Visiting Kolkata (Calcutta), India

Calcutta-Kolkata is a city that means many things to many people. For some, Calcutta - Kolkata is the city of joy, while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Once the greatest colonial city in the Orient, Calcutta- Kolkata was later reviled as a cauldron of poverty, dirt, and disease. Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village in the 17th century, Calcutta- Kolkata is not an ancient city like Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Calcutta- Kolkata has some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of styles

History

The first capital of the British in India, Calcutta- Kolkata does not have an ancient history like Delhi.  


The city was established in 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. The people here are proud of their culture and can go to any length to defend it. The humanity of the city can be felt only through visiting the place and not by reading







The city was established in 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. The people here are proud of their culture and can go to any length to defend it. The humanity of the city can be felt only through visiting the place and not by reading


Asutosh Museum of Indian Art:

The Asutosh Museum of Indian Art is, without a doubt, one of a kind in representing amazingly preserved collections. You’ll truly be utterly in awe at your surroundings when finding out the costly amount that all the pieces equate to. Asutosh Museum of Indian Art is proud to have the title of owning one of the most valuable exhibits in the world!


This museum is a dedicated memoir to its ancient exhibits, containing a large gathering of art measured by the century, as well as extremely expensive Bengal paintings. The Asutosh Museum of Indian Art brings awareness to the history of Indian art in a way that is simply incomparable to any other museum.


Find yourself surrounded in a rich environment of history and culture by arranging a visit to the Asutosh Museum.





BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square):

The BBD Bagh is an extremely regal and important location in the city. Holding great power, this building represents the centre of decisions, where valuable people came up with valuable ideas. The BBD Bagh is a large piece of history for its historical presence as well as its beautiful construction.


This square is built surrounding the large old tank, Lal Dighi, which still stands to this day. It has been dubbed the “Tank Square,” which later became the “Dalhousie Square,” and is now more officially known as BBD Bagh. It came into its latest name in remnant of the famous three: Benoy, Badal and Dinesh, who were Kolkata’s proud freedom fighters. Visit this renowned and respected location today, and bask in the history and glory – the beauty of what Kolkata is truly about.





Belur Math:

Belur Math is regarded as the most enchanting, captivating temple in the city. Built in 1897, this historic masterpiece holds a touching story behind its means of existence. Created in dedication to Swami Vivekananda’s beloved memory of his Guru, the temple represents the Guru’s preaching of unity for all religions. It is here that people from all backgrounds and corners of the world can bond and feel in complete harmony.


Take in the exciting and heart warming presence of the peaceful Belur Math Temple today. You’ll truly feel an impact by the powerful feeling of harmony
Find yourself surrounded in a rich environment of history and culture by arranging a visit to the Asutosh Museum.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum:

The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, built in 1956, stands today as a strong, exciting presence in the science field. Educating the city and all of its eager tourists on their curiosity surrounding new-age technology, it is here that your mind will expand in surprise at some of the outstanding displays!

Alert your eyes and brain today at the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum with its great opportunity and experiences awaiting. Enjoy the numerous exhibits containing interactive subjects such as film shows, lectures, telescopes, a unique and rare “animalorium” with live rabbits, reptiles, snakes and aquariums, and much more!

Birla Temple:

Birla Temple, one of the most elegant and majestic buildings across India, is famous for its powerful 160 foot height. Reaching towards the sky, the Birla Temple stands in its glory of genius architecture marvel – built solely with sparkling white marble. It was designed in the pattern of the very known and respected Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

Join in on the history, culture and stunning architectural marvel by arranging a trip to the Birla Temple. Taking over 26 years of true skill and dedication, this building stands tall and strong to impress the abundance of visitors who come from all over to witness its beauty. Visit at night, when this amazing structure is at its absolute finest – lighting up the dark skies with its glittering exterior, sparkling chandeliers and surreal illumination.

Find yourself surrounded in a rich environment of history and culture by arranging a visit to the Asutosh Museum.

Calcutta Racecourse:

The Calcutta Racecourse is one of the greatest examples of the remnants of the British era. Leaving many great landmarks and imprints of their culture all over the area, the Calcutta Racecourse is the most prominent attraction from their two centuries of reign over the city.

The exciting atmosphere is not one you’ll want to miss out on! Join in on the history, the games, the Polo pride and the gatherings of a variety of visitors at the vivacious Calcutta Racecourse.

