tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1285274556771877762024-02-24T12:46:59.992-08:00Maruthoorkonam Mahadeva TempleI cant describe about our temple with three or four lines..You peoples just visit our temple and feel the heavenly atmosphere.Its not just a word..you will feel that most beautiful feeling... Ohm Namashivaya!!!Manu.p.krishnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15220064952984459754noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-23169951395241563372012-08-17T09:41:00.000-07:002012-08-17T09:44:27.698-07:00CHINGAM (KOLLAVARSHAM)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">IMPORTANCE OF CHINGAM</span></div>
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The new year in malayalam calender for south indian state of kerala. Kollavarsham is the name of malayalam calender. Chingam is considered as the new begining for everything. Chingam happens to be the month of festivals, too. Close to eight festivals are observed during the mont. Onam, the most festival of Malayalis, is observed in the month. It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day. Onam is basically a harvest festival, marking the wealth and abundance Malayalis. The 10-day Onam festival begins on the Atham Nakshathram in the Chingam month and the main festival is celebrated on the Thiruvonam Nakshathram day in the Chingam month.<br />
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Arjun Krishna Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05409332942899275177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-66776683817445745972012-08-15T01:33:00.000-07:002012-08-15T01:35:41.603-07:00Music Meditation(Ohm Namashivaya)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Power Of Ohm Namashivaya!!!!!!!</span></i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Real Peaceful Bhajan of Lord shiva</span><br />
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Manu.p.krishnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15220064952984459754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-13642818809402930932012-06-19T01:01:00.005-07:002012-06-19T01:01:58.410-07:00CHOTTANIKARA DEVI VEDIO.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>Dr.Arya Vishobhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02631787173363603339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-57089964634216101962012-06-19T00:42:00.001-07:002012-06-19T00:42:34.582-07:00Life Of GOD........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>Dr.Arya Vishobhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02631787173363603339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-19037148421705854002011-11-28T20:38:00.001-08:002011-11-28T20:52:39.391-08:00Opening and Closing of Sabarimala Temple 2011-12<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Opening and Closing of Sabarimala Temple 2011-12</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam - From
16-11-2011 To 27-12-2011</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mandala Pooja – 27-12-2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam - From 30-12-2011
To 20-01-2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Makara Vilakku - 15-01-2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-43790237131438258952011-10-30T00:51:00.001-07:002011-10-30T00:51:46.725-07:00LOAD SHIVA PICTURES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTOo_8qqyhMFIdDFmkc6Lgc4JetkaKpyg2bumzODIpSLgecza0dhBjhS_JdwcXrhFfAeGW6CJz99R1JvnOWLmsdeclnQCnKFVzdxqW_bcCw9KWaYLYzrfAprtEjeH1_krcEZ_R9sTip85/s1600/thumbnailCA1IONUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTOo_8qqyhMFIdDFmkc6Lgc4JetkaKpyg2bumzODIpSLgecza0dhBjhS_JdwcXrhFfAeGW6CJz99R1JvnOWLmsdeclnQCnKFVzdxqW_bcCw9KWaYLYzrfAprtEjeH1_krcEZ_R9sTip85/s320/thumbnailCA1IONUS.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-20575636450588382392011-09-11T20:20:00.000-07:002011-09-11T20:24:20.933-07:00The traditional games of Onam festival- Onathallu<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9T_K32KH5uGISZh3myZt7RbxApd_hFbYfG7GxsNpvTt9ZbjTTuRZLfI0KoFd86MazbgepRonIMXKh5_LxUjYAGuKzLALEKerLy5kCv6KOHrMaIHRwVpTFHyrEPV6ghy6SXTlpqxHrnnq/s1600/kayyankali.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651308155324913490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9T_K32KH5uGISZh3myZt7RbxApd_hFbYfG7GxsNpvTt9ZbjTTuRZLfI0KoFd86MazbgepRonIMXKh5_LxUjYAGuKzLALEKerLy5kCv6KOHrMaIHRwVpTFHyrEPV6ghy6SXTlpqxHrnnq/s320/kayyankali.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663333;">Onathallu<br /></span></em></strong></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;">Onathallu or Avittathallu is a festival celebrated by the Nairs of Pallassana Desham in the Chittur Thaluk in Palakkad district, in the southernmost state of Kerala, India. The festival is a tradition followed by the Nairs of the region in commemoration of the numerous wars they led and fought as part of the army of the Kolathiris. The name Pallassana refers to the fact that the group historically constituted the Pallava Sena or the Pallava Army, which eventually morphed into Pallassana or Pallasena, as it is known today.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;">The tradition involves an enactment or warlike performances by men of the Nair community at the Vettakaruman Dewaswom temle premises. The key component of the performance involves men pairing up and, under the guidance and supervision of elders in the community, enacting physical combat, war cries and battle-like behaviour. This is seen as a vazhivaadu by the men involved, and is a highly revered and attended festival during the Avittam nakshatra of Onam.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;">Onathallu is a mock fight performed to mark the advent of the festive season of Onam. Also referred to as Kayyankali, Onathallu is a very old ritual that is followed in many regions of Kerala. In the barehanded fight, the combatants are clad in mundu (dhoti) or plain white cotton cloth that is worn high, like tight shorts. The men are accessorized with a sort of bandage around their legs, which protects them from injury. Apart from being a ritual, Onathallu is an interesting game that is performed by the male members of the family, during Onam.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-42440353414929959692011-09-11T20:13:00.001-07:002011-09-11T20:19:05.344-07:00The traditional games of Onam festival- Puli Kali<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSU7qsWe92wvjSo3VCByF_tPB5rYx4zMLjM7sVsWTFSPpVVdc0kfRpR4eI_7_z-Dn0TPrUh25pyeBgKKnOfi_Ag9r76ZeGNjtVVGXv8ENJWGe3D_lMeKofX6WYIZcdnUFpqf2tPxJ1vk8/s1600/Pulikkali_2010-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651306905138652802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSU7qsWe92wvjSo3VCByF_tPB5rYx4zMLjM7sVsWTFSPpVVdc0kfRpR4eI_7_z-Dn0TPrUh25pyeBgKKnOfi_Ag9r76ZeGNjtVVGXv8ENJWGe3D_lMeKofX6WYIZcdnUFpqf2tPxJ1vk8/s320/Pulikkali_2010-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Puli Kali</span><br /></span></em></strong></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;">Puli Kali also known as Kaduvakali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam. On the fourth day of Onam celebrations (Nalaam Onam), performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala. The festival attracts thousands of people to the city.