Viswakarma Puja

Viswakarma is known as the divine engineer since the Puranic age. As a mark of reverence he is not only worshipped by the engineering community but also by all professionals. This festival is celebrated in the month of September. On this day all the workers in the workshops and offices worship their tools and instruments in front of Lord Viswakarma, which are generally used in their profession. 

This is the puja of Lord Viswakarma, the main architect of the universe who had fabricated the universe as per the direction of Brahma, the lord of creation. 

Viswakarma Puja is celebrated by all industiral houses, artists, craftsman and weavers. The festival is observed on the Kanya Sankranti Day (September) which follows the Ganesh Puja.

Legends of Viswakarma Puja

In Hindu religious texts, he is known as 'Devashilpi' or 'The Architect of Gods'. His mother’s name was Yogasiddha, sister was known as Brihaspati. His father was called Prabhas, the eighth hermit of the legendary Astam Basu. According to mythology, it is Lord Vishwakarma who made not only the universe but also the earth and heaven. It is said that Vishwakarma also created the weapons used in mythological times like the Vajra made from the bones of Dadhichi sage used by Lord Indra. Lord Vishwakara is considered to be the best worker, the symbol of quality and excellence in craftsmanship. Mythology describes some of Vishwakarma’s creations in vivid details. They include the mythical town of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. It is also aid that Vihwakarma built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Pandavas and Kauravas. Vishwakarma alo built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. Most important of all creations is Vishwakarma’s Sone ki Lanka where demon king Ravana lived and ruled.  

The Legend

According to mythology it is Viswakarma who created the entire universe as well as the heaven and the earth. Viswakarma is also credited for creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi. He is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship. Viswakarma is the divine architect of the whole universe. He has four hands, carrying a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools. 

 

Celebration

This festival of Viswakarma Puja is celebrated with full enthusiasm. It is observed mostly in workshops, offices and factories in the industrial areas. Shop floors in various factories wear a festive look on this occasion. In beautifully decorated pandals the image of Viswakarma and his faithful elephant are inaugurated and worshipped. The industrial towns in urban area come alive with decorative pandals and loudspeakers. Most factories around the area declare the annual bonus on this day. The puja pandals are usually made within the factory premises. On this day family members of the employees come together to create a bright moment in an otherwise dull and mundane workshop. The entire factory workforce sits together for lunch.

The rituals are followed by the distribution of "prasad". The yearly feast is cooked and the workmen and the owners take their lunch get together. People are also found to be flying multi-colour kites. The sky fills up with all shades and colours. Chadials, Mombattis, Chowrangees, Petkattas, Mayurpankhis, Baggas fly high to establish the skills of the fliers. The sky becomes a war zone with the discarded kites dropping every now and then with the cry of "Bho-Kattaaa" from the distant roofs or parks.

  

Vallarpadam Perunnal

St. Mary’s church is an extremely popular catholic church located in Ernakulam, Kerala. The patron of the church St. Mary is affectionately called Vallarpadath Amma (mother of Vallarpadam) by devotees here. As Kerala is a state full of fisher folk and sailor community and St. Mary is the patron saint for this community. It is believed that she would prevent sailors and fishermen from all dangers of sea and other sorts of adversities.

Vallarpadam Perunnal is an annual feast cum fair organized during the Perunnal (Feasting) days. The feast lasts for nearly a week. The fair draws thousands of visitors from all over India and is a highly prestigious event for the localites of the area. The exhibition includes sale of country boats, crafts and straw mats

According to history the church is supposed to have been established in 1676 by the Portuguese. The church is an exotic peace of architecture. It is built on a small island of Ernakulam in the picturesque backwaters encircling the Kochi harbour.

Time of celebration:

The event is normally organized in the month of September. In the year 2009, it will be held on 24th September .

How to reach there:

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km.

Engineers day

In remembrance of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, the most outstanding Engineer of all times, the Engineering fraternity of India celebrates “.World Engineers Day” every year on 15th of September. It was this day 147 years ago that this great contributor to Growth and engineering was born. Every year the celebration of the Engineers day revolves around a central theme that is notified to all states and Local centers.

