptions may apply for critical work.
Up to 70% of staff in federal government departments can work from
home on Fridays.
Private Sector:
A reduction of 2 working hours per day is mandated.
Companies can implement flexible or remote work schedules within
these limits.
Note: The
exact start date of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, but
it's expected to begin on March 11th or 12th, 2024.
