Friday, March 31, 2017

Bharani festival at Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Kodungallur – March 2017.

Presenting images & video of 'Kavu Theendal' ceremony performed in connection with Bharani festival of Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Kodungalloor, captured on 29th of March 2017 along with some images I shot on 21st March 2007, almost a decade ago.This profound event called 'Kavu Theendal' forms the significant part of the annual Bharani festival held at the Bhagavathy Temple in Kodungallur, Thrissur which is about 40 kilometres from Kochi city.
The premises of the Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple was bathed in a sea of red as a bustle of oracles draped in red cloths scamper around the temple brandishing their swords. This festival is an extravagant performance by heavily adorned oracles dancing in sacred elation. The devotees presented in the temple also run along with the oracles as they run around the temple in spiritual exhilaration.  
Oracles, both men and women, from different parts of Kerala and neighbouring state Tamil Nadu circumambulates the temple and strike their crown with the sword, announcing their affinity with the Bhagavathy Goddess. The devotees smite the temple rafters with sticks and throw offerings over the roof which is a part of this elaborate event.
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Images from Bharani festival of March 2007
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

From my Photo Archive - Archaic town of Mattancherry - March 2009

The streets of Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kerala

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Mattancherry is an old town in the western part of Kochi in Ernakulam district of Kerala near to Fort Kochi. It lies about 10 kilometres from Cochin city that is accessible by road and water. Earlier Mattancherry was the trade centre of central Kerala especially spices like pepper and cardamom from cultivations of high range districts such as Idukki. The main attractions of Mattancherry are Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace Museum, Gowd Saraswat Brahmin samaj temples including the Venkatraman temple, a Jain's Temple and innumerable number of antique shops.

Jewish Synagogue
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Antiques, Curios & Handicrafts shops of Mattancherry

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Idols of Hindu gods displayed at an antique shop

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Old Buildings, Mattanchery

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Dutch Palace, Mattancherry

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Mattancherry Palace with its medieval charm is located at Palace Road, Mattancherry near to boat jetty. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD. The splendour of the palace depends on the large number of murals, carried out in the traditions of Hindu temple art.