Sir. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya:

He is known to be the greatest engineers of all times, who with his vision and dedication in the field of engineering made some exceptional contributions to India. Owing to his contribution he was honored with the highest state award of India, the “The Bharat Ratna”, in the year 1955. some of the contributions of Sir VM are:

1. As an Engineer par excellence:
   
   • He was the chief engineer during the construction of Krishna sager dam on the Kavery River.
   • Many dams built by him in Bombay are still functional even till today.
   • Sri Jayachamaraja Polytechnic Institute of Bangalore: The institute was built on the recommendation of sir VM.
   • The Block System: Was invented by him, which was a system of automated doors that closed in the conditions of overflow.
   • Krishnarajasagara Dam: Is still praised by everybody witnessing it.
   • Mysore University: which is a matter of great proud for the people of Mysore, was established because of his will and conviction.
   2. As a human Being:
      
      What was achieved by sir VM, was not as easy as it seemed, as it required strict discipline from his side.
      
      • Punctuality: he was very famous for his punctuality, He was never late even by a minute and expected his people also to realize the importance of time.
      • Perfect Clothing: Every person having met sir VM, proudly remembers his neat and fine clothing.
      • Perfectionist: There are many examples to show that even a little task that he took up, always completed to perfection. Even if it was to deliver a speech, he would think in advance, write and rehearse no. of times.
      • Fitness: Even at the age of 92, he was never dependent on comforts; he would not only walk by himself, but, take full participation in all proceedings.
      • Dedication to work: Nothing was able to deter sir, from his commitment to good work, his work was his worship.
      • Courageous: many of the projects completed by him that India stands proud of today, would not have existed if it was not his will and conviction.
      • Fearless Patriot: when it came to India, even high perks given to Sir, by the British Government were not enough for him; he opposed everything and anything that was against the favor of his nation. 
      
      
    Engineers day 2009
   
   As every year the Engineers Day will be celebrated on 15th September’2009, throughout the country. The theme of this years engineers Day will be ‘Engineering Solutions to Combat Climate Change’. This year will be the 42nd Engineers day.
   
   Theme:
   
   “Climatic change as an environmental issue is not hidden from anyone as we are all there to face the challenges and outcomes of it. Industrial growth, with no concerns towards the environment has lead to alarming environment issues. Right from air, food and water pollution to global warming, Human race is now facing the results of ruthless environment exploitation.
   
   To combat and fight against this global environment crash and climatic changes the role of Engineers comes first. What is required is not to decelerate the Industrial growth, but rather to ensure that there is Industrial growth with Low emission.
   
   One way to go about it is to use green fuel, second and third generation fuel, solar energy, wind energy, and other forms of environmentally friendly forms of energy.We have to stop the exhaustion of primary sources of fuel, example-coal.
   
   

Dasara Fair

Dasara is also called navarathri in different parts of India, nine days of worship and festivity ends on the tenth day “Vijaydashmi”. In Mysore, the festival is popularly known as Dasara Fair or Mysore Dassara and has been declared as ‘Naada Habba’ or the State festival of karnatka.

The festival is mainly celebrated to mark the victory of Good over evil as Mysore was the residential place of the demon Mahisasura, who was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari (Chamundi) on vijaydashmi. Therefore the festival is celebrated every year with high festive spirits in honor of Goddess Chamundi.The Dasara Fair is celebrated on a grand scale in the city of “maharajas”- Mysore and attracts tourist from all over the world. During 10 days of festival, the entire city turns into the dazzlingly illuminated stunning place with large crowd from far long areas to witness this grandiose event.

Many exciting programs like film festival, sports and wrestling, air show, food mela, Dasara exhibition are organized at different locations for 10 days. The festival is concluded on the 10th day with a mega event, the vijaydashmi procession.

 

Celebrations

 

Many ceremonies are also held privately in royal families of Mysore during this festival for 10 days but only selected audience get the chance to witness these imperial ceremonies. Mainly ceremonies include ascend of the royal scion to the golden throne in presence of family members and priests, according to religious instructions.

The ceremonies include ceremonial bath of His Highness, worship of the family deity and sacred planets and presenting of royal sword to His Highness in the presence of 21 gun salute. After sitting on the royal throne king receives all royal guests and various programs of dance and music are presented before him, in order to respect him.