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;">The origin of Pulikali dates back to over 200 years, when the Maharaja Ramavarma (Sakthan Thampuran) is said to have introduced the folk art, who wanted to celebrate Onam with a dance that reflected the wild and macho spirit of the force. Later, Muslim soldiers of the British Army stationed in Thrissur in the army cantonment area (Pattalam Road) used to celebrate with great fervor. They popularised the folk genre with steps and body language peculiar to a tiger being stalked by a hunter, enacting a play of the hunter and the beast. Along with the celebrations, they used to perform the art form decked as tigers with peculiar steps resembling the tiger, then known as 'Pulikkettikali' which was immensely enjoyed by the locals. Pulikali in Thrissur is held in memory of this event. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsUPEKA-kMOmOco8nzchNKVQ8fnoYk3C0V8ueLsFwFaoSvgybko5Yq2iWxzUj2Y29EyJOwCkddjs4H7dHduKOW__1IOowGM4Z8Rt6thyLGyzmJtCaE1SJpzbDqRkg5KzCeTpaB8c2eJJU/s1600/423px-Pulikkali_2010.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651306590232340498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsUPEKA-kMOmOco8nzchNKVQ8fnoYk3C0V8ueLsFwFaoSvgybko5Yq2iWxzUj2Y29EyJOwCkddjs4H7dHduKOW__1IOowGM4Z8Rt6thyLGyzmJtCaE1SJpzbDqRkg5KzCeTpaB8c2eJJU/s320/423px-Pulikkali_2010.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;"> A striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. A particular combination of tempera powder and varnish or enamel is used to make the paint. First of all, the dancers remove the hair from the body, and then, the base coat of paint is applied on them. It takes two to three hours for the coating to dry. After that, the second coat of paint is applied with enhanced design. This entire procedure takes at least five to seven hours. A large number of artists gather to apply paint on the tigers. It is a meticulous process and often starts from the wee hours in the morning. By afternoon the Pulikkali groups or 'sangams' as they are called, from all four corners of Thrissur move in a procession, dancing, pouncing and shaking their bellies to the beat of the drums through the streets.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiwpOdCW9ALjds5hlijmBUOqA0U4RhjhLywyQJYi0WAL2ipOiZPHbVQ28tKzWJ8Frf1tq5TnZ53WDOt9davJBbXWQk5EcjRd7ozGGHHvZdgr_ZW-bOPzQrHXpizaF4KSrlPaHiGgFm11K/s1600/800px-Pulikali.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651306196329253090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiwpOdCW9ALjds5hlijmBUOqA0U4RhjhLywyQJYi0WAL2ipOiZPHbVQ28tKzWJ8Frf1tq5TnZ53WDOt9davJBbXWQk5EcjRd7ozGGHHvZdgr_ZW-bOPzQrHXpizaF4KSrlPaHiGgFm11K/s320/800px-Pulikali.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-57796155112408489222011-09-11T20:04:00.000-07:002011-09-11T20:11:13.089-07:00The traditional games of Onam festival- Vallamkali<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vlcLhpx3hkpFfF7xEAzIjfbRhwx6MSjnwsH-gpjabBzmTjYmYVbtER0cLOe7xkHyTQECknVbYc0IaL2Vaj5cGnDgz86uUxtsMvPCHaFJ74Rof8tWkmM9DQGvyyGFHjDb5qW4MlsKy-fg/s1600/chundan_vallams.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651304762119531634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vlcLhpx3hkpFfF7xEAzIjfbRhwx6MSjnwsH-gpjabBzmTjYmYVbtER0cLOe7xkHyTQECknVbYc0IaL2Vaj5cGnDgz86uUxtsMvPCHaFJ74Rof8tWkmM9DQGvyyGFHjDb5qW4MlsKy-fg/s320/chundan_vallams.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ccccff;"> Vallamkali<br /></span></em></strong></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Vallamkali is the famous boat race conducted along with onam festival. Vallam Kali include races of many kinds of traditional boats (paddled longboat) of Kerala. The race of Chundan Vallam (snake boat) is the major event. Hence Vallam Kali is also known in English as Snake Boat Race and now in recent years has become a major tourist attraction. Other types of boats which do participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam, Kochu Vallam. At Aranmulla, where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna, thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pamba to witness the exciting Snake Boat races. Nearly 30 Chundan Vallams or snake boats participate in the festival. Owned by villages bordering the river from the hills to the low lying plains- a stretch of about 40 kilometres - these boats are steered by oarsmen dressed in white dhotis and turbans. Singing traditional boat songs, the oarsmen splash their oars into the water to the rhythm of the songs. They guide their boats to cruise along, seemingly like a fish on the move. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the centre make it a spectacular show of pageantry. Though ostensibly a competitive event, the festival is more a visual extravaganza. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURnI8ETozSrIhyzMM94asXcqIW6VNSN8983C9xGhXAMmnonhnbZySgOvIQZu_JPHDe4Jh1RVjIQmNmDUyZwOdz7hXRaQo8uYUeHnhaRPT7OoogMelFeAoM2nNh84tGS-ceIXwlN3iM1CZ/s1600/Vallamkali_Snake_Boat_Race.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651304569358425666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURnI8ETozSrIhyzMM94asXcqIW6VNSN8983C9xGhXAMmnonhnbZySgOvIQZu_JPHDe4Jh1RVjIQmNmDUyZwOdz7hXRaQo8uYUeHnhaRPT7OoogMelFeAoM2nNh84tGS-ceIXwlN3iM1CZ/s320/Vallamkali_Snake_Boat_Race.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">To date on the eve of Thiru Onam, the boat Palliodam floats down from Katoormana to the accompaniment of blowing of conch shells, music and drum beating. Torches are lit and snake boats accompany the procession. The colorful boat festival is held on Uthruttathi or the fifth day after Thiru Onam.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pamba and is worshipped like a deity. Only men are allowed to board or even touch a boat and that just barefoot. Every year the boat is oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs. The black mixture keeps the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water. Annual repairs are carried out lovingly by the village carpenter and people take pride in their boat, which represents their village and is named after it. Tradition demands that the Nambudiri Brahmin be at the main rudder oar about 12 feet long. There are four main oarsmen who control the movement of the boat. And in minutes the boat can turn around just by the twist of the hand by the chief oarsman. In the old days the villagers used to sit in the boat in order of their castes but today the order is changing though a certain pattern can still be distinguished. Everyone- the carpenter, the barber, the goldsmith, the blacksmith as well as the agricultural labourers - all have a place on the boat. And in close harmony and magnificent synchronization they pull at the oars.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXgP0ZoJVqCs9UKPimFsdZfAka6f9Jcy05LXjUGeUT8zoRSOmFucoA7I3TwZq3S7HQC7Z14zGHav2O1Uvlgyn7b-EM29Qf7iFXn-voAZkdBeJoMfrVYNrAlB5OUZAcQxdnELM_9U7V5LT/s1600/800px-Kerala_boatrace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651304220396376162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXgP0ZoJVqCs9UKPimFsdZfAka6f9Jcy05LXjUGeUT8zoRSOmFucoA7I3TwZq3S7HQC7Z14zGHav2O1Uvlgyn7b-EM29Qf7iFXn-voAZkdBeJoMfrVYNrAlB5OUZAcQxdnELM_9U7V5LT/s320/800px-Kerala_boatrace.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-43022996112758778462011-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:002011-09-10T10:03:28.047-07:00The traditional games of Onam festival- KutuKutu<div align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#ffff66;">The traditional games of Onam festival include Kayyankali, Attakalam, Kutukutu, Ambeyyal and Talappanthukali. All these games are played only by men as most of them involve fierce fighting which needs a lot of physical strength and stamina. Ambeyyal is a game of shooting whereas Kayyankali and Attakalam are combat games which are very violent in nature. Talappanthukali is a ball game whereas Kutukutu is a Kerala version of the game of Kabaddi.