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Kerala
Festivals
Aarattu
Introduction to the Aarattu Festival in Kerala
South India abounds in temples. The state of Kerala is no exception.
These temples are the centers of a large number of fairs and festivals.
There are innumerable customs and rituals that are related to these
festivals and they are religiously followed at the time of the celebration
of these festivals.
Two such prime rituals that are followed in the important temples
of Kerala are Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Aarattu (Holy Bath). The
Aarattu Festival in Kerala is of special relevance at the Sree Padmanabha
Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
History of the Aarattu Festival in Kerala
As mentioned before, the Aaarattu Festival is more of a ritual
than a festival that is connected to the temple festivals in Kerala.
The custom has been traditionally observed ever since the festivals
were celebrated. However at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram,
this religious rite is observed with so much of ceremonial elegance
and splendor that it is synonymous with celebrating a festival. The
Aarattu Festival in Kerala therefore gains greater magnitude at Thiruvananthapuram.
Description of the Aarattu Festival in Kerala
The unique feature of the Aarattu Festival as celebrated at the
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is that when the
idols are taken for the holy bath, the head of the royal family of
the erstwhile state of Travancore accompanies the procession. It is
indeed a very grand procession that is sure to impress one with its
magnificence. The idols are taken to the Shankumugham Beach and then
given the purifying bath in the sea.
The Aarattu Festival is also celebrated at the Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
at Ambalapuzha with much brilliance even though it does not match
the celebrations at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Here the festival begins with a flag hoisting ceremony. Apart from
the traditional holy bath of the idol, an important feature of the
festival as celebrated in this temple is that Ambalapuzha Palpayasam,
a sweet dish is always offered to the lord.
Time for celebrating the Aarattu Festival in Kerala
The Aarattu Festival is celebrated twice each year. It is once
celebrated in the months of October - November and yet again in the
months of March - April. On both the occasions, this festival lasts
for a period of ten days.
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Honeymoon Tour Packages
The overwhelming tranquility and the myriad colours of various
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House Boats
Kettuvallams, the stitched boats are the traditional
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Kerala
Festivals
The rich and glorious Kerala cultural heritage is
reflected in the vibrant Kerala festivals that mirror
the ancient traditions, customs, beliefs and faiths of
the people of Kerala, South India.The festivals of Kerala,
South India are annual occasions that are celebrated for
commemorating religious occasions. Some of the popular
Kerala festivals are Onam, Vishu, Mahasivarathri, Asthami
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Kerala Tours India offers Aarattu in Kerala, Aarattu
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