 

These royal ceremonies are repeated for nine days along with these many different events are planned like acrobatic feats, wrestling bouts by champion wrestlers, fireworks, air show, food fair etc and are open for general public to enjoy the grand festivity at Amba Vilas Palace. 

 

Jumbo Sawari- The Vijaydashmi Procession

The glorious fiesta concludes with the magnificent Jamboo Sawari which has gained popularity all over the world.

 

Jumbo sawari is mainly the procession of Caparisoned elephants accompanied by beautifully decorated horses and camels, folk dancers, music bands and golden howdah carrying the royal deity Chamundeshwari. The grandiose procession begins from the Mysore Palace and ends at Bannimantap where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped.

Torch-Light Parade

The famous Dasara festival ends on vijaydashmi night on a grand note with a torch light Parade at Bannimantap. The parade is also known as Panjina Kavayatthu. The parade is witnessed by thousands of visitors. The parade is followed by exotic fire works, which truly add another attraction to the fair.

Floating Festival

Floating festival is also celebrated in the temple tank at the foot of Chamundi Hill 

Chappar Mela

Introduction

The popular Chappar Mela is organized every year at Chappar, Ludhiana. People mainly worship snake embodiment of Guga in this fair. The fair falls on the fourth day of the month of Bhadas every year. It is believed that, the chap par fair was started around 150 years back, just by small congregation of devotees and these days the number of people attending the fair has risen to millions. Another fair with the name as minor chappar fair is also held at the same place. The special trend of scooping the land (7 times) is also practiced in this fair. People consider digging of land will bring Gugga Pir to prevent them against snakes. The fair is full of music, fun and dance. The fair has emerged as a grand festival in past few decades.


Legends

There are many stories behind the origin of Chappar Mela. Following two are the most important ones:

Centuries ago, a boy and a snake took birth together in a family at chappar village. Both were so close to each other that if one suffered a pain the other used to cry. One day the mother of the child went to the fields laying the child alone on a cot. As the day was scorching hot, snake prevented the child from sun by stretching its hood over him. Seeing this, a villager killed the snake to protect child from snake bite. Due to high level of intimacy between both of them, the child also died immediately after the death of snake leaving clouds of sorrow in the family. The family members worshipped Guga and Sidh, deeply lost in the sorrow of their son. And a he-goat was also left there to mark the place of worship by striking at a particular place.

The place is renowned as Mari Guga where people pay their homage to Guga every year, on the occasion of chappar fair.

The story for the second fair called “Minor Chappar Fair”-

The maharaja at the time of onset of the 20th century had banned the celebrations of Chappar Fair on a complaint by local farmers. But banning of the fair brought curse to the place and many horses started dying bafflingly. The mystery was solved and the misfortune stopped only on the announcement of another fair called “Minor Chappar Fair”, which is organized after the main Chappar fair.

Brahmotsavam Festival

Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The festival continues for 9 days in the months of September and October.
It is believed that Lord Brahma was the first to start this festival. He worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the Pushkarini in Tirupati to thank him for the protection of mankind. Hence the festival bears his name ‘Brahmotsavam’ which means Brahma’s Utsav.

History/ Background:

According to Hindu mythology the history behind this Festival traces to Lord Brahma (Creator of universe). It is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped Sri Balaji on the banks of the holy Pushkarini in Tirupati. Lord Brahma wanted to thank Sri Balaji for Balaji’s protection of mankind.

Also, the name of this Festival “Brahmotsavam” traces its roots to the worship of Lord Brahma. People of the place celebrate this Festival of Tirupati with great enthusiasm and value it.

Importance of Brahmotsavam:

Thousands of devotees every year gather to witness this grand Festival, participate in the rituals, and receive the blessings of Sri Venkateswara swami. The complete 9 day Festival is a memorable experience for all tourists and devotees. The feeling of complete bliss and heavenly connect is often termed as “Vaikunth anubhav”.

On the first day of the Festival Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black garuda) is hoisted near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham. A procession then proceeds of Lord Venkateswara on the Pedda Seshavahana proceeds around four streets of the main temple for two hours until midnight.Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam are celebrated on the day just before the first day of Brahmotsavam.