Eden Gardens:

The Eden Gardens, famous for being the largest stadium in all of Asia, offers the best example of Kolkata’s thriving, active population. Representing the traditional Indian cricket, Eden Gardens has been in existence since over 200 years ago – the oldest cricket club that has survived to this day!

The blend of excitement, decorations, bright flood lights and history makes for a riveting time. The Eden Gardens is a valuable attribute and attraction to the city. Arrange a trip today, and explore the history of the famous, world renowned games that have been played and won here. The high spirits and mood that surrounds this stadium is enough to make your trip a true delight.

Fort William:

Fort William holds one of the top spots for being the most valued destinations in the city of Kolkata. Located on the refreshing banks of the Hooghly River, Fort William was made in dedication to England’s King William the 3rd. Built in 1696, the foundation still remains in tact, sharing stories and up close views of the old days to all the eager visitors it attracts.

The construction and purpose behind the elaborate, distinguished design of Fort William was to protect the area from attacks. Today, it stands proudly, representing the strong past of Kolkata. Visit Fort William and tour the great exhibitions and displays it presents to its frequent visitors from all over the world!

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Goa Tourism

Welcome to the website of the Romance beach huts, sea facing beach huts located at Agonda beach, Goa. There are numerous cottages and shacks on the southern beach coastline in Goa.Romance coco huts however is different from the rest being located at a quiet isolated place along one side of the beach, beautiful ambience and peaceful fun loving tourists.

A poet once described the physical shape of Goa as one half of a heart, the other half being carried in the very heart of every Goan. The Sahyadari Ghats hover protectively to the east of Goa where the height of this coastal state rises to 1022 mt above sea level. The Arabian Sea laps at Goa's long Western coastline. Several rivers crisscross the state and empty into the Arabian Sea. To the North of Goa lies Maharashtra and to the South and East lies Karnataka.





Area - 3702 sq km

Population - Almost 15 lakh people (1.5 million)

Altitude - Sea Level to 1022 mts

Location - Between Latitudes 15 48'00" N and 14 53'54" N and Longitudes 74 20'13" E and 73 40'33" E

Neighbouring Cities - Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra towards the North, Belgaum to the East, Karwar district of Karnataka to the South and the Arabian Sea to the Wes.

Major Rivers -Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpon.

Main Beaches - Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Miramar are major beaches in the North with Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem in the south.

Wildlife Sanctuaries - Bondla, Mollem lie in the eastern forested hilly areas of the state

Religion



In a secular state like India, several religions have thrived — and, so is the case with Goa. In Goa, the more important religions followed by its population are: Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists.

By and large, Hindus and Christians form more than 95% of the State's population while the other religions comprise the remaining segment of Goa's population. In terms of the Census 1971, the decadal growth rate in 1960-71 and the percentage of each religious community to the total population makes interesting reading .


From the Provisional Population Totals relating to the Census 1991, Goa's growth rate had declined sharply from 26.74% in 1971-81 to 15.96% in 1981-91: this could lead to an inference that the first two leading religious communities and also the third have retained their respective ranks in regard to Goa's total population i.e. Hindus occupying the No. 1 position, followed by Christians and quite some distance below, the Muslims (at the 3rd place) among Goa's 1991 population of 1,168,622 persons.


GOA BEACHES

CRESCENT BEACHES


Shaped like the new moon, Goa’s beaches are known the world over. Fringed by swaying palm and coconut trees with cool and comfortable shacks offering a variety of refreshments, Goa’s 103 km coastline is blessed with the most enchanting beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea.. And almost all of them are swimmer friendly with the assured presence of lifeguards on all the popular beaches.





NORTH GOA
CALANGUTE 

Calangute is the most popular beach with thousands thronging it in both the peak and off-season. The waves rise high above as you wash away your city blues, though swimmer need to be a trifle cautious because of the sudden drop and the rising waves. Experienced swimmers will, however, revel in the seas here.. The beach is fringed with popular restaurants and hotels, including the Calangute Residency operated by GTDC. This long, seven-km sweep of sand located 15 kms from Panaji, is called the 'Queen of Beaches'. All the travel agencies and tour operators have a base here from where bookings are done for most of the other beaches.
Parasailing at calangute beach  (click here for photo)


Years of tourism has brought in a tremendous change in the scenario. Hotels and guesthouses stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga. The village of Calangute has all basic facilities like post office, banks, foreign exchange offices, resort companies, all kind of bars and restaurants, besides medical facilities. The number of internet cafes in Calangute might even exceed that of the entire city of Panaji.