</span></strong></em></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">KutuKutu </span><br /></span></em></strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Kutukutu is a popular and entertaing game played during the festival of Onam. It is a fun game and very much like the popular game of Kabaddi played in several parts of India. Though simple in nature, the game is an extremely challenging one as it tests strength, speed, tact and the power of lungs of a player.<br />To play the game, the court is divided into two equal halves by drawing a line in the middle. Players are also divided into two teams and are placed on either side of the line.<br />The game begins as a player from one team crosses the dividing line and enters the area of the opposite team. This player has to keep saying 'Kutu Kutu' aloud and clear in one continuous breath and at the same time try to touch a player of the opponent team. The challenging player or raider has to be smart enough to return to the central line without getting caught.<br />If the challenging player gets caught by the players of the opposite team and is out of breath before being able to touch the central line, he is out of the game. The game continues in a similar fashion with other players of the same team. When all players exhaust their chance, the game enters its second half and opposite team sends its players one by one.<br />Kutukutu is very much popular in Kerala and witnesses an enthusiastic participation of both players and onlookers.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-41590188697595305822011-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:002011-09-10T09:50:22.762-07:00The Ten Days of Celebration<p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers known as ‘Onapookkalam’.When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it.<br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Atham- The first day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>Onam starts with Atham day in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Its believed that King Mahabali start his preparations to descend from heaven to Kerala on this day. The day also marks the start of festivities at Thrikkakara Temple (considered as abode of Mahabali). The Onam celebrations across the state, starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi called Athachamayam. Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing make Athachamyam a spectacular event which is now aggressively promoted as a tourist event.<br />The traditional ritual of laying Pookalam (floral carpet) starts on Atham day. The size of pookalam on this day is called as Athapoo and will small which eventually grew day after day. Only yellow flowers will be used on this day and the design will be simple. Also the statues of Mahabali and Vamanan will be installed on the entrance of each house on this day.Thripunitura Athachamayam is a grand procession held at Thripunithura, in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The custom is followed since ages. The grand procession marks the beginning of Onam celebrations in Kerala. According to the historical records, this was the royal tradition followed at the time, when Maharajas of erstwhile Kochi State traveled to Thripunithura Fort, accompanied by their entire entourage. Today, even in the absence of the King, the custom retains is legacy and charm. Caparisoned elephants are the highlight of the procession.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Chithira- The second day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>The second day is marked off when a second layer is added to pookalam design with 2 different colours apart from yellow (mostly orange and creamy yellow). On this day, people starts cleaning the house-hold to prepare for the Thiruonam day.<br /><strong><em></em></strong></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Chodi- The third day of Onam Celebrations</em></strong><br />The pookalam now will start growing in its size by adding new layers or designs with at least 4 to 5 different flowers. The day also marks the start of shopping activities. Onam is associated with gifting new clothes, hence from this day onwards people start buy new clothes and jewelleries.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Vishakam- The fourth day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>Vishakam is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of Onam. In olden days, the markets open this harvest sale on this day, making one of the busiest days in the markets for public. Today Vishakam marks the start of many Onam-related competitions like Pookalam competitions etc.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Anizham- The fifth day of Onam Celebrations</strong><br /></em>Anizham is one of the most important day in the Onam days as it kicks off the great Vallam Kali (Snake boat) at many parts of Kerala. A mock Vallam Kali is conducted on this day at Aranmula as a dress-rehearsal for the famed Aranmula boat race which will be held after Onam.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Thriketa- The sixth day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>By the sixth day, the public frenzy starts going on higher side. Most of the schools and public offices starts issuing holidays from this day onwards and people starts packing their bags to their native homes to celebrate the festival with their dear ones. The pookalam design will be very large by this time, with at least 5 to 6 new flowers types added to the original designs.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Moolam- The seventh day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>On the seventh day, the smaller versions of traditional Ona Sadya (Onam special buffet lunch) starts in many places. Most of the temples offers special sadhyas on from this day. Festivities include Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali also performed in various functions. The official Government celebrations starts on this day with heavy illuminations in Thiruvananthapuram City, Kochi city and Kozhikode along with fireworks.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Pooradam- The eight day of Onam Celebrations<br /></em></strong>The day marks off with a major traditional ritual where the small statues of Mahabali and Vamana will be washed and cleaned and taken around the house as a procession. It will be later installed in the center of the pookalam smeared with rice-flour batter. The smearing is done by small children whom will be Pooradaunnikkal. From this day onwards, the statue will be called Onathappan.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">The pookalam design from Pooradam day onwards get much bigger and complex in design. Shopping will be one of the major activities as the public will be making final purchases for the great Thiruonam day.<br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Uthradom- The ninth day of Onam Celebrations</em></strong><br />Uthradom is the ninth and the penultimate day of the festival of Onam. It is considered as Onam eve and celebrated in a very big way. The importance of this day is last minute extreme shopping frenzy called as Uthradapachal and is considered the most auspicious day for purchase of fresh vegetables and fruits along with other provisions from the Thiruonam day.<br />Uthradam is known as FIRST ONAM because it marks the day when King Mahabali descends Kerala and the traditional myths says that the king will spend the next four days touring his erstwhile kingdom and blessing the subjects. Due to this Urthadom is celebrated in a very pompous manner with larger pookalam and celebrations in household. The Urthada lunch is very famous tradition. Women normally cuts the first set of vegetables on this day that marks the celebrations of Thiruonam in each household and preparations for grand Onam buffet starts in evening of Uthradom day.