Greetings to the ladies of this beautiful community. An apt answer to the question posted by @kerrislravenhill - Happy to welcome you to my hometown kerala state in South India, which is otherwise known as "God's Own Country". The land of coconuts and cashews that is what we are famous for..
So here is the prompt according to my post retirement financial model, I could almost afford an overseas trip every other year. I'd like my Hive sisters or brothers to plan my 3-day visit to your home town or city. What would we do and where would we go for me to experience your culture?
To know more about the details of this contest kindly click here
Firstly try taking the nearest airport to our state,, from your destination. On arrival, as Kerala is a tourist centre, you can get a better itinerary from a local travel agent or from the airport, well in advance.
I definitely prefer you coming during "Onam" [usually in the month of September] - our state festival or during "temple festivals" across our state. The reason being you can experience the rich heritage, food and culture at our place. That's the most beautiful time, where you can take back memories on your return.
This was in 2024- onam celebration with friends
This in 2025 - from my son's office
This is called pookalam. A must fresh flower rangoli in every homes and offices.
Talking about Onam, you get to taste the traditional food laid in plantain leaf which is less spicy, sweet and sour. It is a 10 day long festival. And most Art centres, Schools, Colleges and office get to organize several programmes which includes games and traditional dance.
This is thiruvathirakali in September. 2025 in my friend's office.
The most famous dance is called thiruvathira kali performed by ladies standing in a circular position, with a traditional long standing oil lamp in the center, wearing the traditional attire "set mundu". Its nice to see, how the dance is performed in a clock wise and anti clockwise sirection, evenly by the trained ladies.
Last Onam 2024 with friends
Too many games steal the show. One among them is the Sundarikk pottu thodan meaning placing a bindi (dot) on the forehead of ladies. Here a framed picture of a girl's face is hung somewhere nearby and each participant is given a bindi to stick on her forehead while being blind folded.
This is just one variety of the game. Their are lots more making the festive more special. As per the tradition men wear mundu and shirt and ladies where set mund.
A collection of temple fest - temple is packed, the elephants with Mahout and the drum beaters making the festival more live.
Temple festival is another occasion where the Hindu ladies continue fasting for 15 days, by staying in a famous temple . And there is another famous festival thrissur pooram where the elephants are placed in a ljne and mahout controls it, on sitting top of it. The main highlight of this festival is kudamattam (exchange of colourful umbrellas) while sitting on top of the elephant. If you need to have a detailed review of this, you can google by typing Thrissur pooram.
These are just a few to name them. Besides, too many old traditions are still carried on in several occasions.
Hope you will make your bookings accordingly to your convenience. Thankyou for your visit to my blog.
