In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Vilayilveedu family continues the ancient tradition of making the Pallivillu or ‘Onavillu’ for the deity at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple every Onam. The Onavillu is a ceremonial bow made of wood with hand-drawn pictures of Lord Vishnu. The family observes a fast before starting work on six different kinds of…
Young people dressed in traditional Kerala outfits were all smiles as they took selfies and videos in front of the Wadakumnathan Temple during Onam celebrations in Thrissur. Onam, a festival that brings people together to enjoy games, new clothes, and a delicious traditional meal served on banana leaves, was celebrated in homes across Kerala. The…
District Collector John V. Samuel recently presented the Uthrada Kizhi award to N.K. Saumyavathi Thampuratti, a member of the Cochin royal family in Kottayam. The Uthrada Kizhi is a traditional annual award given by the Maharajas of the former State of Cochin to women in the family during Onam. Ms. Thampuratti is from the Nadackal…
Apartment complexes in Bengaluru are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm and fervour. Residents are organizing traditional rituals, musical evenings, workshops, and cultural events to make the festival memorable. Many complexes are opting for eco-friendly celebrations by using clay Ganeshas and managing festivities in an environmentally friendly manner. Residents are coming together to participate in…