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Thiruonam- The tenth day of Onam Celebrations</em></strong><br />The final day of Onam that culminates the 10 days of Onam Carnival. The day is known as Thiru-Onam (Sacred Onam Day) also known as SECOND ONAM. Myth says, it was the day Mahabali was suppressed to underworld by Vamana. The day marks return of Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his subjects and bless them. Though a traditional Hindu festival, Onam today has emerged as a secular festival associated with harvest time of Kerala.<br /></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">Activities begin early in the morning. People clean their house, smear the main entrance with rice-flour batter (a traditional welcome sign), take early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to needy. The eldest female member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Special prayers and Masses are organized in temples, churches and mosques that highlight the secular nature of festival. Later a very special and the biggest of all days, Pookalam is prepared to welcome Mahabali.<br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">The most important activity of Thiruonam is the grand Thiruona-Sadya, well known for being one of the most sumptuous feasts ever prepared by mankind. The level of sumptuous varies at each individual household, however every household tries to make as grand as possible as they can. The feast served on plantain leaves have more than 13 to 15 curries apart from other regular items. In hotels and temples, number of curries and dishes can go up to 30 for the feast. Whatever may happen no malayalee will miss the Grand ona-sadya. There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "We should have the Thiruvonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties" which shows the importance of the grand lunch on the Thiruvonam day.<br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared in every household. Even the poorest of the poor manage to find something for himself to celebrate the national festival in his own humble way. The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-79181212082464714462011-09-10T01:58:00.000-07:002011-09-10T02:14:30.556-07:00ORGANIZERS OF ATTAPOVU MAHOLSAVAM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_Tw29zP6FT1CWh2nyKq5aR_yttkLP5PmKC9jCNTmAWoJ6xE6uIETWs9kixbRDlksrmAuF_EITVKoWf2KhUTyhXAS3nXySNfQF2EocwlK_fu3abCAKQhFyIRfgXCH1oPCzyvy0vtYYxpC/s1600/DSCI0420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650656580154965362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_Tw29zP6FT1CWh2nyKq5aR_yttkLP5PmKC9jCNTmAWoJ6xE6uIETWs9kixbRDlksrmAuF_EITVKoWf2KhUTyhXAS3nXySNfQF2EocwlK_fu3abCAKQhFyIRfgXCH1oPCzyvy0vtYYxpC/s320/DSCI0420.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVTzS1VW6Firt8hA5OOqcDtQ-qLQ1WpNk3Z5tPzmHhmRG7RcQFFtc-OpKPEPs07Zlt_WtPIIJTL419q5dHaUNOlC9_PwC8i7zlFk76Vxyx2kL_tcwoaN_Xv1h1HNNxWXjjRox60o2NsX5/s1600/DSCI0418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650656571319633826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVTzS1VW6Firt8hA5OOqcDtQ-qLQ1WpNk3Z5tPzmHhmRG7RcQFFtc-OpKPEPs07Zlt_WtPIIJTL419q5dHaUNOlC9_PwC8i7zlFk76Vxyx2kL_tcwoaN_Xv1h1HNNxWXjjRox60o2NsX5/s320/DSCI0418.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-30983928119155578012011-09-10T01:16:00.000-07:002011-09-10T01:57:32.261-07:00ATTAPOVU MAHOLSAVAM MARUTHOORKONAM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjkulmd7s3Ranz_rxU-ZjL5N5EY1BTlZvAqoMhIISKZljkcg0-0khL4Aubnm33x404miUoeIxQWVQvsisx8eSF2Yf2-eTSg15b-i9lVL3hLqrGBOiQKpwRLaeFPqIzktgJ30CQWi7XeLo/s1600/DSCI0409.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650652099518026050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjkulmd7s3Ranz_rxU-ZjL5N5EY1BTlZvAqoMhIISKZljkcg0-0khL4Aubnm33x404miUoeIxQWVQvsisx8eSF2Yf2-eTSg15b-i9lVL3hLqrGBOiQKpwRLaeFPqIzktgJ30CQWi7XeLo/s320/DSCI0409.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-66169404701261874712011-09-03T22:21:00.000-07:002011-09-03T22:25:01.445-07:00The traditional dances of Onam festival- Thumbi Thullal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_Gfqe7Sle2wgJF0H4g-1rtiymcl2onI-rBoIngI9o0KcRxiTYe2TzSq-tYq_l58WeeAFzLQ0m9uAFXYNkl3g6Kq_bSgd3K4hh9WBWk25OvzewN9ecGPjH9C3S9oCu2_XOevG_J0WPnFU/s1600/tumbi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648370788431638994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_Gfqe7Sle2wgJF0H4g-1rtiymcl2onI-rBoIngI9o0KcRxiTYe2TzSq-tYq_l58WeeAFzLQ0m9uAFXYNkl3g6Kq_bSgd3K4hh9WBWk25OvzewN9ecGPjH9C3S9oCu2_XOevG_J0WPnFU/s320/tumbi.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#666666;">Thumbi Thullal</span></em></strong>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">It is a folk art form which is performed by women of Kerala as a part of Onam celebrations.
<br />This art form was one of the most important events which bring out true spirit of Onam festival long ago. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">In thumbi thullal, usually six to seven women in their traditional attire take part. They sit in form of a circle and lead performer (who’ll be called as Thumbi which means dragon fly in malayalam) sitsin the middle of the circle. She’ll be holding a bunch of thumba flowers which were so common all over rural Kerala long ago.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">The lead performer will sing a melodious fast paced song and other performers sitting around her will also join after some time. They clap their hands and sway to the melody as the song progresses. Gradually the tempo of the song increases and the lead performer will brush the floor as if she’s some possessed person.When it comes to the end of the song, speed gradually decreases and singing fades away.</span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-69302315061112016802011-09-03T22:08:00.000-07:002011-09-03T22:12:41.452-07:00The traditional dances of Onam festival- KUMMATTIKALI<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WP9iQy4N9yoKxkRVbTFtFXG7txkzGlZQ_UfcLBynxO4ILK_az3RMkjeDGTDMPGAG9MVZDtJ-dEK1Di2M0N4bHa18pe6O_hm_EDDSGxver2rUeLU6sYhN_PEuS7dEsaEq2brsB4YVhEbI/s1600/kumatty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648367597670268386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WP9iQy4N9yoKxkRVbTFtFXG7txkzGlZQ_UfcLBynxO4ILK_az3RMkjeDGTDMPGAG9MVZDtJ-dEK1Di2M0N4bHa18pe6O_hm_EDDSGxver2rUeLU6sYhN_PEuS7dEsaEq2brsB4YVhEbI/s320/kumatty.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#999900;">KUMMATTIKALI
