Makaravilakku

Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta district

Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on January 14 in Kerala, India at the shrine of Sabarimala. The festival includes the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments of Ayyappan) procession and a congregation at the hill shrine of Sabarimala. An estimated half a million devotees flow to Sabarimala every year to have a darshan (vision) of this ritual.

The Story behind Makaravilakku is as follows- Lord Sri Rama and his brother Lakshmana met Sabari, a tribal devotee, at Sabarimala. Sabari offered the Lord fruits after tasting them. But the Lord accepted them gladly and whole-heartedly. The Lord then turned and saw a divine person doing tapas. He asked Sabari who it was. Sabari said it was Sasta. Rama walked towards Sasta and the latter stood up to welcome Rama. The anniversary of this incident is celebrated on Makara Vilakku day. It is believed that on Makara Vilakku day, Lord Dharmasasta stops his tapas to bless his devotees.



The name 'Makaravilakku' refers to the lighting of a bright "vilakku" (lamp) three times on the hill beside the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala, which were used to communicate the completion of deeparadhana in Ponnampalamedu.

Thrissur Pooram

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur

Pooram is one of the nakshatras or star in the Hindu panchangam. There are 27 Nakshatras in the Hindu panchangam and a million or more temples in Kerala, and this combination creates numerous possibilities for auspicious occasions, with each temple having varying importance for the different stars. However, over the years, the pooram nakshatram has gained special significance in its association with temple festivals, mainly because of its association with Thrissur.


Thrissur Pooram is called 'the pooram of all poorams' (festival). It is the biggest of all poorams held in Kerala state. The Thrissur pooram, is celebrated every year in the month of Medam (mid-April to mid-may) 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 golden headdress), beautifuliy crafted kolam, decorative bells and ornaments etc. Add to this is 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 worldwithout even using many of the modern and newer pyrotechnics.



Many Hindu rituals and festivals date back centuries, the Thrissur pooram is only about 200 or more years old. It was orchestrated by the then ruler of Cochin, Sakthan Thampuran or Raja Rama Varma, in 1798. Sakthan Thampuran, so known for his firm and decisive administration, decided to break tradition and create a venue for the temples belonging to his region to celebrate their pooram festival. Before the advent of Thrissur Pooram, the largest temple festival during summer in Thrissur thaluk was the one-day festival held at Arattupuzha, 12 km south of the city. Temples in and around Thrissur were regular participants of this religious exercise until they were denied entry by the chief of Peruvanam Gramam. The delay caused by the temples from Thrissur and Kuttanellur, was one of the reasons for denial. This caused the Thrissur Naduvazhi, the chief poojari of Vadakkunnathan, known as Yogadiripad and the Kuttanellur Naduvazhi started the pooram in Thrissur. This pooram started as an act of reprisal quickly lost its charm, after infighting between the two main Naduvazhis. It required the intervention of the ruler to get this right.



Sakthan Thampuran unified the 10 temples situated around Vadakkunnathan temple and organized the celebration of Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival. Sakthan Thampuran ordained these temples into two groups, Western group and Eastern group. The Western group as Thiruvambady consisting of Kanimangalam, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Nethilakkavu and the Thiruvambady temple, as the main one. The Eastern group called as Paramekkavu, consisting in addition to Paramekkavu temple, Karamukku, Chembukavu, Choorakottukavu and Panamukkamppilly. The pooram was to be centered around the Vadakkunnathan temple, with all these temples sending their poorams (the whole procession), to pay obeisance to the Shiva, the presiding deity. The Thampuran is believed to have chalked out the program and the main events of the Thrissur pooram festival. It is this historical background that determines the course of the pooram program and it is specifically the ruler's antipathy to the Brahmin aristocracy to open Thrissur pooram for the common man.

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[weasel words] 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 marvelous 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.

Adhering 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 neighbouring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deiety of Thrissur.

Principle participants are Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, close to the Vadakunnathan temple. Also participating and known as constituent Poorams are the suburban temples at Kanimangalam Sastha Temple at Kanimangalam, Pookkattikkara - Karamukku Baghavathy Temple at Karamukku near Chiyyaram, Choorakkottukavu Bagavathy Temple at Choorakkattukara, Laloor Baghavathy Temple at Laloor, Sree Karthyayani Temple at Ayyanthole, Nethilakkavu Bagavathy Temple at Neithilakkavu near Kuttoor, Chembukkavu Bagavathy Temple at Chembukkavu and Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple at Panamukkampilly near East Fort Thrissur for a total of eight deities. The sprawling Thekkinkadu maidan, encircling the Vadakumnathan temple, is the main venue of the festival and usually known as Thrissur Swaraj Round.

Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is a traditional South Indian dance from Kerala that achieved its refined form during Maharaja Swathi Thirunal`s rule in the 16th century. It is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms. It is considered a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniyattam comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The word "Mohiniyattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress". There are two stories of the Lord Vishnu disguised as a Mohini. In one, he appears as Mohini to lure the asuras (demons) away from the amrita (nectar of immortality) obtained during the churning of the palazhi or Ocean of Milk.
In the second story Vishnu appears as Mohini to save Lord Shiva from the demon Bhasmasura. The name Mohiniyattam may have been coined after Lord Vishnu, and the main theme of the dance is love and devotion to God, with usually Vishnu or Krishna being the hero. Devadasis used to perform this in temples. But it also has elements of Koothu and Kottiyattom in it.






Mohiniyattam is a drama in dance and verse. This dance which has influences and elements from two South Indian dance forms, the Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, was formulated in the court of king Swati Tirunal by Vadivelu, one of the Thanjavur Quartet. The dance involves the swaying of broad hips and the gentle movements of erect posture from side to side. This is reminiscent of the swinging of the palm leaves and the gently flowing rivers which abound Kerala, the land of Mohiniyattam. There are approximately 40 different basic movements, known as 'atavukal', in Mohiniyattam.




The three Pillars, Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon (a poet and founder of the institution, Kerala Kalamandalam) and Smt. Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma (who is considered as “the mother of Mohiniyattam”), contributed to the revival of Mohiniyattam during the later part of 20th Century. Guru Kallyanikutty Amma cleared the mythical mystery behind the name of this dance form and gave it the most convincing explanation based on truth, social and historical evolution, interpreting Mohiniyattam as the dance of a beautiful lady than that of a mythical enchantress from heaven.
The costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade (known as kasavu) at the edges. The dance follows the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika, which has elaborate description of Mudras (gestural expressions by the hand palm and fingers).
The vocal music of Mohiniyattam involves variations in rhythmic structure known as chollu. The lyrics are in Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The Mohiniyattam dance is performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coy yet sensual manner, the purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses.

Munnar

Idukki District

Munnar is a premium hill station of Kerala. It is a pleasant tourist spot in Idukki District and is situated around 1800 metres above the sea level. Munnar is a unique blend of misty hills with soothing greens of aromatic tea estates & spice gardens, lush green forests with tall red wood trees and rich wildlife. All these factors make Munnar a perfect tourist destination in South India. The city is enriched by three holy rivers, Muthirappuzha, Chandavurai and Kundaly. In Malayalam, “Munu aar” means “three rivers”. People believe that the name of the city is attributed to these three rivers.
History reveals that Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plantations by the British. It was a popular summer resort of Government officers during the British rule.
Munnar is a great commercial place. As Munnar is a leading player in Tea segment, it has 30 registered tea plantations, most of which are owned by Tata Tea. Besides, Munnar is dealing in several kinds of spices for last 3000 years. It grows more than 12 varieties of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric. In ancient times, Kerala was known as the spice capital of the world because of Munnar and Cochin.
Most of the residents of Munnar are employed in spice & tea plantations, and tourism industry. These are the great revenue generating sources.



Eravikulam National Park is one of the biggest attractions of Munnar. It is spread over 97 sq km in Rajmalai Hills. Eravikulam is famous for rare species of animals including Nilgiri Tahr, Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. This national park is also known for Neelakurinji, a flower found high on the mountains, which blooms once in 12 years. Its next bloom will be in 2018.
Anamudi Peak is another hot spot, which is the highest mountain peak in South India. It is situated inside the Eravikulam National Park and is perfect for trekking. 2695-metre high Anamudi peak is the habitat for several fauna species.
Chinnar Wilfdlife Sanctuary, which is a habitat for the endangered giant grizzled squirrel. Besides, elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, hanuman monkeys and rabbits can be found here.
Mattupetti Dam is 10km from Munnar and is a popular picnic spot for boating and horse riding.



Another 15 km from Munnar, is Echo Point. As the name suggests, the spot returns your loud voice manifold from the surrounding hills. It is very popular among youth as they make their friendship calls here.
Devikulam is famous for its velvet lawns. It has a lake called Sita Devi Lake, which is popular for Trout Fishing. Besides, Mattupetty Lake & dam and Kundala lake & tea garden contribute to make Munnar one of the most attractive hill stations of the country.
The city is full of tea, coffee, and a variety of spices. Munnar is not a shopping place, but you can visit several factories or retail outlets to find out different types of tea, available in different flavours and several rare kinds of spices.
Munnar is famous for its unique wet greenery. The most exotic flora is found in Munnar forests and grasslands. Munnar is famous for Neelakurinji flower. Besides, Munnar is also known for Eravikulam national Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Palani Hills National Park. More than 120 species of birds are recorded in these sanctuaries.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming.



