An Exclusive Perspective of Ochira Kali Festival

Fun and frolic celebration of Ochira Temple which is commonly revered as Ochira Kali festival is amongst the most historic and awaited occasion of the Kerala People. During this traditional festival participants looks to commemorate the course of significant battle that took place between kingdoms of Kayankulam and Venad.

Historical Facts of the Ochira Kali Festival

Historical background of this festival very much revolves around the war that took place 300 years back between the two kingdoms namely Kayankulam and Venad. It is believed that both the kingdom participated furiously for two days within the field of paddy of Oachira.

This exclusive festival of Ochira Kali looks to spread an essence of the history and to make it more relevant participants from kalaripayattu groups involves in mock fight where they use sticks rather than sword to observe the glory of those days.

When It Is Celebrated

Ochira Kali festival is an annual festival which is celebrated within the doors of the Ochira Temple during the months of June. This occasion is a kind of unique in sense because it allows contestant to show their skills and the tradition it follows entices the traveler from across the world.

How It Is Celebrated

When it comes to the part of celebration than as said above it is an exclusive festival because it embellishes the days of the future past. Following the course the two kalaripayattu groups’ pays tribute to Kayankulam and Venad fighters by performing martial arts which is believed to represent the flocks of different region.

Mock battle which is performed by standing on paddy fields reflects the main character of the festival and to see them splashing water at each other would be a different experience. Traveler must understand that before they perform the traditional play of Kali they call for vratam of 41 days and during the day of the main show idol of Lord Shiva is taken out for procession by the warriors.

The mock fight between two groups happens after the procession and during evening they call of their battle and promise to return on the next day to continue the encounter. On the second day combat between two groups’ ends and winner are chosen by the evening.

Main Activities

Magnitude of this festival is defined by its traditional mock fights which are believed to be war like exercise. Two groups of kalaripayattu perform hostility which is not actual encounter but rather it exhibits the course of battle that happened 300 years before. Festival is an interesting kind because it defines the tradition of the local people and more exciting core of it relates the gestures and active participation of the local people.

Once you are done observing the battle between two traveler can take an initiative to visit the Padanilam where cattle and agricultural fair are organized by the local to compliment the Ochira Kali festival.

Where All It Is Celebrated

The annual festival ofOchira Kali is officially celebrated in a village near Kayamkulam in Thiruvananthapuram district.  

Cultural and Religious Manifesto of Yuru-Kabgyat Festival

An enthusiasm and energy whenever gets complimented by the radiance of color than the occasions like Yuru Kabgyat comes into picture. The Yuru Kabgyat festival which is celebrated at the divine ambience of Lamayaru monastery is one of the most significant celebrations of Ladakh people. During this festival traveler comes from all across the world especially from China, Korea, Tibet and other Buddhist dominated nation to witness the dance drama which is popularly known as mask dance and it is performed by the monks of the various monastery. 

Traveler must understand that this occasion marks the cultural aspects of the local people and would give you idea regarding the Buddhism manifesto which is followed by the mass number of people here.

Historical Facts

To understand the history related with Yuru Kabgyat festival traveler would first need to trace the glory of Mask Dance which according to mythological and chronological accounts reflects the core of Mahayana tradition.

The holy scripts of the Buddhism states that mask dance came into existence during the call of 8^th century and its prominence are still very much apt within the Royal throne of the Bhutan. With the passage of time the Cham Dance became more prolific and turned out to be the most provisional aspects of their tradition.

It is believed that the sole object of the Cham or Mask dance is to please their orgy and it is also performed to resist evil spirits and to protect human body from any unnatural epidemics and anatomy’s.

When It Is Celebrated

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm for 2 days during the months of 17^th and 18^th day of the 5^th Tibetan month and according to our calendar it is designated during the months of July and August.

How It Is Celebrated

Traveler must understand that the festival is celebrated to commemorate the deeds and Omni-presence of Lord Yana and Lord Padmasambhava. The common ground of this festival is Mask dance you will witness monks gathering in circle and performing the same with great interest and excitement. An environment of the festival is glorified with the beats of drums, pipes and cymbals keep the momentum of the monks. You would witness monks coming from the surroundings like Lahul, Spiti, Leh to participate in a holy rituals and that’s what make the celebration worth visiting.