Huge showrooms filled with exquisite handicrafts from Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, Rajasthan and other exotic places, line up the main road running towards Anjuna.

BAGA  

A few kms down the beach is another—Baga.-- part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa which begins at Fort Aguada, continues as Sinquerim Beach, moves on to Candolim which merges into Calangute Beach and then stretches on to Baga, Anjuna and on to Vagator, finally ending at Chapora beach. Truly a veritable feast of beaches.

Compared to Calangute, Baga is quieter and also more isolated. Its scenic beauty, with the creek, the Retreat House perched on the hill and the fewer tourist buses all have contributed to its unique beauty. It is more popular with western tourists who love to use it as a base for water sports and fishing in the area.


VAGATOR 

This most photographed beach of Goa forms a bay that curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.

This beautiful arc of sand is located about 22 kms from Panaji and is part of the 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa.

                         Adjoining Anjuna, Vagator is secluded, crescent shaped and situated on the Caisua bay along the Chapora river basin in the shadow of Chapora Fort. During the tourist season, it is a favorite venue for midnight parties. There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Calangute beach to Vagator. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa.






ANJUNA    

Anjuna was made famous by the ‘flower power and peace’ generation of the sixties and early seventies. And later by the ‘trance’ parties. Located about 18 kms from Panaji, the beach is known for its breeze-catching palms, soft sand, and the unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of whitish sand.and black rock that juts into the sea. It is now famous for its weekly Flea Market, which draws legions of visitors every Wednesday and bargains can be had on apparel, footwear, jewellery, footwear, chess sets—and yak cheese.

The village of Anjuna is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach.
                    

SINQUERIM              

With its magnificent 17th century fort which has now been converted into a prison, Sinquerim is one of the finest beaches in Goa, offering international class facilities for water-skiing, parasailing, fishing, scuba-diving and wind-surfing.

Home to the Taj Hotel Group, which dominates the headland around the historic Fort Aguada, Sinquerim is located some 13 kms from Panaji. The uninterrupted stretch of firm sand stretches all the way north to Baga, offering visitors a temptingly long walk along the beach.



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Kerala Tourism

Kerala Tourism offers information on the places to visit in Kerala along with top attractions of Kerala. Get the best offerings of Kerala trip and tour packages

Lush green coconut groves, sunny beaches and meandering backwaters has made Kerala the most visited attraction in the country. The fishing villages with boats standing in the harbor, roaming through the palm fringed backwaters and many other activities provide superb view on a clear day of Kerala.

Kerala is an enchantingly beautiful, emerald green sliver of land, flanked by the Western Ghats on one side, the Arabian Sea on the other, and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation in between. 


For the tourist, Kerala offers nature in form of the blue Lagoons at Veli, the Hill stations of Ponmudi and Munnar, the backwaters of Quilon and Allepppey, the greenland plantations in the highranges, the wildlife, the high mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, the magnificent forts and intricately decorated temples. All of which offer you a unique experience. 




Kerala have some of the most fabulous beaches of world specifically Alappuzha Beach, Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach. The beaches of Kerala have clean sands bound by everlasting rows of palm trees. This adds to the magic created by sunbathing, boating and swimming in these waters.


Apart from natural beauty, you can also experience the healing touch of the Kerala's ancient medical science, in the most serene ambiances. And relax, recoup and rejuvenate yourself. Kerala is also the land of classical art & craft. Tourist visiting Kerla enjoys the uniqueness of Kathakali dance. For the lovers of art and culture Kerala offers much more. The cultural heritage of Kerala is very rich and its performing arts have cast a magic spell on travellers from time immemorial.






Ayurveda in Kerala


Kerala's climate, its natural abundance of forests, with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication and is known as the home of the most perfected herbal health care system.

Kerala ayurveda system stresses on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Ayurveda tours in Kerala India provide you a chance to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and regain resistance and attain good health, in a natural way. Apart from treating various diseases, Kerala possess distinct types of rejuvenation therapies.








Kerala Ayurveda Threpies:


Rasayana Chikitsa: It tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases the vitality of your body and improves mental clarity and thereby increases the resistance of the body. It includes head and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder, by hand and foot, intake of rejuvenate medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.