<br /></span></em></strong></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">Kummattikali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, South Malabar in particular. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people. Kummatti dances are rampant in the Thrissur district during Onam. Pristine or original form of Kummattikali can be seen in the Bhadrakali temple in Palghat district.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">The costumes are a most interesting facet of Kummattikali. The dancers don a heavily painted colourful wooden mask depicting faces of Krishna, Narada, Kiratha, Darika, or hunters. These masks are usually made out of saprophyte, jack fruit tree, Alstonia scholaris, Hog Plum tree or the Coral tree.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">The dancers wear skirts woven out of plaited grass. Some cover their whole body with bunches of grass for a more bushy appearance. The semblance is made more joyful with the 'talla' attached externally to the mask giving the appearance of a toothless open mouth. Dancers also hold and manipulate long sticks of residuary agricultural produce called 'Kummattikali': it is from this that the dance derives its name. Their dance is related to Shaiva myth. 'Thamma' (an old woman) walks in front with the help of a stick. Thamma is symbolic of mother of every being and everything.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">Kummatti dancers are a sight to watch as they move around from house to house collecting jaggery, rice, or small amounts of cash. Onlookers, specially children take great delight in their performance.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">The rhythm for the dance movements is provided by vibrating the string of a bow like instrument called an Onavillu. Areca nut wood is used to make the bow and the strings are beaten with a narrow bamboo stick. The themes of Kummattikali are mostly taken from the stories of Ramayana, Darika Vadham, the story of Shiva and folk tales like Manjan Nayare Pattu.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDz5cW4rEqepSrvcSmoXVJRsLp37h7NF9Mn8J2G921-3rmXTE72w-vqCUe05wdZ96ADxETOekEIyh0xvq6lHK3Y1vUePcKakx9-0ytg7C39ZNHnnIJoz4JsOVUyX4G1YhEXJRNPtKDQ6n/s1600/kummattikali1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648367305399731010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDz5cW4rEqepSrvcSmoXVJRsLp37h7NF9Mn8J2G921-3rmXTE72w-vqCUe05wdZ96ADxETOekEIyh0xvq6lHK3Y1vUePcKakx9-0ytg7C39ZNHnnIJoz4JsOVUyX4G1YhEXJRNPtKDQ6n/s320/kummattikali1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-90138136631854532902011-09-02T23:44:00.000-07:002011-09-02T23:53:24.082-07:00pookalam of maruthoorkonam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a3A9ut_RC40vZmsINuNM_Bsn6qa3XyL-3yZM-Z-3WmRi4dhL_QTPNsuL62MAPRNrmyeigq-hAZfQLPWyP5MoOCHTnb9ntS1qCtwLaqek01RxQGR5QEhLW5FeSzF1u6GWLwNhisf_bw-p/s1600/02092011%2528011%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648022765518465650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a3A9ut_RC40vZmsINuNM_Bsn6qa3XyL-3yZM-Z-3WmRi4dhL_QTPNsuL62MAPRNrmyeigq-hAZfQLPWyP5MoOCHTnb9ntS1qCtwLaqek01RxQGR5QEhLW5FeSzF1u6GWLwNhisf_bw-p/s320/02092011%2528011%2529.jpg" /></a>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-24334821675589010892011-09-01T08:33:00.000-07:002011-09-01T08:38:11.488-07:00The traditional dances of Onam festival- Kaikottikali<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">The traditional dances of Onam festival include Kaikottikali (which is also calleThiruvathirakali), Kummattikali, Puli kali, Thumbi Thullal. Each of these dance styles are unique in nature and you can find them only in Kerala. The costumes and dance steps are also very rare and interesting.</span></em>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Kaikottikali</span></em></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXtEuojbfGMScXKTuQxUA8A_ko4fx3qjgpFHndLFr2vZMwj8fzUEyq0sW3ttReNnAYHto3aKRxzf7W7HLPYvCZyzsYPAlrJ8yhg9dlAMXDqyK_IeBh-8hYhtVeCNjwfP7ijX-MyzqgfS5/s1600/kaikottikali.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647415300196530242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXtEuojbfGMScXKTuQxUA8A_ko4fx3qjgpFHndLFr2vZMwj8fzUEyq0sW3ttReNnAYHto3aKRxzf7W7HLPYvCZyzsYPAlrJ8yhg9dlAMXDqyK_IeBh-8hYhtVeCNjwfP7ijX-MyzqgfS5/s320/kaikottikali.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">Kaikottikali is a Ritual Art form practiced in Kerala. The specialty of this art form and its unique feature is that it is performed only by women and young maidens. Unlike Arjuna Nrityam and Kathakali, men are not involved in the dance and song that forms part of Kaikottikali . The Kaikottikali traditionally used to be performed on two special occasions – The Thiruvathirai and the Onam. Although nowadays, it is performed on other occasions and as stage programmes, the significance of the art is associated only with these two festivals. Thiruvathirai is a Mayalali festival falling around mid Jan. The women and young maidens take their fast called Noyamu in the morning. Late at night, as they keep vigil for Lord Shiva to arrive they entertain themselves by the Oonjalattom i.e. swinging on a swing and performing the Kaikottikali. This is why the art form is also known as Thiruvathirakali. The Malayali women celebrate the bumper harvest too by performing the Kaikottikali on the festive day of Onam. In the morning, the women deck in traditional attire and decorate the front yard and courtyard with flowerbeds (pookalam) and place a lighted lamp in the middle of this decoration. This arrangement is made near a Ganesha Idol. It is said to clear the way for prosperity. Around this flower decoration, the Kaikottikali is performed after the feast, Sadya. The special songs for Thiruvathira are called Thiruvaathirappattu. The song’s theme is often narrations from the folk epics. These themes are based on epics like Krishnaleela, Shakunthalam, Kuchelavritham and Dhruvacharithram. The songs are sung by the dancers themselves. During Onam however, the songs may include praises of King Mahabali, who as per legend, visits homes in Kerala on Onam. The most common ragams found in the Kaikottikali songs include the Hussaini, Bhairavi and Kamboji. The favorite deities sung about are Saraswati, Ganapathy and Krishna. The women dress in their traditional attire, the gold-bordered two piece attire of Mundu and Neriyathu. Mundu is worn around the waist while Neriyathu is worn over the blouse. The hair is worn in a simple bun and adorned with jasmine strings Style: The dance is performed by a group of 7-10 girls around a brass lighted lamp called the Nilavilakku. They sing and dance to the rhythm of the song also while clapping their hands. The dance is extremely graceful and requires precise footwork. They dance in a circular pattern around the lamp. The dance depict mainly the Lasya and to a slight extent the Tandava element of dance. The rhythmic movements than mudra are emphasised on in the Kaikottikali. With beautifully coordinated hand movement, the dancers move anti-clockwise first and then clockwise, clapping upwards and downwards in keeping with the beat of the song.</span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-20778187465494861792011-08-30T23:50:00.000-07:002011-08-31T00:01:00.095-07:00POOKALAM OF MARUTHOORKONAM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiBUfkBsJX7VTDp47NPr6Dmcojg9O-0CyMvTN-WB8o_mtzEry3nIopqwyesAsks3EemoS39HC2C748E8BbWyLIh0_Le35WgzotGzOLkgbVc3KWbrESgwrMpx3t39vGO4T-ENmDDg_ii6E/s1600/31082011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646910781220344178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiBUfkBsJX7VTDp47NPr6Dmcojg9O-0CyMvTN-WB8o_mtzEry3nIopqwyesAsks3EemoS39HC2C748E8BbWyLIh0_Le35WgzotGzOLkgbVc3KWbrESgwrMpx3t39vGO4T-ENmDDg_ii6E/s320/31082011.jpg" /></a>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-10006108143213168862011-08-30T00:09:00.000-07:002011-08-30T00:19:43.268-07:00Onam Customs and Rituals - Onasadya<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppMv-JjxJOf-qWrIjwIv3APkohCFt2OeRp8jGiAMYgcQQH9fBvgR3IGKQXqGJZZwjXnQnr0_F7pxPeM2_6F4iX6vMbqab8GyNwEYo0JjER6k26BqzN60xbS9LU80da4cF8vGkd1WEy5Qp/s1600/415onamsadya.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646543374196031794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppMv-JjxJOf-qWrIjwIv3APkohCFt2OeRp8jGiAMYgcQQH9fBvgR3IGKQXqGJZZwjXnQnr0_F7pxPeM2_6F4iX6vMbqab8GyNwEYo0JjER6k26BqzN60xbS9LU80da4cF8vGkd1WEy5Qp/s320/415onamsadya.gif" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#999900;">Onasadya
<br /></span></em></strong></div><span style="color:#ffffcc;">The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 24 - 28 dishes served in it.. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.