In the Brahmotsav celebrations, the powerful snake transforms itself as the vehicle for god. The moral behind the prayers that are offered during Garodtsav, is to pray to God for a living with high values and morals.

Celebrations

Every year millions of devotees gather at the temple of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala to take part in the festivities. It gives all devotees an opportunity to receive the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swami and experience “Vaikuntha Anubhava” or heavenly enjoyment and feeling.

he idol of Lord Venkateshwara is taken out for processions on different vehicles on different days. The black idol of Lord Balaji is decorated with gold ornaments and precious stones to make the procession more attracting. The festival attracts pilgrims from all parts of the country and even from abroad.

The temple trust called Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) arranges for the smooth conduct of the Brahmotsavams. The TTD also sponsors various cultural programmes, including spiritual discourses and music concerts. Devotees are offered free meals and food packets on all days of the festival. The nine-day episodes are also telecasted through various television channels. The activities of the nine days are described below:

Day 1 or Dhwajarohana

On the first day of the festivities or Dhwajarohana, the flag is hoisted near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham. The flag has an emblem of a black Garuda. It is on this day that a marvelous procession of Lord Venkateshwara on Pedda Seshavahana is taken around the four streets of the main temple at ten in the night and continues till midnight. The Lord is taken on a vehicle called Seshavahana during the first two days of the festival.

Day 2 or Chinna Seshavahana
 
In the morning of the second day, the Lord is taken out on the Chinna Seshavahana while in the night the deities are taken to Uyala Mandapam for the Unjal Seva. This is then followed by a procession on the Hamsavahana. Hamsa or swan which symbolizes purity is said to have the capability of distinguishing between the good and the bad.

Day 3 or Simvahana

The day is called Simvahana symbolizing strength and power. Simha means lion and according to Gita the Lord is the simha of all animals. On the third day, the Lord is therefore carried on Simvahana. In the night, the deities are carried on Mutayalapandiri Vahana which has a pearl covering, a symbol of purity and royalty.

Day 4 or Kalpavriksha Vahana

On the fourth day, the deities take a ride on Kalpavriksha Vahana in the morning. Kalpavriksha is a tree that grants boons and satisfies the wishes of the devotees. After Unjal Seva in the night, the deities are carried on Sarvabhoopala Vahana.

Day 5 or Garuda Vahana

: Fifth day of Brahmotsav is very unique. It is celebrated to commemorate the Lord's incarnation as Mohini. The legend goes that Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini or a beautiful girl to give amrit to the Devatas. In the night after Unjal Seva, the Lord is carried on Garuda Vahana and decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala. According to ancient Hindu texts, Garuda is the king of birds, a replica of the Vedas while Lord Vishnu is the God of Vedas. Thus, the Lord visualizes Himself as Garuda. Garuda vahana is the most important and greatest of all the vahanas and many pilgrims visit Tirupati on this day.

Day 6 or Gaja Vahana

On the morning of the sixth day the deities are carried on Hanumad Vahana. Hanuman is the guest of this day. The pilgrims feel that they are blessed if they could catch a glimpse of the Lord on Hanumad Vahana. On this day, instead of Unjal Seva, Vasantotsavam or spring festival is celebrated. During the night the Lord sits on Gaja Vahana which is a symbol of wealth. It is also attributed to the elephant in Gajendramoksham the story from the Mahabhaghavatam, where the elephant was saved from a crocodile by Lord Vishnu.

Day 7 or Suryaprabha Vahana

On this day, the Lord is mounted on Suryaprabha Vahana or the sun chariot. Surya or the sun is the other form of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is the center of the universe and to symbolize this Lord Vishnu uses Suryaprabha Vahana. The Lord is taken out on Chandraprabha Vahana at night after Unjal Seva. Devotees believe that it gives the Lord a soothing experience when he travels on Chandraprabha Vahana.

Day 8 or Rathotsavam

On this day the Lord travels on a chariot or ratham. People believe that those who witness this day will not be reborn. The idols of Daruka, the charioteer of Lord Krishna and the four horses are placed before the deities. The devotees pull the chariot chanting Govinda!Govinda! The Lord and his consorts are taken in a Aswa (horse) Vahana after Unjal Seva in the night symbolizing energy and power.

