Hanuman in Lanka, Kathakali

The kathakali festival of Soorya continues at the Swathi Thirunal Music College. The above image shows the confrontation between Ravana and Hanuman after his visit to Ashoka vanam and before Lanka dahanam. The percussion ensemble of Maddalam, Chenda etc are seen in the background.

The Trivandrum Flower Show

The Trivandrum Flower show is on as in every year at the observatory hills opposite Kanakakunnu Palace. If you want to beat the crowd, the best time is at 10 a.m when it opens.

4008 Ganeshas

Artist, Manilal exhibited his canvas (20x15) depicting 4000 images of the Hindu God Ganesha, Each image is unique. Manilal says he hopes to enter the Guiness Book of Records with this feat. On show at Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thycaud.More details appeared in The Hindu :http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2009/12/10/stories/2009121050750300.htm

See also Ganapati idols in Trivandrum:  http://picasaweb.google.com/vihar7/Ganesha2009#

Mohiniyattam

The Soorya cultural festival continues at Sree Swathi Thirunal Music College. On Thursday, it was Mohini attam by Kapila, an accomplished young danseuse. Originally, Gopika Verma was slated for this day, but this young dancer did not disppoint.

On the Spot Painting

An On-the-Spot painting event was orgnised on Manaveeyam Veedhi, a busy road in Trivandrum.Severla artists particiapated. It was inaugurated by Mr MA Baby, Minister for Education and Culture, Kerala. Here you can see the minister interacting with the artists and admiring some of the works, incuding a caricature of him. The minister had his right arem in plaster.

Gospel Meet

A neglected ground in Jagathy Junction was spruced up to conduct a Gospel meet for three days in December. There was good turnout and the decibel levels were very high. The residents of the locality were very relieved when the show ended on Sunday. Hallelujah!

Film Festival

There is a feast for the film buffs in Trivandrum. In additional to the several film clubs, the Government sposored Film Festival held every December is also very popular. The films are screend in several venues. One can register as a delegate on-line and also reserve seats for particular shows. The above image greets visitors to the 14th International Film Festival of Kerala, in front of the Kanakakunnu Palace, one of the venues in 2009.

Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam. Trivandrum celebrates many festivals. Karthigai Deepam is celebrated by Hindus during the month of November - December. Usually, the women light the oil lamps in front of their houses and pray for the well-being of their brothers and other family members. The image above is from a cosmopolitan apartment complex.