Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran 

Thrissur Pooram was the brainchild of Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran. Before the start of Thrissur Pooram, the largest temple festival in Kerala was the one-day festival held at Aarattupuzha known as Arattupuzha Pooram. Temples in and around the city of Thrissur were regular participants. One day because of heavy rains, they were late for the Arattupuzha Pooram and were denied access to the Pooram procession. As an act of reprisal Thrissur Naduvazhi, the chief of Vadakunnathan, known as Yogadiripad and Kuttanellur Naduvazhi started the Pooram in Thrissur. Later due to some reasons, the Kuttanellur Naduvazhi disassociated the celebration at Thrissur. Since his withdrawal, the glamour of the Pooram was lost and the two ‘Naduvazhies’ began to treat each other as enemies. It was at this juncture the former ruler of Cochin, His Highness Raja Rama Varma, became the Maharaja of Kochi (1790–1805). He unified the 10 temples situated around Vadakkunnathan temple and took steps to celebrate Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival. The Maharaja reorganized the annual festival in its present form in front of Vadakkunathan. He also directed the main temples at Thrissur, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady to extend all support and help to other Poorams which are coming from 2 to 10 Km away from Vadakkunnathan temple.

Source: Kerala.me

Held on the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), festival-related events take place at the Vadakkunnathan temple situated in the heart of Thrissur town and the adjoining Thekkinkadu ground. The Raja and the priests of the two other important local temples, the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, pay obeisance to Shiva, the presiding deity of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The priests of the two temples and their processions stand opposite each other and celebrate Lord Shiva whose idol is placed in the center.

These two temples compete with and try to outwit each other in the procession. They bring fifteen elephants, each decorated to dazzle. This is one such breathtaking site which shouldn’t be missed.

The spectators too catch the dynamics of the event and join in the frenzy. Both sides alternately exchange colorful umbrellas and fans in perfect rhythm and every time this happens there are cheers from the crowd. All this, while the nadaswarams and drums beat away, creating a trance which can only be experienced if you present there.

Source: Myopic lenses

Hundreds of temple orchestra and music instruments, the type of which is seen only in Kerala, are played by expert artists in the field. The traditional percussion ensembles such as Pancharimelam, Pandimelam, and Panchavadyam provide an appropriate accompaniment to the visual treat. Panchavadyam consists of five instruments: kombu, edakka, thimila, ilathalam and maddalam (pancha – five, vadyam – orchestra),  and other instruments like Chenda, madalam, Kurumkuzhal are also included.

Source: youtube

In Malayalam, there have been countless movies depicting the celebrations of Thrissur Pooram. One of the recent favourite being, a scene from Charlie where the entire suspense of the movie finally breaks amidst the magnanimous spirit of Thrissur Pooram.

And a brilliant track from recent times that became an anthem amongst Malayalis; Kaanthaa by Masala Coffee. This song makes a connection with Thrissur Pooram that’s hard to describe in words, rather just hear it.

The post How Did Thrissur Pooram Start And What Makes It So Special appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Shibul Pavithran 

Kerala is richly endowed with heritage buildings, structures, and sites, all of which are having very unique architectural and aesthetic importance. The heritage sites are not just monuments, but include buildings, artifacts, structures, areas of historical significance, aesthetic, architectural, cultural and environmental significance and even traditional skills. Some of these age-old structures speak about a fascinating period from Kerala’s charming past, drawing countless history fanatics, archaeology lovers and art & architecture enthusiasts from all across the globe. If you are also amongst those who get amazed by the beauty and history of the ancient buildings and monuments, a trip to Kerala is definitely a must for you.  Not many know that this beautiful state has been a major contributor to India’s rich culture and history. We have shortlisted 6 heritage sites in Kerala which may definitely fascinate you and make you want to visit them.

Bekal Fort, Kasaragod: 

Source: bekalforthomestay

Bekal fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty in1650. There is also another belief that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort was occupied by Hyder Ali in 1763 AD and later by British. Bekal fort is one of the largest and best preserved Fort in the whole of Kerala, bordered by a magnificent beach.  The fort is built on 35 acre headland on the shores of Arabian Sea, rising to a height 130 feet. Bekal Fort is among the top visited locations in Kerala. The Hanuman temple near the entrance and the ancient Muslime mosque situated near the fort, hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area.

Eddakal Caves, Wayanad:

Source: Sanchari

Situated an altitude of 4000 feet, these caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890, during his hunting trip to Wayanad. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. It is the only place with Stone Age carvings in South India. The carvings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic Age include ancient stone scripts, ancient weapons, symbols, animal figures and human beings. The rock surface is filled with motifs and one can see figures, crosses, triangles, tridents, various animals and human figures. Edakkal Caves is one of the most visited places in Wayand.

Tellicherry Fort, Thalassery:

Source: holidify.com

Tellicherry Fort is located in Thalassery town of Kannur District of Kerala India. The fort was built in 1708 by the British East India Company to establish a stronghold on the Malabar coastline. It is a testament to the impressive engineering skills of  the British engineers and designers, the fort encloses a number of secretive tunnels and underground chambers that once served as hiding burrows for the defeated British military personnel. This historical fort today, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and indeed, they have done a great job, making it an absolute delight for visitors who have a affinity for history and architecture. So, if you are also amongst those avid history buffs, a visit here definitely has to be marked on your travel itineraries.

Kappad Beach, Kozhikode:

Source: placeforvacations.com

Vasco da Gama landed on Indian soil on 27th May 1498 at Kappad beach, Kozhikode along with 170 men. There is a monument on the beach that commemorates the landmark event of Vasco da Gama’s arrival. This marked the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 4 to 5 centuries. The beach is ideal for relaxing and playing around with sand. Devi Temple, which is believed to be 800 years old, is situated on top of a rock near the beach. Sunset is a great site to watch here, in the combination of Sea and River.

Vadakkunnathan temple, Thrissur

Source: findmessages.com

Vadakkunnathan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the city of Thrissur. It exemplifies impressive Kerala type of architectural style that is quite appropriate for regions where rains are vigorous. The temple has a beautiful ”Kuttambalam” – separate temple theatre for dances, etc., and monumental towers on all four cardinal directions. Vadakkunnathan Temple is the main venue of the famous Thrissur Pooram festival held every year in the month of April or May. This festival attracts more than a lakh of people, including many foreigners.  The festival goes on for seven days.

Palakkad Fort, Palakkad:

Source: Tourmet.com

The Palakkad Fort in Kerala is a beautiful historical monument that has gently integrated its high walls with its surrounding green gardens. One of the most well-preserved forts in the state of Kerala, the Palakkad fort was built in the 1766 AD by Hyder Ali, after which the fort was taken over and renovated by British in 1790. The fort is protected by Archeological Survey of India. And even today, the tough walls of the fort speak volumes about the stories of Tipu Sultan. The fort is square in shape, with massive walls and strong bastions in all four corners and in the middle. It is among the best preserved forts in South India. The thick laterite walls impress all who view it. A large ground that lies between the Fort and the Palakkad town hall is an important location for public meetings and important functions. Today it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a preferred picnic spot for everyone visiting Palakkad.

The post World Heritage Day: Here ‘s A Look At The 6 Best Heritage Sites In Kerala appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.