Day 9 or Chakrasnana Mahotsavam

Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam in the morning and Dhwajavarohanam are performed in the evening on the last day of Brahmotsavam. Abhisekham is performed on this day by applying oil and turmeric powder on the idols. The Garuda flag which was hoisted on the first day is lowered on the last day.

Bhadrapada ambaji mela

Introduction

One of the most ancient and revered temples in India, is the temple ofBhadrapadaa Ambaji fair is an annual fair held in the Ambaji village, near the temple, where Lakhs of devotees gather from all sects and communities to offer prayers to goddess Amba and perform religious rituals. goddess Ambaji, situated in the Ambaji village in Gujarat.

The fair has special significance for the farmers as the month of the fair-Bhadrapadaa, indicates the end of a long and tiring month of monsoon harvests.

When is it held?

Bhadrapada Ambaji fair is held every year in August-September at Ambaji. It corresponds to Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This fair is specifically more important to farmers as it symbolizes the end of busy monsoon season for them.

Upcoming years:

23rd September 2010 (Thursday)
12th September 2011 (Monday)
30th September 2012 (Sunday)
19th September 2013 (Thursday

Multicultural Fair:

Over the years the fair is becoming very popular. According to statistics, around 15 Lakhs people are supposed to attend the fair this year. One noticeable feature is that, not only Hindus, but Jains, Sikhs, and even Muslims attend this Mela.

The reasons might be different for all of them, but, the basic fact remains that it has truly become a multicultural fair and a culmination of many traditions and religions.

History

As the fair and its origin is quite ancient, there are many legends and stories associated mythologicaly and historically to it.

• Mahishasur-mardini (the destroyer of Mahishasur)
  
  
  The demon Mahishasur, was given a boon by the fir God (Agni), according to which, any weapon that had a masculine name couldn’t do anything to harm him. Taking the advantage of this boon, he caused immense destruction and hatred. The gods were very tensed and worried about this fact, they consulted Lord Vishnu over it, who advised them to invoke Goddess Shakti. With God’s prayers, a divine luster sprang from the heart of Lord Shiva and bodies of all gods forming the Adhya Shakti. The gods then gave her ornaments, and a lion as a vehicle. She was supposed to fight Mahishasur, the demon. For nine continuous days and nights, Goddess Adhya Shakti fought the demon-Mahishasur, and finally emerged victorious at the end. After the ferocious battle she chose the Ambaji Gabbar as her permanent residence.
  

• Shakti Peethas: 
  The daughter of King Daksha Prajapati, Sati, married Lord Shiva, against her father’s wishes. Angry with his daughter and disgusted with her behavior, the king invited all the gods and goddess for a Yagna excluding Lord Shiva.
  Not listening to Shiva’s instructions, Sati went ahead to attend the Yagna organized by her father. Ignoring his daughter’s presence the king kept on insulting Lord Shiva. Not able to bear this, Sati jumped into Yagna’s fire and sacrificed her life. Agitated with this, Shiva, erupted into Tadavaa (a violent dance of destruction) and destroyed everything at the venue. He then carried the burnt body of his wife in the air. Gods and goddess then appealed to Lord Vishnu, to calm Shiva. Vishnu’s sudershan charka split the body of sati into 51 pieces that flew in different directions and the places where these pieces fell are known as Shakti Peethas. Her heart fall on the same place where the Ambaji temple is now located
  
  
  
  

Celebrations

Although devotees from all caste and creed gather here, it is particularly sacred to the Sangha (pilgrims) community. Many activities consume the time of the fair and engage devotees throughout the fair.

• Many of the Sangh pilgrims are seen going on their foot , but, as the time of the fair (month of Bhadrapadaa) is very serene, and fresh, this practice becomes a memorable experience as all fields are green and the air is full of freshness.

• Most of the pilgrims attending the fair are engaged in devotional prayers and songs. They also visit the temples and places nearby.

• Readings of Saptashati (700 verses in praise of Goddess Amba) is very popular among the devotees.

