South Indian Agri Expo 2014

 Agri Fiesta 2014, the South Indian Agri Expo organized by Kerala Agricultural University was inaugurated on 29 Feb 2013 at Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur in Kerala .  The event provides a platform for research organizations, development departments, farmers and other agricultural sectors to showcase their products and discuss on new technologies in agriculture. The Fiesta concludes 06th March 2014.

The divine dance of North Kerala, Theyyam : An Experience

It is the season of Theyyam performances in Kerala. Many of the temples in North Kerala, especially in Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, conduct yearly theyyam performances for the well-being and prosperity of the land and people. Theyyams are the representation of deities which appear in colourful costumes and make ups. This ritual art form is usually performed by specified communities like Mannan, Vannan, Malayan, etc in the area. This year I got a chance to witness a Theyyam festival in two – three temples. When I contacted Dist. Tourism Promotion council (DTPC), Kannur, they suggested, Mr Prakash Manhapra (prakash.manhapra@gmail.com), who is also a Theyyam consultant for Kerala Tourism.

Thottam at Cherkunnu Vadakkdathu Temple

 

The temple is of the carpenter community of Cherukunnu; and so it is also called Aasari kottam (aasari in Malayalam means carpenter). The temple is with a main sanctorum for the Goddesses and some dedicated places for other deities. Usually, as in any Theyyam festival, the ceremonial start was by bringing a Lighted traditional oil lamp. Before the actual performance of Theyyam, some preliminary performances like Thottam or Vellattam is also held for each Theyyam character. I reached in this temple by evening and it was the time to start the Thottam songs of the main Goddesses Olimakal and Kilimakal. The performers appeared in ceremonial costumes and sung the folk song praising the Goddesses and narrating their story. In the makeup room another performer was getting ready for his turn for the Vellattam performance of Dharma Daivam. Seeing all these, I left the temple, heading for another temple in the nearby area.

Kandakarnan Theyyam at Chimminiyan Kavu

 

Books on Kerala

Painted Abode of Gods  - Mural Traditions of Kerala 

Author(s): A. Ramachandran, Pramod Chandra 

Publisher: Vadehra Art Gallery / Vedic Books.

No. of Pages: 500+

Price:INR 3600

www.vadehraart.com

TRIBAL HEALTH AND MEDICINES IN KERALA

Author: N Viswanathan Nair
Publisher: DC Books
Price: INR 150 /-
No: of Pages: 280
www.dcbooks.com

THE STORY OF MUNNAR

Author: Sulochana Nalappatt
Publisher: DC Books
Price: INR 750 /-
No: of Pages: 600
www.dcbooks.com

Actress Jayabharathi at Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple, Thrissur

Jayabharathi, Indian film actress had a classical dance performance for Shivarathri festival at  Vadakkumnathan temple, Thrissur on Sunday, 23 February 2014.

The actress mesmerized the audience with her graceful steps. She started her performance with Arthanareeswara and ended up with a Meera Bhajan. Jayanharathi danced up with the krithi's of Muthuswami Deekshithar. She was accompanied by a group of artists for dance and music.  Jayabharathi, after long years in Classical dance, ended her  performance attracting a huge audience. Ajeesh Manjeri, Rajesh, Vaidehi, Pavana, the dancers and Venugopal, Sakthivel, Sunil Kumar and Sikhamani, for music completes the entire team.

Vairamkode Theeyattu, the temple festival

The temple festival of Vairamkode is held every year in the month of February. The festival is locally  called as Vairamkode Theeyattu. The 6 day festival from Sunday to Friday, begins with ‘Maram Muri’, the cutting of trees needed for the festival. On the coming Tuesday (considered as an auspicious day for Godesss Bhagavathy), there will be cheriya theeyattu, with small processions, poothan and thira. The festival ends with Valiya Theeyattu on Friday. There will different folk forms, kattalan(with make ups for the forest dwellers), colorful processions and other activities. The procession is very attractive and is very popular in Malabar region of Kerala. Fireworks and various cultural programmes will be held in the night. The village trade fairs are very active on these days.

Vairamkode temple is situated in a village called Thirunavaya in Malappuram district of Kerala. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala dedicated to Godess Bhadrakaali.

The Great Kerala Food Championship

Kerala tourism is conducting a food championship to encourage the foodies and culinarians. Interested persons can send their articles related to Kerala food. Prizes are awarded after the judgment.  For more details, https://www.keralatourism.org/foodchampionship/

World Spice Congress 2014

The 12th World Spice Congress started in Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea in Kerala. The congress will bring together the persons from various sectors of spice industry to a common platform. The central theme of the event this year is 'Sustainability and Food Safety: Global Initiatives'. The congress also focuses on the future of the industry and its existing challenges.

The event is held at Hotel Crowne Plaza at Cochin. There will be paper presentations on different sessions namely, Sustainable Agricultural Programmes, Engaging Research to Meet Industry Challenges, Regulations: Harmonisation And Simplification, Crops and Market and Value addition in spices by eminent personalities  from spices industry. Panel discussions will be held on different subjects related to spice industry. The event will also organise Cookery shows and various other sessions.

For Details log on to http://worldspicecongress.com/