Attukal Pongala 2012

The Attukal Pongala which entered the Guinness Book of Records with 27 lakh women devotees is set to break the records this year with 35 lakh participants expected. This is evident from the early morning crowd today captured in these images. The lines have extended to Bakery Junction and interior of Thycaud - a good 5-6 kilometers from the Attukal temple. There are also many clusters near other temples in extended areas. I am also impressed by the discipline and cleanliness of the devotees, compared to pilgrims elsewhere in India. 
More pictures at: http://bit.ly/xhX4E7

The perennial 'kani konna'

Ths 'kani konna' tree (Indian Laburnum - Golden showers- Cassia fistula) near Hindi Prachar Sabha in Vazhuthacaud is in bloom for almost six months in a year. The ones I have seen in Madras are in bloom only for about 15 days in April - that too after 'Vishu' !

Kathakali at Kanakakkunnu

Narakasura vadham Kathakali at Kathakali Festival 2012 Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thruvananthapuram

Kathakali program at Kanakakunnu for 2012

20.01.2012 Friday: Bali Vijayam

21.01.2012: Saturday: Narkasura Vadham (pic above) by Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.

22.01.2012: Nala Charitham - Naallam divasam : Unnayi Warrier

23.01.2012: Monday: Kuchela Vrittam: Muringoor Shankarn Potthi.

24.01.2012: Tuesday: Duryodhan Vadham: Vayaskara Aryan narayan Moos.

25.01.2012: Wednesday: Dakshayaagam: Iriyimman Thampi

Manipuri dance at Nishagandhi

Manipuri Nata Sankeerthana by the troupe of Baisali Sarkar performing at Nishagandhi Festival, Trivandrum 

Swathi sangeethotsavam where royalty and divinity meet

The much awaited Swathi Sangeethotsavam 2012 started on Friday, the 6th January at the Kuthiramaalika palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The royal courtyard reverberated with the divine voice of Sanjay Subrahmanyan. Truly an unforgettable experience.

The programmes to follow:
7th January: Prince Rama Verma
8th : Bangalore S Shankar
9th : Venkataraman
10th : Master G Abhilash
11th: Abhradita Banrjee - Hindustani Bhajans
12th: Akkarai Sisters

Kite Festival, Kovalam

350 kites made from recycled newspapers on one string

Kite Flying Festival

Planning to go to the Kite Festival at Kovalam this afternoon.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2725604.ece

Will post later.