<br />Onasadya is a big feast associated with a special occasion, such as a marriage, birthday, childbirth etc. Onasadya is traditionally a vegetarian meal served on a plantain or banana leaf; people eat sitting cross-legged on the floor.
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<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">The dishes are plain boiled rice, many curries, papadum, plain yogurt or buttermilk, banana or plantain chips, and two or more sweet dishes. The curries are made of different vegetables and have different flavourings. They can be made of yogurt, bitter gourd, mango, jaggery, etc. The reason for including so many dishes in the Sadya is to ensure that the diners will like at least two or three dishes. Coconut, being abundant in Kerala, is used in almost all dishes. Coconut milk also finds various uses in cooking. Coconut oil is used for frying.
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<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">There is a specific place for each item on the plantain leaf. For example, the pickles are served on the top left corner and banana on the bottom left corner. Thus, the waiters can easily identify the requirement of the diner by just looking at his leaf. There are variations in the menu according to the place and the religion. Onion and garlic are not typically used in the sadya.
<br />The sadya is usually served as lunch. Preparations begin the night before, and the dishes are prepared before ten o' clock in the morning on the day of the celebration. All the dishes are served on the plantain leaf; it requires a special skill to eat the food. The food is eaten with the hands without use of any cutlery.
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<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">Traditionally, the people of the neighbourhood spent the night helping the cooks in works like scraping coconut and cutting vegetables. These people also volunteered to serve the food to the guests. This lent a personal touch to the occasion. Enterprise and urban demands on time and space have now made it possible for the work to be contracted to professional catering services.
<br />Conventionally, the meal may be followed by vettila murukkan, chewing of betel leaf with lime and arecanut. This helps digestion of the meal and also cleanses the palate.
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<br /><strong><em>The usual items in Onasadya are:</em></strong>
<br /><strong>Parippu :</strong> A thick lentil dish eaten with rice, papadum and ghee.
<br /><strong>Sambar :</strong> A thick gravy made of lentils, tamarind, coconut, vegetables like drumsticks, tomato, etc., and flavored with asafoetida.
<br /><strong>Rasam :</strong> A watery dish made of tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like black pepper, asafoetida, coriander, chili pepper, etc. It is very spicy in taste and aids in digestion.
<br /><strong>Aviyal :</strong> Thick mixture of various vegetables, yogurt, and coconut. It is seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. This dish is usually made of leftover vegetables.
<br /><strong>Kaalan :</strong> Made of yogurt, coconut, and any one vegetable like "nendran" plantain or a tuber-like yam. It is very thick and more sour than avial.
<br /><strong>Olan :</strong> A preparation of pumpkin, coconut milk, and ginger seasoned with coconut oil.
<br /><strong>Koottukari :</strong> One or two vegetables like banana and coconut with a hot and sweet taste.
<br /><strong>Kichadi :</strong> Made of yogurt and cucumber in raw or cooked form.
<br /><strong>Pachadi :</strong> A sweet form of kichadi, but made with pineapple, grapes and coconut.
<br /><strong>Injipuli :</strong> Curry made of ginger, tamarind, green chilies, and jaggery.
<br /><strong>Thoran :</strong> A sauteed dish of vegetables such as peas, green beans, raw jackfruit, carrots, or cabbage (usually) with grated coconut.
<br /><strong>Pickles (Achar) :</strong> Spicy pickled raw mango/lemon/lime, etc.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBFNc5pE0ddR_Qgn5v9ywfvZmZTUQB9NqACIxK0CBEvecIdFnr-yn45xfDt3wrBDElC8-_Qs9sfSFqrsfXkpSgT6aBcCCSeai1cUEf52ZeaK7xl6awO6o9BMw0lVhpJ1Z3dOa5_El-7mZ/s1600/800px-Sadhya.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646543129412564994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBFNc5pE0ddR_Qgn5v9ywfvZmZTUQB9NqACIxK0CBEvecIdFnr-yn45xfDt3wrBDElC8-_Qs9sfSFqrsfXkpSgT6aBcCCSeai1cUEf52ZeaK7xl6awO6o9BMw0lVhpJ1Z3dOa5_El-7mZ/s320/800px-Sadhya.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"> Pradhaman</span></em></strong>
<br />Pradhaman is a sweet dish in the form of a thick liquid; similar to payasam, but with more variety in terms of ingredients and more elaborately made. It is made with white sugar or jaggery to which milk or coconut milk is added.
<br />· <em>Palada pradhaman</em> is made of flakes of cooked rice, milk, and sugar.
<br />· <em>Pazha pradhaman</em> is made of cooked "nendra" plantain in jaggery and coconut milk.
<br />· <em>Gothambu pradhaman</em> is made of broken wheat.
<br />· <em>Parippu pradhaman</em> is made of green gram.
<br />· <em>Chakka pradhaman</em> is made of jackfruit.
<br />· <em>kadala pradaman</em></span> is made from black gram.</span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-53842619394882381882011-08-28T23:14:00.000-07:002011-08-28T23:51:22.292-07:00Onam Customs and Rituals - Onapookalam<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWKbW84vHhduTfGLxkJuXWKeOP3BFVpXU_Keh74vu3x9gtZqZyCdo0pS4fWPj38qVtqmxag-ju6DKaRxSYEmqyBzgfqwCX4R1VMiroNQob5tJLbDmjPpVhjxv7cZ0FRtjzk4ezhEt8B9i/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646166314770510018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWKbW84vHhduTfGLxkJuXWKeOP3BFVpXU_Keh74vu3x9gtZqZyCdo0pS4fWPj38qVtqmxag-ju6DKaRxSYEmqyBzgfqwCX4R1VMiroNQob5tJLbDmjPpVhjxv7cZ0FRtjzk4ezhEt8B9i/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">Onapookalam</span></em></strong>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#ffff00;">Pookalam is an intricate and colorful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day long Onam celebrations.'Pookalam' consists of two words, 'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means color sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as 'Atha-Poo' during the festival of Onam.People believe the spirit of their dear King Mahabali visits Kerala at the time of Onam. Besides making several other arrangements, people, especially adolescent girls prepare elaborate Pookalams to welcome their most loved King.</span></div>
<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpL_fgnqUpGgalMh266dioJbG7jg73t-ZiVM60aKxmTLxI-J5QeRqbCJNSMzK3JadAUBPBMSMjq-5K0T3ZrC_a3xphZfeQg1X97bVR8IV0xvPx4C-_z5QGudBQJE5-oWwIXo-e1eLLw9t/s1600/customs-of-nam_thumb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646165480647974994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpL_fgnqUpGgalMh266dioJbG7jg73t-ZiVM60aKxmTLxI-J5QeRqbCJNSMzK3JadAUBPBMSMjq-5K0T3ZrC_a3xphZfeQg1X97bVR8IV0xvPx4C-_z5QGudBQJE5-oWwIXo-e1eLLw9t/s320/customs-of-nam_thumb.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> Athapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters.Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. It’s a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day.
