ഗുരുവായൂർ ഉത്സവം തിരുവാതിരക്കളി | GURUVAYOOR ULSAVAM THIRUVATHIRAKKALI

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A Groups of up to eight or ten women are seen dressed in traditional Kerala attire, dancing in a circle. The graceful movements of the dance are both enchanting and elegant. The white saris with colourful borders along with fresh jasmines adorning their hair make for a wonderful sight. Fidelity and the power of female energy are the crux of this ancient practice
Guruvayur, the Utsavam lasts for ten days. Beginning on the day of Pushya (the 8th asterism) in the month of Kumbham ( February-March), it ends after the Aarattu on the 10th day.
Religiously, it is the restoration of divine Chaithanya. Brahmakalasam is preceded by the Utsavam. It is aimed at the purification and energisation of the powers of the deity. It is the last of the long series of rituals of kalasam and at the end, the flag will be hoisted heralding the Utsavam.
Culturally, it consists of various processions, illumination and modest fire-works (this is a specialty of Guruvayur Utsavam that no explosives are used, unlike most of the other Kerala temples). All ten days, the place wears a festive look, streets dressed up with arches, festoons etc., houses freshly thatched and painted. Every shrine and building is tastefully decorated with lights, plantain trunks, bunches of coconut and arecanuts. Two Gopurams and the bahyankana (outer-courtyard) are elaborately decorated with illuminations and eye-catching electric displays. The lamps, deepasthambams and vilakku are all lightened.
The annual festival at the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple is on. As usual, this year too, the Guruvayur Devaswam has made elaborate arrangements, well in advance, for the ten day long festival. Beginning on the day of Pushya (the 8th Asterism) during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March, as per the English calendar), the festival, perhaps the best known in this part of the world, ends with the much publicised Aarattu on the tenth day