Kathakali originated from a precursor dance-drama form called Ramanattam and owes it share of techniques also to Krishnanattam. The word "attam" means enactment. In short, these two forerunning forms to Kathakali dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu gods Rama and Krishna.
Ignoring the first phase when it was Ramanattam, Kathakali had its cradle in Vettattnad. Here Vettathu Thampuran, Kottayathu Thampuran and many dedicated artists like Chathu Panicker laid foundations for what is known as Kathakali now. Their efforts were concentrated on the rituals, classical details and scriptural perfection. Kottayathu Thampuran composed four great works -- Kirmeeravadham, Bakavadham, Nivathakavacha Kalakeyavadham and Kalyanasaugandhikam. After this the most important changes in Kathakali were brought about through the effors of a single person namely, Kaplingad Narayanan Nambudiri (1739–1789). He was from the Northern Kerala, but after basic instructions in various faculties of the art in Vettathu Kalari he shifted to Travancore. In the capital and many other centres he found many willing to co-operate with him in bringing about the reformations.

Kathakali also shares a lot of similarities with Krishnanattam, Koodiyattam (a classical Sanskrit drama existing in Kerala) and Ashtapadiyattam (an adaptation of 12th-century musical called Gitagovindam). It also incorporates several other elements from traditional and ritualistic art forms like Mudiyettu, Thiyyattu, Theyyam and Padayani besides a minor share of folk arts like Porattunatakam. All along, the martial art of Kalarippayattu has influenced the body language of Kathakali. The use of Malayalam, the local language (albeit as a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam, called [[]]), has also helped the literature of Kathakali sound more transparent for the average audience.


Kathakali is considered to be a combination of five elements of fine art:
Expressions (Natyam, the component with emphasis on facial expressions)
Dance (Nritham, the component of dance with emphasis on rhythm and movement of hands, legs and body)
Enactment (Nrithyam, the element of drama with emphasis on "mudras", which are hand gestures)
Song/vocal accompaniment (Geetha)
Instrument accompaniment (Vadyam)

Even though the lyrics/literature would qualify as another independent element called Sahithyam, it is considered as a component of Geetha or music, as it plays only a supplementary role to Nritham, Nrithyam and Natyam
Traditionally there are 101 classical Kathakali stories, though the commonly staged among them these days total less than one-third that number. Almost all of them were initially composed to last a whole night.
The most popular stories enacted are Nalacharitham (a story from the Mahabharata), Duryodhana Vadham (focusing on the Mahabharata war after profiling the build-up to it), Kalyanasougandhikam, (the story of Bhima going to get flowers for his wife Panchali), Keechakavadham (another story of Bhima and Panchali, but this time during their stint in disguise), Kiratham (Arjuna and Lord Shiva's fight, from the Mahabharata), Karnashapatham (another story from the Mahabharata), Nizhalkuthu and Bhadrakalivijayam authored by Pannisseri Nanu Pillai.
The language of the songs used for Kathakali is Manipravalam. Though most of the songs are set in ragas based on the microtone-heavy Carnatic music, there is a distinct style of plain-note rendition, which is known as the Sopanam style. This typically Kerala style of rendition takes its roots from the temple songs which used to be sung (continues even now at several temples) at the time when Kathakali was born.

Kathakali is usually performed in front of the huge Kalivilakku (kali meaning dance; vilakku meaning lamp) with its thick wick sunk till the neck in coconut oil. Traditionally, this lamp used to provide sole light when the plays used to be performed inside temples, palaces or abodes houses of nobles and aristocrats.
The percussion instruments used are chenda, maddalam (both of which underwent revolutionary changes in their aesthetics with the contributions of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval and Kalamandalam Appukutty Poduval) and, at times, edakka. In addition, the singers (the lead singer is called “ponnani” and his follower is called “singidi”) use "chengila" (gong made of bell metal, which can be struck with a wooden stick) and "ilathaalam" (a pair of cymbals).
A Kathakali actor uses immense concentration, skill and physical stamina, gained from regimented training based on Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala, to prepare for his demanding role.

One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Most often, the make-up can be classified into five basic sets namely Pachcha, Kathi, Kari, Thaadi and Minukku. The differences between these sets lie in the predominant colours that are applied on the face. Pachcha (meaning green) has green as the dominant colour and is used to portray noble male characters who are said to have a mixture of "Satvik" (pious) and "Rajasik" (kingly) nature. Rajasik characters having an evil streak ("tamasic"= evil) -- all the same they are anti-heroes in the play (such as the demon king Ravana) -- and portrayed with streaks of red in a green-painted face. Excessively evil characters such as demons (totally tamasic) have a predominantly red make-up and a red beard. They are called Red Beard (Red Beard). Tamasic characters such as uncivilised hunters and woodsmen are represented with a predominantly black make-up base and a black beard and are called black beard (meaning black beard). Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces and this semi-realistic category forms the fifth class.