Main Activities

The crowd that surrounds the gates of the temple to see monks performing the ritualistic Cham dance speaks the volume of the festival and when we talk about its magnitude than consider mask dance to be a main attraction and main activity of the celebration. Beside that traveler during the time of festival would have an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.

Where All It Is Celebrated

The festival of Yuru Kabgyat is officially celebrated within the gates of Lamayaru monastery and during this occasion traveler gathers from all across the world to praise the glory of Lord Buddha along with Lord Yana who is believed to be the lord of death and Lord Padmasambhava who is believed to be a lord of wealth.

Cultural Menifesto of Shimla Summer Festival

Nestled within the Northern ambience of Himachal Pradesh the turquoise landscape which is dominated by the slopes and adulating hills is addressed by the fury of cold weather during the entire season and it is only during the call of summer season the people living here seems to heave a sigh of relief.

A conspicuous and peculiar cultural abode of Shimla which is oriented and illustrated by the season of summer is put into show by the district administration where Land of Gods cultivates its entire prodigy to celebrate the course of mild summer.

When It Is Celebrated

Shimla Summer Festival which is organized with a bands and riots of colors is celebrated every year during the month of May/June to entice traveler from all across the world. Traveler must understand that it is an International occasion where reverie of summer season is celebrated in a grand manner.

Talking about its organizing committee than every year vigorous district administration takes a noble initiative to amalgamate grandiose of Shimla where cultural fest and vivid measures is put into manner to celebrate annuls of summer season.

This year the same festival is schedule in the month of June and general commencement of it would begin from 1^st of June and would last till 5^th of the same month.

Historical Facts

Since we understand that captivating landscape of Himachal is not just complimented by the glory of nature but the charismatic essence of summer has always been a season to rejoice and refill where their rich harvest and effort are painted by the brush of brilliance.

To understand the history of the occasion, first we need to understand the phenomenon of Shimla that has always attributed and manifested God as an artist of nature. The festival in fact from its very beginning have preserved its rich ancestral culture and the celebration of it is relates their method and effort to enrich the same.

Month of May that marks the days of festival can be considered as the sweetest month of the calendar year as it brings auspicious and prosperity to their life and during this month locals gather around to thank god for giving them this opportunity.

How It Is Celebrated

First of all this festival is celebrated to allure the change of season and as mentioned above during this festival the whole city buckles up to make it landmark of occasions. The first phase of celebration starts with huge gathering where both male and female participates to thank ever endowing god for his grace and blessings. Together they pray to god to bless them with another year of happiness and offer their harvest to god for his due consecration.

Now talking about its cultural aspects than vivid shows which are interlinked with their ancestral code and customary acts are put into show to entice traveler from across the world. During the season of summer the whole state is at its cultural best and complimenting the same they organized various programs and occasion where local people are put into picture to show their skills and talent.

Sports tournament, flower shows, amusement, cultural acts, photography session, poster making competition, fashion show etc are some of the integral parts of the festival.

Main Attraction

Talking about the main attraction of the festival than its cultural show and vivid activities are the magnitude of the occasion where everyone can participate and can look to be a part of this amazing summer festival.

Where All It Is Celebrated

Within the entire part of Himachal Pradesh the summer festival is celebrated but the main show occurs at the Himalayan womb of Shimla.

Prodigy and Cultural Aspects of Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival which is also renowned as Duanwu Festival is a cultural carnival that pays tribute to its partisan poet and famous scholar Qu Yuan. The festival indeed plays a main role to influence the educational system of China and allows traveler and participants to dispose their ailments to keep their body free from course of disease. This Dragon Boat Festival is similar to Keralas Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Historical Facts

To understand the chronological facts related with an origin and nature of Dragon Boat race first we require understanding the contribution of Qu Yuan who was a patriotic poet and great scholar of China. During his life he supported the decision of struggle against the powerful state of Qin along with the state of Qi to bring justice to all however his measure proved to be futile as he was opposed by Zi Lan and later he was executed.