Body Immunisation And Longevity Treatment: 'Kayakalpa Chikitsa' prime treatment for retarding the aging process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system. The treatment includes intake of 'Rasayana', special Ayurvedic medicines and diet along with comprehensive body care programs. The program is most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50. 


Body Sudation: 'Sweda Karma' medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles. 

Abhyanga: This total body massage with herbal oils tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity, strengthens the immune system, is beneficial for the eyes and gifts sound sleep. This is also a cure for rheumatism

Culture of Kerala

Kerala culture has deeply influenced and enriched the Indian cultural heritage and has been its integral part. Kerala is isolated from the deccan plateau by the mountainous belt of the Western Ghats, but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture. Kerala's population comprises of a large number of the people from the Dravidians race, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians

Kerala's culture is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language, Malayalam, and has the literacy rate of 100%, the only state in India to achieve such honor. With passing phase, Kerala is adjusting to the new values and at the same time trying to maintain the good things of its old tradition.

Kerala Culture is also revealed in its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine. Kathakali, a 300-year-old dance form is one of the most popular dance forms, developed exclusively in Kerala. This dance is a beautiful combination of color, dance, music, drama and expressions. Other dance forms of Kerala are Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Krishnanattom, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Oppanna and Chavittunatakom. 

Apart from classical art and dance, Kerala excels in the marital art form known as Kalaripayattu. It is the comprehensive system regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even kung-fu is believed to have originated from Kalaripayattu.

Thus, in its totality, Kerala's culture represents the triumph and success of it's people in every sphere, be it art and architecture, education or it's multifaceted religion. The present culture of Kerala is the result of the unique process of cultural synthesis and social assimilation.

Kerala's culture is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language, Malayalam, and has the literacy rate of 100%, the only state in India to achieve such honor. With passing phase, Kerala is adjusting to the new values and at the same time trying to maintain the good things of its old tradition.

Kerala Culture is also revealed in its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine. Kathakali, a 300-year-old dance form is one of the most popular dance forms, developed exclusively in Kerala. This dance is a beautiful combination of color, dance, music, drama and expressions. Other dance forms of Kerala are Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Krishnanattom, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Oppanna and Chavittunatakom.

   

                                                           

Apart from classical art and dance, Kerala excels in the marital art form known as Kalaripayattu. It is the comprehensive system regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even kung-fu is believed to have originated from Kalaripayattu.

Thus, in its totality, Kerala's culture represents the triumph and success of it's people in every sphere, be it art and architecture, education or it's multifaceted religion. The present culture of Kerala is the result of the unique process of cultural synthesis and social assimilation.

Kathakali

ELEMENTS of the art of Kathakali are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from early as the 2nd century until the end of the i6th century. Kathakali as an individual style of dance-drama emerged as a 'people's theatre’ from the traditional dances of the past. Kathakali as we now see it therefore dates back to about the time that Shakespeare was writing his plays. The performances given in Malabar at that time by troupes of actors were formed by and enjoyed the patronage of the local Rajahs and other noblemen (especiallycially the Namboodiris, or Brahmins of Malabar) must in many ways have been s to the Masques which were in vogue in England in the i6th and 17th centuries, in masked performers acted and danced, developing into a form of drama with music, then Kathakali has passed through many stages of improvement in make-up and costume, dance forms and acting techniques.

Kerala Festivals

The fairs and festivals of Kerala are as diverse as the land itself. Kerala is a land of colourful festivals. The spirit of celebration among the people is an amazing thing to observe. Celebrated with intensity and vivacity Kerala festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala culture and tradition. Each and every Kerala festival has a long tradition and history and every festival stand out because of their uniqueness. 

All the seasons come up with new festival and celebration in Kerala. Wrapped with excitement and fun festivals are the time to get together, clean and decorate the houses, exchange gifts, prayer, pagentry and of course devouring delicious food. These celebrations exhibit an eternal spirtit of harmony and keep the green land vibrant rhythm

Onam

Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes and backwaters; the people comes out with their boats and country crafts to celebrate. It is one of the greatest festivals of Kerala, which is celebrated unitedly without the difference of caste and religion.

