Kerala is the ultimate land of
festivals and fairs. A tour of the state during the festive season is the best
way to experience the rich cultural practices and customs of God’s own country
Festivals in Kerala are true celebrations of life, as they unfold
the rich and varied culture of the state. These festive occasions call for
merry-making and is celebrated with great pomp and gait. Kerala festivals,
especially the temple festivals are very grand, colourful and unique in
nature.
Onam, the mother of all Kerala festivals, falls during the
Malayalam month of Chingam and is considered to be the national festival of the
state. The grand celebration, which lasts for over ten days,marks the
homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.
Though a
Hindu festival, it is celebrated with equal zest by all the keralalites
irrespective of religion and brings out the best of Kerala culture and
tradition. This harvest festival would be incomplete without the elaborate
Onamsadya, intricately decorated Pookalam, breath-taking snake boat race and
the exotic Thiruvathirakali.
Keralites
from all over the world look forward to visiting their near and dear ones in
Kerala during Onam. “The ten days from athachamayam to thiruvonam, the custom
of new dress for Onam, pulikali, shopping hungama, the sheer delight and
excitement of the people around the time of Onam is very nostalgic and
inimitable”, says an enthusiastic Sujatha, a 30yr old Sales Consultant from Abu
Dhabi, who rarely misses Onam festivities in her homeland.
The
most spectacular festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is aptly called Pooram of
all Poorams meaning 'the meeting point of all the arts'. The festival, held at
Thekkinkadu ground on the premises
of the Vadakkumnatha temple, in Thrissur, is held between the last week of
April and mid-May.
The festival highlights include a grand pageant of 15 caparisoned elephants
each by two competing temples, followed by kudamattom, a competition involving
swift rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols atop the
caparisoned elephants lined up on both sides. Ilanjitharamelam, an
amazing percussion ensemble featuring
about 250 odd artistes, Chendamelam and
panchavadyam performances add to the
charm of the temple festival.
“Religious
ceremonies and festivals are at the heart of Indian culture. Thrissur Pooram
wins my vote hands down for being the most electrifying celebration of a
regional festival”, wrote travel enthusiast from abroad in yatra.com. Hundreds
of thousands of spectators throng the ground to witness the dazzling display of
sparkly fireworks in various hues lighting up the sky, marking the end of the
celebration. “I have read and heard so much about this festival involving the
elephants but seeing it live with my own eyes was an experience in itself. I am
really happy and fully satisfied that I was there to witness it” remarked an
American tourist Marshneile Sylvester who witnessed the pooram this year.
Snake boat race, held during the season of Onam, is arguably, the most popular
festival of Kerala. In Kerala, the season of boat races starts with the
renowned Champakkulam Moolam Vallam Kali, at Champakkulam in Alappuzha, during
the Malayalam month of mithunam. Boats in various categories like
the chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and
others from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race. Being
the largest sporting event in the world, snake boat race is the ultimate test
of speed and skill and people from even far off places flock to the river bank
to enjoy the race. Foreigners and tourists from India and abroad visit the state during
this time and enthusiastically join the local crowd in all the fun.
Well known
film maker and cinematographer, Rajiv Menon shares his views on the dynamic
Snake boat race in Kerala: “It gives you a sense of
pride that the snake boat race is unique to Kerala alone and not seen anywhere
else in India. Watching it live from the banks of Vembanad kayal some years
back, I could feel the energy, exuberance and excitement of the youth. The
synchronisation and team spirit is unmatched. It is so lively, vibrant and so
full of life.”
Festivals and fairs are synonymous with the rich tradition and
cultural heritage of a state and galas such as these, continue to preserve the
art and folklore of this beautiful land.
Sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com
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