His failures nevertheless were marginal because he was a great nationalist and had spent his whole life to endure his inspiring poems like Li Sao, Tian Wen and Jiu G. According to narration before he threw himself in the river to evade the scene of prejudice and annexation he compiled his masterwork name Huai Shah.

After hearing such fatal occurrence local people gathered around the river to search his body but failed to recover the same. Living in array of distress and discontentment many local people gave up their life following the same method to pay tribute to an eternal soul of Qu Yuan.  Dragon Boat racing in fact relates a commemoration to an apartheid soul of Qi Yuan which is complimented by customary eating of Zongzi.

When It Is Celebrated

Dragon Boat festival is widely celebrated throughout the China during the 5^th day of the 5^th month of Chinese Lunar Calendar and incidentally the sad demise of Qu Yuan occurred during the same day. In 2014 the same festival is scheduled to happen on June 2 and on that day the whole nation would pay tribute by calling a week off to celebrate the quest of festival.

How It Is Celebrated

As a customary act the festival is classified into sections and each of it bears cultural marks and importance. The Dragon Boat racing, eating zongzi, wearing a perfume pouch, tying five-color silk thread and hanging mugwort leaves and calamus are integral part of the celebration.

Dragon boat race- this particular race is the main section of festivals and during this act you will witness numbers of boats and thousands of participants fighting till the end to reach the finishing line. At each Dragon boat the solemn team is divided into two groups one would sit in front and would play a drum beat while other would row the boats to cross the line.

An idea of starting Dragon race came into picture after the death of Qu Wan and it is said that many boats went to the river to recover the dead body of the historic poet and since then the practice of boat race has become a part of Chinese culture.

Eating Zongzi- this customary acts, narrate the incidents of Qu Wan death as many people after such occurrence gathered around the site of river and threw Zongzi so that fish could feed themselves and could spare the helpless body of Qu Wan. During the time of Boat race people of China prepares Zongzi and throws it into water to recall that incident that changed the course of history.

Wearing a Perfume Pouch and Tying Five-color Silk Thread- according to historical fact wearing a perfume pouch would protect the children from evil and tying Five-color Silk Thread would heal the suffering of the children
Hanging Mugwort Leaves and Calamus- during the time of summer season local people clean their houses and hangs Mugwort Leaves and Calamus in top of their respective doors to depress the course of disease.

Main Activities

Dragon boat race can be considered as main attraction and main activity of the festival where traveler gathers from all across the world to witness the nation paying homage and tribute to great Qu Wan. Apart from Dragon Boat racing eating Zongzi, Wearing a Perfume Pouch and Tying Five-color Silk Thread and Hanging Mugwort Leaves and Calamus can be considered as major traditional acts of the festival.

Where It Is Celebrated

Being an indispensible festival of China the Dragon Boat racing festival is celebrated throughout the China and at every corner of the nation participant’s gathers in and rows till the end of the time to portray the cultural hegemony of this festival.

Important Note

Owing to its cultural aspects and long drawn history the festival is added to the list of UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Three Kings Feast – Grandiose Celebrations of Goa

One of the most popular and enthusiastically celebrated by people irrespective of their caste, creed and political affections, the Three Kings Feast is celebrated annually on the Epiphany or 6th of January in Goa especially in the Three Kings Church which is placed on the Cuelim Hill. The festival is devoted to the Three Kings or the Magi or the wise men from the east who came with their gifts to give it to the infant Jesus Christ. The feast is offered to the Lady of the Mount who is believed to be the protector of the people.   

History:
The festival is celebrated to honor the three kings who followed a guiding star that announced the birth of the king-Jesus Christ over 2, 000 years ago. The three kings brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh for infant Jesus Christ; thus the festival is celebrated depicting the three king’s visit to the Lady of the Mount with huge processions and participations from all the people. 

