Metaskills Académie

"Transforming Human Capital"

Kerala Trivandrum Vizhinjam Trivandrum, India

Thrissur Pooram, the mother of all poorams

Considered to be the mother of all poorams,the Thrissur Pooram, is a resplendent festival celebrated with a grand display of caparisoned elephants, dazzling parasols, and percussion music. It's a magnificent spectacle merging the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of medam (April-May), the pooram is held at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur. This year's Pooram falls on April 19. This annual temple festival was the brain child of Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi, who organised the festival with the participation of 10 temples (Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, Neythilakavu).

The pooram celebrations begin a week early with flag hoisting as the participating temples announce the start of the festival with fireworks. Another tradition is called Poora Vilambharam where an elephant pushes open the south entrance gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, the venue for Thrissur Pooram, with the idol of 'Neithilakkavilamma' atop it. Four days after flag hoisting, Sample Vedikettu is organised which is a one-hour firework show presented by Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms. This is followed by display of caparisons.

The festival sports an enthralling line-up of vibrantly decked up elephants and is marked by the kudamattom ceremony. Involving swift and rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols, the kudamattom ceremony is one among the highlights and is a keenly watched event.Another highlight is the ilanjithara melam, a highly bewitching performance of traditional instruments which lifts the thousands gathered to a state of euphoria and bliss. Around 250 odd artistes participate in this traditional orchestra led by chenda artistes and the spirit is mirrored by the thousands of spectators who wave their hands in accordance to the rhythm generated by the chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu and elathalam (traditional instruments of Kerala). The finale is marked by a grand fireworks show.

The city is gearing up for this year's Pooram. The 'sample vedikkettu' (fireworks) will be held on April 17 night. The 'aana chamayam' exhibition (display of elephant caparisons) used by the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Dewaswoms as part of the Pooram festivities would also begin on April 17.Thiruvambadi’s aana chamayam will be displayed on April 17 and 18 at the Kausthubam Hall from 10 am to 12 pm. Paramekkavu will hold its display at Agrashala Hall in Round East.

Visitors can watch Paramekkavu’s aana chamayam display until 10 pm on April 17 and from 8 am to 12 am on April 18. This year a separate pavilion has been arranged for foreign tourists to enjoy the iconic ‘kudamattam’ ritual held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple on April 19. The district promotion council has built the pavilion close to the Thekke Gopura Nada (southern entrance) at the Thekkinkadu ground. Those who need the passes for entering this pavilion should contact the district promotion council’s office at Palace Road. Phone – 0487 2320800, 9496101737, [email protected].

Courtesy.. Kerala Tourism, ON MANORAMA





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Sunil's Wax Museum

You know the first-ever wax museum in Kerala is Sunil's Wax Museum, situated near the South Gate of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. The museum houses over 31 life-size wax models.The collection of models range from great rulers, leaders, freedom fighters, soldiers, sportsmen, politicians, film stars, etc. Some of the popular statues at the museum include those of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Great Maharaja of Travancore Sree Chitra Thirunal and Salman Khan etc.

The museum is a brain child of Mr. Sunil Kandalloor, who is also a wax sculptor and has made more than 300 wax statues. Opened in 2019, the wax museum draws many tourists from far and wide. It offers visitors the fun of getting up close with the famous personalities and can stroll through the exhibits and take photos with their favorite figures, making it an enjoyable moment for all ages.

Opening hours: 9 am to 8 pm

Ticket Cost: Rs 100 per person | Free for children below the age of five | Special discount for groups


Contact

Sunil's Wax Museum,
Opposite the parking ground near Attukal Shopping Complex,
East Fort,
Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: +91 94473 41974, +91 96338 62959
Email: [email protected]

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 2 km

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 5 km






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Idyllic hamlet, Varkala

Papanasham Beach, also known as Varkala Beach ,recently featured in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches guide book, s truly a paradisiacal destination, located on the Arabian Sea.I t offers captivating views of the Arabian Sea. Its shimmering sands and tranquil atmosphere have established it as a beloved tourist spot. Lined with swaying coconut palms and blessed with endless azure waters, the beach is renowned as a haven for travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Spas nestled along the surrounding laterite cliff offer therapeutic experiences, further enhancing its allure. Another peculiarity of the beach is that it is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. This has been recorded as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

In addition to its popularity as a tourist destination, Papanasham Beach holds deep religious significance as a revered pilgrimage site.The Janardhanaswamy Temple, a 2000-year-old shrine, is situated on the cliffs near the beach. According to Hindu belief, immersing oneself in the waters here can absolve sins (papam), hence the name "Papanasham" for the beach. Furthermore, ashes from cremation grounds are ceremonially immersed in the sea, symbolizing the purification of the soul of the deceased and the attainment of moksha (eternal salvation).Also nearby is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the revered religious leader and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru. The Guru's Samadhi, a place of final rest, draws numerous devotees annually during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage from 30th December to 1st January.

One can also indulge in various adventure activities like adventure sports like parasailing, scuba diving and paragliding, renting a surfboard, riding on jet ski, canoeing, swimming, sunbathing or kayaking during day time. As the evening draws, it is the perfect time for a peaceful walk, followed by visiting and relaxing at one of the several shops and restaurants on the cliff, that offer a lively atmosphere. Kerala Tourism is set to host the International Surfing Festival in Varkala from March 29 to 31. Surfing athletes from both overseas and India's east and west coastal cities are expected to participate in various categories throughout the festival .Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for tourists.
courtesy: Kerala tourism