• Apart from the permanent shops, there many temporary shops exhibiting games, magic, handicrafts, accessories, statues of gods and goddess, amulets, bamboo etc, which is a very attractive feature for tourists coming from outside India.

• BHAVAI: The Sanghas on the night of full moon arrange a performance of a traditional folk dance called Bhavai.

• GARBA: Is a very important part of any fair and festival of Gujarat. In Ambaji fair also, garba is performed with sticks and instruments like pakhwaj, hungal and jhanjh are played.

Where is it held

The Bhabrapad fair is held at Ambaji which is in the Danta Taluka of Banaskantha district; near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.The place is accessible from many places by road like Mount abu (45 Kms away) .

Ambaji:

Ambaji is the shrine of Goddess Arasuri Amba, named after the location of the temple , which is at Asura hills. These hills are a source to river saraswati .There is silver plated doors in the inner sanctum of the temple.

There is a wall in the temple which has a fixed gold plated marble inscription of the Viso-Yantra. This wall also has a gokh. As the temple is very old perhaps even before idol worship had started as there is no idol placed in the temple. But, the priests at the temple decorate the gokh so beautifully that from distance it appears to be like a goddess.

Nearby destinations:

Places near the temple that can be of tourist attraction are:

1. The Jain temples of Kumbhariyaji (located 7 kms away)
2. Koteshwar
3. Poshina
4. Taranga Hills
5. Polo Monuments
6. Vijaynagar Forest 

Bera Utsav Festival

Bengal is land of many festivals and fairs. The famous saying in Bengali states that Bengal celebrates 13 festivals in 12 months. Bera Utsav is among the list of such popular festivals which attracts large number of crowds in the state. Bera Utsav is mainly celebrated on the bank of river Bhagirathi near the palace of nawabs in Murshidabad.



Celebration

Murshidabad, one of the major cities of Bengal with glorious historical background holds a renowned position in the history of Bengal. The city is named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan whose main political seat was at Murshidabad. The district holds the honor of organizing the famous Bera Utsav every year at Lal Bagh on the bank of river Bhagirathi near the historic palace. The festival is observed with magnificence celebration and splendor.

The major attraction of the Bera Utsav is splendid fire works on the bank of river Bhagirathi near the palace. The multihued fire works of different types and sizes add to the jauntiness of the festival. The festival is the major tourist attraction from distant places in the country.

Time for celebration

The festival of Bera Utsav is observed every year on the last Thursday of the Bengali month of Bhadra which falls in the middle of September.

Ayudha Mela Festival

Ayudha Puja is a local festival of Uttar Pradesh, celebrated in the month of September / October. People worship Lord Rama on this day as the place is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Rama in Hindu mythology.

The festival is mainly dedicated to the worship of instruments which are used as the source of earning. Different regions in the state follow different traditions for celebrating this festival but the festival is celebrated across the state of UP.

People clean their instruments and if possible decorate also. Auto drivers clean and decorate their autos while shopkeepers do the same for their shops and worship Goddess Laxmi.

There is also trend of worshipping weapons in some communities as well as Goddess Durga on the occasion to thank Goddess for living a peaceful life. Worship of weapons and tools depict the respect towards the tools which helps in earning. In modern time, people also worship their vehicles and cooking vessels on this day.

Some communities mark the festival by visiting temple of Ram and Sita and paying offerings to God, the puja depicts the celebration of victory of good over evil.

Time for Celebration

The festival is celebrated with fun and gaiety all across the state of Uttar Pradesh.The festival is on September 27.

Anant Chaturthi Festival

Introduction :

Anant Chaturthi (or Anant Chaturdashi) is the last day of the “Ganesh festival” celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the tenth day after Ganesh Chaturthi which falls on the 14th day of the bright Bhadrapada (the sixth month of Hindu calendar). The day follows the immersion of the idols of the beloved Lord but to be welcomed the next year with equal fervor. Some people observe a vow in honour of Lord Vishnu, which if kept for 14 years is supposed to bring wealth.