The Legend: According to a legend, a stone on a closely hill is stamped with footprints of two babies and of a adult, together with a furrow carved out of a rock marking the spot where the Virgin Mary rested with the infant Christ while the horse quenched its thirst. All this happened before proceeding to the hill of the remedies where she chose to remain.   

Celebrations: Three boys aged in between 8 to 12 are selected from 3 villages namely Arossim, Cuelim and Cansualim to enact as three kings and visit the chapel. But nine day before the final day, large number of Hindu and Christian devotees visits the chapel and seek blessings.  

The Nossa Senhora dos Remedios chapel popularly known as the Church of the Three Kings founded by Fr Gonsalo Carvalho in 1599 is the main venue for this grandiose celebration; the chapel is allied to the St Thomas Church of Cansualim. The lady of mount is supposed to fulfill wishes of every devotee thus the processions of this festivity are carried out for a span of 9 days ending in the Epiphany or 6th January. 

Main Attractions:
On the day of the real celebrations, attired in Kings dress with a crown on their head they travel on horseback through varied paths and meet some distance away from the Chapel of Our lady of remedies (Nossa Senhora dos Remedios) which is placed atop the hill in Cuelim. Attired like a king they are followed by a huge procession of music and dances and are led by a boy beating a kettle drum, the three boys carries the gifts of the original Three Kings – gold, frankincense and myrrh and continue to the chapel together. All of them put their gifts in the feet of the Jesus statute.

Amazing fair is held all round the week with people singing, dancing, eating, drinking and cheering from sunrise till nightfall. Visitors can purchase brassware, copper, metal, clothes, furniture, toys, trinkets, glass bangles, sweet meats and spices of all sorts.  

Gangasagar Mela, One of the Most Religious Pilgrimages of Hindus in India

Sagar is an Island located on the Muriganga River. This island is cut off from the mainland with this river. At present, the island is not linked with any road bridge and the visitors have to cross the distance with the help of ferry services that are available from the mainland. After reaching the island one has to travel some distance in order to reach the southernmost part of the island, where the holy shrine and the ashram of the renowned saint, Kapil Muni is placed. Gangasagar Beach holds vast and shallow water.

History
Gangasagar is a holy place where the sacred river Ganga meets the sea, Bay of Bengal. A dip in the place, where the Ganga River merges into the sea is regarded to have a religious significance, especially on the Makara Sankranti day when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. During this time, the town, Sagar holds huge fair, drawing visitors from all over India, which is one of its kinds. Many legends are associated with this fair, the most common one that the locals believe in is that the girls who take a holy dip during this time get good looking grooms and the boys will get pretty brides. After the ritual obligations are completed, they head to the nearby temple, Kapil Muni, to worship the deity as a mark of respect. Another legend that is associated with this mela is that before merging into the sea, Ganga River watered the human remains of King Sagar’s 6,000 sons, freeing their souls for eternity. The King’s sons were believed to have been burned by the rage of Kapil Muni, who got angry on getting disturbed during his meditation. The King’s sons had come to this place in search of their father’s Sacrificial Horse. The horse was stolen by Devraj Indra and tied it beside the hermitage of Kapil Muni. When they saw the saint at this place, they started blaming him for stealing the horse and thus, interrupting his meditation.

Time of Celebration
At Gangasagar, thousands of visitors take a holy dip annually during the time of Makar Sankranti, which generally falls on 14th or 15th of January. Gangasagar Mela or fair is arranged yearly but people from all over India come to this place throughout the year. There is a common believe among the Hindus that by taking a bath at this place will relief them from all curse and sins, thus, earning blessings from the God. The place is the ‘Punya Tirtha’ for Hindus.

How It Is Celebrated
GangaSagar Mela or fair is the second largest Mela after the Kumbh Mela in India.  Gangasagar Mela is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage centres in West Bengal. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this place to take a holy dip into the holy river of Ganga. A long fair is held from January to February annually. The fair is hoarded by large number of devotees on the Makar Sanskriti day. The popularity of this fair can be assumed with the involvement of more than million pilgrims, without any formal or informal invitation, endorsement and organizing authority.  Besides the general devotees, the fair also witnesses the attendance of Naga Sadhus.