<br />Various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Commonly used flowers include Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora). Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are given more importance in Pookalam as they are small in size and glitter in the the soft rays of the sun. 'Thumba Poo' is also considered to be the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva.
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff6600;">On the next day of Onam, Thumba flowers are used to decorate Onapookalam. The arrangement is not touched for the next 15 days. On the 15 th day, called 'Ayilyam', Pookalam is decorated again. On the next day, called Magam, Pookalam is given a cut in its four corners with a knife. This marks the end of Pookalam decorations for the year. Some also follow the tradition of erecting a small pandal over the completed flower carpet and decorating it with colourful festoons.</span></div>
<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1iYPkDDxIvBvaNtB2pajfpvBzeZp9v0ybbXEdomEHMJYIiB0roIhFoN4ajTXAKGmyIyBNZptVBbvEX0dicSl2rGqcJqOESp5dnNhUWruNrBS8BVukRujjthCBCmZcOaL1qC1xfArEaKO/s1600/pookalam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646165215901381538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1iYPkDDxIvBvaNtB2pajfpvBzeZp9v0ybbXEdomEHMJYIiB0roIhFoN4ajTXAKGmyIyBNZptVBbvEX0dicSl2rGqcJqOESp5dnNhUWruNrBS8BVukRujjthCBCmZcOaL1qC1xfArEaKO/s320/pookalam.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">Onam Pookkalam is considered as a symbol for secularism. Various kinds of flowers combine together to form a great-looking pookkalam. So, it shall reflect those old good days during King Mahabali. Making of Pookalam is itself a colourful and joyous event. Being a team effort it helps to generate feeling of togetherness and goodwill amongst the people. It is animating to watch women as they prepare Pookalam while singing traditional songs. </span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-45534200222821572772011-08-27T19:52:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:02:52.541-07:00Onam Customs and Rituals - Onakkodi<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN6u9Ubcx5IEGUrv5JFJEBYeiVbSmlyRNzLbtvlUCztew0wRN2P9LsXuN3VDP0a2DrXKt2ZBB0kqBoFJAKGZMLQdXtaXmFksIPN7iZEz3ku52Uwcv2dImGCD_vQjhZC-jUZH_nUsZbuq3/s1600/onakodi+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645736672486702818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN6u9Ubcx5IEGUrv5JFJEBYeiVbSmlyRNzLbtvlUCztew0wRN2P9LsXuN3VDP0a2DrXKt2ZBB0kqBoFJAKGZMLQdXtaXmFksIPN7iZEz3ku52Uwcv2dImGCD_vQjhZC-jUZH_nUsZbuq3/s320/onakodi+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc00;">Onakkodi
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWIZXRcxre81NiqdcBOq0LC_fB-KlCFWQCZZ9UxHtpK9NB9dP4erL52A2cdu-vDb07jJex8RMnWWUUk__x9nu9Gi_y2cCPw_PLPurE36_pZrvD4r3pbwpiua0jLZHKGi2WdtDYq3bYELF/s1600/onakodi.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcc00;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645736474203647778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWIZXRcxre81NiqdcBOq0LC_fB-KlCFWQCZZ9UxHtpK9NB9dP4erL52A2cdu-vDb07jJex8RMnWWUUk__x9nu9Gi_y2cCPw_PLPurE36_pZrvD4r3pbwpiua0jLZHKGi2WdtDYq3bYELF/s320/onakodi.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcc00;"> Onam is never complete without Onakkodi, the new clothes purchased for the festival. Much importance is attached to the dresses worn during Onam and the attires not only have a festive implication but also a spiritual significance. Since Onam is a happy occasion and it is the beginning of something new, people wear and gift new clothes on this day. Loved ones and close relatives also gift each other new clothes which are known as Onakkodi or Onapudava. It is usually the eldest member of the family who distributes the new clothes. Even the servants of the house are gifted with Onapudava. During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Mahabali's flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The 'Vastra' also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings. People forgetting their sectarian outlooks, join together to welcome the auspicious 'Thiruvonam' day.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-88195459438572570362011-08-27T19:27:00.000-07:002011-08-27T19:50:44.920-07:00Onam Customs and Rituals - Onakazhcha<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvDRJrW8CHO77_0zACB1Qj5ZWkls366oPgE9Jl08sRVxQn2vGIsbtFUBUe23QTTD-WoknpfNDIJea0WQNc4DrA8Jqt17JNbeMblzGVBGL_esNcAbA1jfjwlR1IlwiWZPDjM-QKr06cFb1/s1600/onakazhcha.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645733442730377922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvDRJrW8CHO77_0zACB1Qj5ZWkls366oPgE9Jl08sRVxQn2vGIsbtFUBUe23QTTD-WoknpfNDIJea0WQNc4DrA8Jqt17JNbeMblzGVBGL_esNcAbA1jfjwlR1IlwiWZPDjM-QKr06cFb1/s320/onakazhcha.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">Onakazhcha
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">On the ninth day of Onam, tenants of the family, dependants and hangers-on present the fruits of their labor, such as vegetables and coconut oil, to 'Karanavar', (the eldest member of the family) in a ritual called 'Onakazhcha'. In return, they are treated with a sumptuous feast on the main day of Onam. It is also customary for the village artisans to present the Karanavar of each Nair Tarawad, a specimen of his handiwork in return of the presents of cloth or rice.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-60158550095250727692011-08-27T04:32:00.000-07:002011-08-27T04:36:13.336-07:00Onam Customs and Rituals<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff00;">The harvest festival of Kerala - Onam - is celebrated with zeal and great fanfare by Malayalees. It is an enthralling carnival during the festive season, when people indulge themselves in merrymaking by playing a number of games, shopping, feasting, dances and taking part in the community events wherein cultural programs are organized. Since it is a harvest festival, a number of rituals are followed by people, especially the farmers. The customs of Onam may vary from region to region, because people in the southern state of Kerala are known for the performance of rituals that are native to their place. </span></em></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Maveli Puja</span></strong> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1BDvjPQksADcYK4cw5C-DtjAPgrWgM0owzGj_NDgm7BFTJsiYxSYPfWz0HeLWuhtZ1G-zRZes6694nUBdmkrcDJl1_gdfroiW_KPX3t162QzvtYQOsaOlJQre2_fmvM6w4fiWcgKqzad/s1600/Maveli+pooja.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645497473705474338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1BDvjPQksADcYK4cw5C-DtjAPgrWgM0owzGj_NDgm7BFTJsiYxSYPfWz0HeLWuhtZ1G-zRZes6694nUBdmkrcDJl1_gdfroiW_KPX3t162QzvtYQOsaOlJQre2_fmvM6w4fiWcgKqzad/s320/Maveli+pooja.