Story of Anant'

Hindu Mythology tells that, there was a Brahmin named Sumant. From his wife Diksha he had a daughter named Sushila. After the death of Diksha, Sumant married Karkash who was not caring to Sushila. She gave a lot of trouble to her. Sushila married to Kaundinya and decided to leave the house to avoid the nuisance of her step mother. On the way, Kaundinya went to a river to take bath and Sushila joined a women group who were worshipping “Anant”. Sushila was very curious to know the reason of worshipping. The women explained her, the purpose of this vow to obtain divinity and wealth, and are kept for 14 years.

Sushila decided to take the “Anant Vow” and slowly they became very rich. One day Kaundinya, noticed a string (Anant string) on Sushila's left hand. This string is usually tied on the left hand by women to observe the vow. When Kaundinya heard the story of the Anant vow, he was displeased and said that they had become rich, not for Anant but for his knowledge and efforts. He then took the Anant String from Sushila’s hand and threw it into the fire.

Soon after this incident, they were reduced to extreme poverty. Kaundinya realized the effect of the Anant and hence decided to undergo rigorous penance until the appearance of the God himself. He went into the forest. There, he saw tree full of mangoes but was covered with worms. He asked the tree if he had seen Anant but he got a negative reply. Then he asked lakes, cow, donkey, elephant but nobody could respond him positively. At last he prepared a rope to hang himself. But suddenly Anant appeared in the form of an old Brahmin and advised Kaundinya that if he made the 14 years vow, he would get back all his wealth and happiness. Lord Anant also explained the incidents occurred during the course of his way to meet him.

Festival ends…

On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, the idols of Lord Ganesha installed at home and various “Mandapas” (display place) are taken to a pond, lake, river or a sea in great procession with slogan: “ganpati bappa morya, agle baras to jaldi aa” ("father Ganpati, come again next year"). On this day, people travel to the water front with the idols, big and small, dancing and singing in large procession. The 10 day long festival comes to an end after the immersion ceremony is over.

Aranmula Vallamkali Festival

Aranmula Vallamkali is an annual water sports meet especially for boat races held in Aranmula district Kerela. The water fiesta is organized during Onam in the month of September. This world famous fiesta owes its origin to the Sree Parthasarathy Temple situated on the banks of the Pamba River.

Vallamkali refers to the boat race competition that is held during the last two days of the festival. The participants, who are trained to row these boats, compete not merely for winning the competition but to celebrate the anniversary of the Sri Krishna idol installation, the main diety at the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. As according to history Lord Krishna crossed river Pamba, the race is conducted in the Pamba River in front of the temple to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.

This annual event attracts tourists from all over the world. The snake boats that participate in this colorful carnival are called Palliyodams. The structure of these boats resemble snakes and are about 100 feet in length, with its front tapering, hood raised and the rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft. During the races, about 39 to 41 of such boats participate in the event each accommodating about 120 people including oarsmen, singers and helmsmen. Colorful flags are fixed at the head of the boat and the colorful parasols at the center make it a spectacular show of pageantry too. 

Apart from the famous boat races, other rituals include offering prayers to Lord Krishna early in the morning on the day of the boat race. At this time all boats assemble near the temple to seek blessings of Lord. After the morning prayers and other rituals, the race starts from the afternoon, with groups of men and singers all shouting and singing in a rhythmic manner.

A series of songs called “Vanchipattu” are sung throughout the races, while group of men row up and down the River. Decorated silk banners and golden umbrellas are carries along with the participants that provide a mystical environment to the festival of Aranmula Vallamkali. Palliyoda Seva Sangam is the main organizer behind the annual water festival. Over the years even the Central Tourism Ministry has been providing financial assistance for preserving and promoting this legendary snake boat race, believed to be in existence for the past 1,000 years.

Traditionally, it is commanded by a Kaarnavan / Karanaadhan (Village leader) with First Adanayampu and under him there will be 3 main oarsmen who control the movement of the boat along with 12 feet long main rudder-oar (Adanayampu). Sitting two in row along the length of the Boat there will be the oarsmen, they row in rhythm of the vanchipattu (boatman's song). Standing on the platform in the middle of the boat, the main singer will lead the vanchipattu. A few singers will be with the main leader while others will stand at the middle between the oarsmen.

Time of celebration:

Aranmula Vallamkali is organized during Onam in the month of September every year. This year it will be celebrated on 6th Sep’2010.