Onam is related with King Mahabali, a past ruler of Kerala, who was very nice and trueful. During his ruling time it is said that people don't even locked their house because , there was no thieves,no corruption,no betrayal. All where facing a good time. At that time the Hindu lord Mahavishnu decided to test King Mahabali. He came to earth as vamana a poor dwarf, and went straight to King Mahabali, asking three feet of land to live as he had nothing. The king hearing this laughed and told Vamana to take three feet of land from where ever he wishes. Suddenly Vamana began to grow and he covered the whole earth by one foot and covered the sky with other foot. And asked Mahabali where is the space for the third foot. By seeing all these, the king understood that Vamana is not an ordinary person, and Vamana has come to test him so the king without hesitating showed his head to keep the third foot. Vamana kept his third foot on the King's head and the King was pushed down under the earth. The king after going under the earth, asked Vamana his true identity, Suddenly Vamana vanished and Lord Mahavishnu stood before Mahabali. The lord told Mahabali that he wanted to test Mahabali and he has won in that. The lord also asked Mahabali to ask any boon for himself. Mahabali told the lord that, he loved his people very much so he wanted permission to visit Kerala once in a year. And the lord gave permission for that. It is that day ie. the day Mahabali visits kerala is celebrated as Onam.

Onam is celebrated when it's time to reap the harvest and is a celebration of ten days. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome the King. Keralites all over the world will be celebrating this ten days will pomp and gaiety. They wear new dresses and visit almost all temples which they can

Boat Race Festival

Boat race reflects the enthusiasm and jubilance of people during the celebration of their main festival, Onam. Various types of boat race are held and each are distinct from one another. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. Hence the festival is also known as Long Boat Racing Festival. The largest team sport in the world,the snake boat races are preceded by colorful water parades. 

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

It is the oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala that is closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the day of the installation of the deity at the Temple. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats. 

Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali 

Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple. The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'. Though, large snake boats take part in this festival they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the accompaniment of songs and reach their destination 

Payippad Jalotsavam 

The three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad. 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of every August. Though it is a festival, the attraction about this is the sportive spirits among the participants of the race. 

In the year 1952, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore - Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha from Kottayam the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats, gave him a roaring reception. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Punditji are inscribed above his signature

Pongal

The festival of Pongal signifies the great diversity of Indian religious beliefs and the varied cultured traditions of the different states.

Pongal, known as Sankaranthi in North India, is is an important festival as we pray to the Sun God on this occasion. The sun is very powerful and helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. So this festival is very important for farmers and it is celebrated in a grand manner in villages. The house is cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival

This festival of Pongal falls in the month of January after the winter solstice and as such this Pongal festival marks the favorable course of the Sun. During the four day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses early in the morning.


The first day is celebrated as the Bhogi Pongal and is usually meant for domestic activities and of being together with the family members. This first day is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rains. Homage is paid to Lord Indra for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. 


The second day of Pongal is known as Surya Pongal and is dedicated to the Sun God. On this day the granaries are full, sun shines brightly, trees are in full bloom, bird-songs resound in the air and hearts overflow with happiness that get translated into colorful and joyous celebrations. 


The third day is Mattu Pongal which is the festival of cattle. To the village people cow, the giver of milk and the bull which draws the plough in the fields are very valuable and therefore the farmers honor their dumb friends by celebrating it as a day of thanks-giving to them. On the Mattu Pongal day Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and Pongal is offered to them in the `puja'. 


Fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, people go out for places and enjoy this day. This is a day to spend time and entertainment outside. 


Pongal is a festival when god is praised with a simple faith and sincerity. Old vices are all washed out and all that is good is welcomed in this New year. This festival is of all living things, of man, his beast and his crop and of the birds that fly in the sky making man look up to the heaven in joy and thankfulness to God

Thrissur Pooram


Thrissur Pooram is the spectacular festival of light and color, percussion and elephants. It is the most colorful temple festival of Kerala, which attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all part of the state and Globe

Celebrated in April-May, it consists of processions of rich caparisoned elephants from various neighboring temples to the Vadakunnatha Temple. This is a two century old festival of procession of caparisoned elephants and enthralling performances in a never ending succession is an 36 hours marathon event of incredible beauty, a feast for the eye and the ear, unfolding between 6 am to 12 noon the other day. Different from the usual temple festival, Thrissur Pooram is participated and conducted by people across all barriers of religion and caste.


The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu, both situated in the town itself. The hours-long dazzling fire works submerge the Thrissur city of Kerala in an ocean of color. The commissioning of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day



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