Sunday, April 17, 2011

Vishu celebrated

The Vishukkani


















Vishu was celebrated throughout Kerala with much enthusiasm and religious gaeity. All the important temples in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a haevy rush right from the morning. It is believed that the planetary changes during Vishu will bring changes in life, thus Vishu is also astrologically significant event. The most important rite during Vishu day is to see the Vishukkani. The elder members of the family will give Vishukaineettam to all the members of the family.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Painguni festival: Velakali

The muthukkuda and kodi (flag)

The artiste in his ornaments

Painguni festival 2011: Velakali








Scenes from Velakali before Lord Sree Padmanabha on evening today.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Painguni festival

Idols of Pandavas in front of the temple

A view from the temple

Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple

Painguni Festival at Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple

Dharmaputra

Bhiman

The idol of Bhiman showing intricate works

Arjunan

Nakulan

Sahadevan
The major attractions of the Painguni festival of Sreepadmanabha Swamy temple here are the display of huge idols of Pandavas, in the front of the temple and the aarattu by the Maharaja of Travancore as the concluding rite.  As children we used to visit temple during these times, to have a look at the Bhima. Bhima to our little minds was the strongest, but here Dharmaputra is the biggest idol. The idols are crafted beautifully and retain their pristine look.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Procession of Mukkolakkal Devi


 

Scenes from the procession
 The annual festival of Mukkolal Devi temple will come to a close tomorrow with Pongala and other rituals. Mukkolakkal Devi is considered as the younger sister of Manacaud Dharma Sastha, and hence she comes in procession to pay tributes to her brother. Attukal Devi is regarded as the elder sister of Manacaud Dharma Sastha.