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Maveli Puja is one of the prominent rituals of Onam. Specific to the Malabar (northern) part of Kerala, people residing there perform the Maveli Puja on the Uthradam (ninth day) and Thiruvonam (tenth day) of Onam. It is done in honour of King Mahabali who is also known as King Maveli. In order to perform the puja, three small sized figurines, made of red sand are erected, and these man-made idols are placed at the entrance in front of the house.. The puja is performed early in the morning as well as in the dusk, on all the ten days of the festival by the prominent man (generally the bread-winner) of the home. The three red sands are regarded as king Mahabali.The mounds are also called as 'Thrikkakara Appan'. The eldest member or the bread winner of the family usually performs the puja. After the puja ends, the male members of the family shout loudly rhythmically in joy. This weird ritual is called as 'Aarppu Vilikkukal'.</span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-16658664665190989132011-08-27T04:21:00.000-07:002011-08-27T04:31:43.305-07:00Mahabali's rule in Kerala
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<br /><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala.</span></strong> </p>
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<br /><p><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;"><em><span style="font-size:180%;">The following song is often sung over Onam:</span>
<br /></em></span></strong><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">“Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam
<br />Manusharellarum onnupole
<br />Amodhathode vasikkum kalam
<br />Apathangarkkumottillathanum
<br />Kallavum illa chathiyumilla
<br />Ellolamilla polivachanam
<br />Kallapparayum cherunazhiyum
<br />Kallatharangal mattonnumilla
<br />Adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla
<br />Balamaranangal kelppanilla”
<br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">The meaning of this song is as follows:</span></strong></em><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">When Maveli, our King, ruled the land, All the people were equal.And people were joyful and merry; They were all free from harm.There was neither anxiety nor sickness, Deaths of children were unheard of, There were no lies, There was neither theft nor deceit, And no one was false in speech either. Measures and weights were right; No one cheated or wronged his neighbor. When Maveli, our King, ruled the land, All the people formed one casteless races.</span></span></p>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128527455677187776.post-45928455968295371642011-08-18T20:18:00.000-07:002011-08-18T20:27:46.338-07:00THE LEGEND OF ONAM<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqlhFuI3IUGXlC7sTusgAUaNBMuhJknsCVAcsiIwdbOhWuER34mfdjl8k6pLaswMfJhEgD2s2wD2GYG-JhWoXFfcbET3hTKc5krxCblr9kbO4dghFdI_J6yj889qIpXwGkMjjjftwPzsl/s1600/onam2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642402357250507906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqlhFuI3IUGXlC7sTusgAUaNBMuhJknsCVAcsiIwdbOhWuER34mfdjl8k6pLaswMfJhEgD2s2wD2GYG-JhWoXFfcbET3hTKc5krxCblr9kbO4dghFdI_J6yj889qIpXwGkMjjjftwPzsl/s320/onam2.gif" border="0" /></a><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ff33;"> THE LEGEND OF ONAM</span></strong></em></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0KBqzPNHSMO0KURJJ5sr93S6vnN_K8lqgrXpVAP48IdtNWfYHV0m8J-8CL1L2z0L6lSNv9rHH9lEu_PGvYcgcG7tmKd06KM3YPO0xHVO9PVQa9KUnrGpqioyJNITZ7Zbf5vs6JsLfumf/s1600/maveli.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642402171309488882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0KBqzPNHSMO0KURJJ5sr93S6vnN_K8lqgrXpVAP48IdtNWfYHV0m8J-8CL1L2z0L6lSNv9rHH9lEu_PGvYcgcG7tmKd06KM3YPO0xHVO9PVQa9KUnrGpqioyJNITZ7Zbf5vs6JsLfumf/s320/maveli.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects. He was that much highly regarded among the subjects. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, the Gods under Indra approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to an Indra.
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVMdBbK6dFk_kCgfCtVQQfenZ8cghgkHpKXObuU_GRBRVcgcb6gntLi5n6mTUCk02pgeW3uQTwtTgiA5krZF1syGr9MG3mbSNcBAOwnPWQGarVC5Yaudu_8uY8l29w7kf_xZ53QcGBm4S/s1600/vishnu-vamana.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642402012095577346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVMdBbK6dFk_kCgfCtVQQfenZ8cghgkHpKXObuU_GRBRVcgcb6gntLi5n6mTUCk02pgeW3uQTwtTgiA5krZF1syGr9MG3mbSNcBAOwnPWQGarVC5Yaudu_8uY8l29w7kf_xZ53QcGBm4S/s320/vishnu-vamana.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">Mahavishnu transformed himself into a dwarf called Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf Brahmin’s wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish. The Vamana asked for a simple gift - three paces of land - and the king agreed to it. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realizing that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth; Mahabali offered his head as the last step. </span></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlN7VD1kgz1WZBKmRcIUwjwlldXh5fEqN38opaE-Typ7uH7uV2czXqDhdAM-E_sWWWOXAw0jabyV33y1tvNyZRNlbcVeH_fPRZUjXjbo8YUhZ2hQe1J_NW_Ca53hgGhQlKdr1Rs32xEOB/s1600/P1060456_%25281%2529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642401747987089026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlN7VD1kgz1WZBKmRcIUwjwlldXh5fEqN38opaE-Typ7uH7uV2czXqDhdAM-E_sWWWOXAw0jabyV33y1tvNyZRNlbcVeH_fPRZUjXjbo8YUhZ2hQe1J_NW_Ca53hgGhQlKdr1Rs32xEOB/s320/P1060456_%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Vishnu's fatal third step pushed him to the netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld Vishnu granted him a boon. Since he was attached to his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from exile. Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects.It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People including children celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well. </span></strong>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDb8_PoVA201wtvfXGZWQKkRUsgd0pri-FEpBGKoXjUdgcU-M-_9JyedNfT6Jrp9vHt6cR06rzTl2I6dEqYrLJ_Sf9gxT7G4vhvopG_ZC0NnR5EgGpZEotd4PKn_y9oc3-qOk2qDLl4fI/s1600/Onam_chennai%255B2%255D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642401557121340242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDb8_PoVA201wtvfXGZWQKkRUsgd0pri-FEpBGKoXjUdgcU-M-_9JyedNfT6Jrp9vHt6cR06rzTl2I6dEqYrLJ_Sf9gxT7G4vhvopG_ZC0NnR5EgGpZEotd4PKn_y9oc3-qOk2qDLl4fI/s320/Onam_chennai%255B2%255D.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0