Known as Sampradäya; these are leading Kathakali styles that differ from each other in subtleties like choreographic profile, position of hand gestures and stress on dance than drama and vice versa.



Some of the major original kathakali styles included:
Vettathu Sampradayam
Kalladikkodan Sampradyam
Kaplingadu Sampradayam
Of late, these have narrowed down to the northern (Kalluvazhi) and southern (Thekkan) styles. It is the highly stylised Kalluvazhi tradition (largely developed by the legendary Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon - 1881-1949) that is implemented in Kerala Kalamandalam (though it has also a department that teaches the southern style), Sadanam, RLV and Kottakkal. Margi has its training largely based on the Thekkan style, known for its stress on drama and part-realistic techniques. Kalanilayam, effectively, churns out students with a mix of both styles.
Attams or Elakiattams
Attams or more specifically "elaki attams" are sequences of acting within a story acted out with the help of mudras without support from vocal music. The actor has the freedom to change the script to suit his own individual preferences. The actor will be supported ably by Chenda, Maddalam, and Elathalam(compulsory), Chengila(not very compulsory).

Kovalam

Thiruvananthapuram District

Kovalam is the most famous beach in Kerala. It is located 16 km away from Thiruvananthapuram City, the capital of Kerala. This small and beautiful village was established as a tourist spot after the discovery of three fabulous beaches. Tourists from all over the world approach these beaches for sun-bathing, swimming in shallow waters and catamaran cruising.




Kovalam was a traditional fishing village, famous for its fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). The credit for bringing this casual fishing village in the limelight goes to Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the king of Travancore (South Kerala, along with a few states of Tamil Nadu). The village was developed into a tourist place after 1930s. Its popularity increased in the 70s, with the arrival of hippies.
Kovalam has its own distinctive identity and popularity among tourists. It is unique in all respects, be it vegetation, ecology or scenic beauty. Kovalam is surrounded by coconut groves. Limitless blue water of Arabian Sea, miles of white sand washed away by the surf, lush green palms and rocky promontories are features of Kovalam. The place was first spotted as a tourist destination in 1930s.
The beaches of Kovalam can be divided into three areas. The southern-most beach is the most popular one.
Light House Beach. The name comes from its 35 meter high light house which is situated at Kurumkal hillock. It is surrounded by coconut trees and is heavily crowded year-round. You can find five star and four star hotels here and good restaurants to taste various cuisines.
Hawah Beach. Marvelous greens, blue sea and soothing atmosphere collectively make this place the dreamland for tourists. Cool sea-breeze and white sand-beds are perfect for relaxing holidays.
Samudra Beach. It is used by the local fishermen of Kovalam.





Kovalam is also a perfect spot for water sports. Tourists enjoy several activities and sports like kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. Besides such activities, Kovalam is also popular as an Ayurvedic Treatment Spot. You can find various Ayurvedic Centres, Yoga Centres, Spas and Massage Centres alongside the beaches.



Kovalam, quite naturally has a variety of sea food. The beach-side restaurants are famous for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian sea food. Tourists are very fond of fish, lobster, king prawns and kalamari here in Kovalam. Kathakali dance performances are organized in the evenings on the shores.
Ayurveda Treatment Centres, Spas and Resorts are another major attractions. You can find a number of such centres and resorts for rejuvenation treatments and healing purposes along the beaches. They follow the complete Yoga Padhdhiti and Ayurvedic methods for curing several diseases. Such centres are based on natural treatment processes and are very helpful in relaxing your mind, body and soul.

Kumarakom

Kottayam District

Kumarakom is a major tourist spot that attracts people from all over the world. It is a picturesque village and is well known for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is blessed with Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater stretch of Kerala.
Kumarakom is one of the most beautiful villages of the world and is very popular for its fishing industry. This spot is rich in mangrove forests and coconut groves. Its tropical climate is conducive for good crop production and attracts migratory birds. Kumarakom is located at the Southern coast of India, in Kottayam district of Kerala.






Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the major attraction in Kumarakom. It is a paradise for ornithologists and the favourite spot for migratory birds. You can see a wide variety of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, teal, woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is located alongside the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest backwater of Kerala and works like a channel between the Arabian Sea and Kochi Port. It covers an area of 200 km². It is a major ecological resource with banks that are covered with lush green mangrove forests and paddy fields.



Another centre of attraction is Pathiramanal. This is a famous island spread on 10 acre area. It is a habitat for rare species of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
The best way to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the marvelous backwaters is by Houseboats. Kumarakom houseboats take you to a distinctive journey in water and provide a wonderful opportunity to explore backwater attractions including the bird sanctuary.
Kumarakom is among those destinations in Kerala that provide the best Ayurvedic treatments. It has several resorts that offer world class Ayurvedic facilities, spas & massage facilities.