Main Activities
The entire journey to this fair is tough, but this does not dishearten even the weakest. Large numbers of devotees hoard the beach night and day to occupy a space on the sandy beach. People move with the huge crowd along with the sounds of bells, blowing conch shells and chanting prayers. Several devotional songs can also be heard during this time. Huge number of stalls and shops are lined along the pathway, selling different varieties of vermillion, rudraksha, colorful beads, saffron clothes, conch shells and other religious items. The mela is not complete without the sight of Naga Sadhus, who sit naked in their little huts close to the temple, enjoying a chillum of ganja.

Almost every devotee takes their turn to take a dip on the auspicious day on the holy river, to purify their mind, body and soul from all the sins and receive the blessings of the God. A considerable number of marriages are also conducted on the beach on this day. As well as, many young girls get married to the sea on this day, as it is believed, that by doing so, they will never become widows, even if their men go through the roughest time in their life.

Every year, the fair is witnessed by millions of devotees in Sagar Island, which makes it quite tough for the pilgrims. Still they come to this place, to celebrate Makar Sanskriti with joy and devotion in their eyes.          

Kerala Village Fair – Displaying the Rich Culture and Tradition of Gods own Country

Celebrated with huge gaiety and fervor, Kerala Village Fair is an amalgamation of cultural and traditional events conducted around the verdant villages of Kochi and Kovalam every year in mid January for a time period of ten days. During this festival, traditional houses (Nalukettu) are festooned with beautiful decorative and these decorated houses also serves as the venue for all these events. Thousands and thousands of tourists from across the globe visit Kerala during the time of this festival. This is the best time to visit Kerala to witness the grandiose cultural events and the bygone era of rich Keralite history.  

A typical traditional Keralite house which is known as ‘Grammam’ houses many conventional Nalukettu houses and tea shops. Nalukettu are the traditional thatched and decorated houses and are the main backdrop of all the festivities that are conducted during the festival.

Annually in the beach of Kovalam and the Marine Drive in Ernakulam this festival is celebrated with huge enthusiasm and participation by all the people of Kerala irrespective of their caste and political affections. The basic concept of this festival is to recreate the entire Keralite village in the traditional Keralian style. Houses and huts depicting both of the higher and the lower class are made.

Celebration: The traditional Nalukettu are ornamented with ancient paintings, Mahogany, sandalwood, priceless furniture in teak, spice bowl, ethnic jewelry, swords and shields. The traditional house is further bejeweled with household utensils, Palmyra fans, musical instruments; majestic wooden beds which make it even more attractive drawing large number of tourists. The Nalukettu looks captivating with a floral decoration known as ‘Pookalam’ and the village girls exhibiting ‘Thiruvathirakali’ around a tall brass lamp attired in a gorgeous traditional dress.

Main Highlights: The main highlights of this festival are the large number of astrologers, sorcerers, and artisans who provides glimpse of the Kerala rich history and its bygone era. In true sense, this fair recreates the charm and the nostalgia of the bygone era that symbolizes the simplicity and the richness of old Kerala. Ritualistic art forms such as Pulikali, Theyyam, Kakkarisi, Panchavadyam, Villapattu, Bhajans and Thullal are also performed.

Culinary Delights: At the Chyakada or the village tea shop the visitors and guests are welcomed in every Grammam with tender coconut and refreshing tangy lemon juice. Culinary delights such as steamed tapioca and fish curry (meen and kappa) or pounced rice cakes and lentils (Puttu and Kadala) are also served during the festival. The festivity is further enhanced by the wide range of South India dishes which include mixed vegetable avial, fish stew with coconut milk, theeyal, mutton biryani, lacy idiappam, Malabar porotta and many more.

Visitors can buy various souvenirs and other handicrafts at Kamalgramam to take back home as a memorable gift from Kerala.

Tourists must visit this place during the celebration time of this festival if they want to witness what Kerala used to be in yester years.