Propeller

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Festival - Temple Amidst the Forest

Thacharical Temple is deep within Ponthanpuzha Forest, which is in the border between Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala. Padayani, the festival which is unique in Kerala is celebrated with all the ancient customs and rituals.  Kolam, which is a special kind of mask made out of Arecanut Sheaths, the extension of leaves is specialty of this festival.  Pictures of deities are drawn on these sheaths with natural colors which are procured from nature.  The large mask cum headgear is worn by men.  These are brought from different parts of the village to the temple in procession.  Artificial lights are almost avoided in these processions.  These are real treat for the eyes....
the procession
 

a close view of kolam

1 comment:

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Jyothi,
Such ancient rituals are so special and it unites people of present days with their ancestors.
Lovely artwork made from natural materials.
Sending you hugs and blessings,
Mariette