DANCE AND FESTIVAL

Vishu: Beginning on a New Calender Year in Kerala falls on the first day of month April, which is the astronomical New Year Day when the sun crosses the equator. The first thing people see on Vishu, the 'Vishukkani', is decisive to the year's prosperity. Therefore the 'Vishukkani' is a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers 'konna' (cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called 'uruli'. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. As Vishu ushers in a New Year dawn, people wake up to behold the ritualistic arrangement. Giving off handsel (kaineettam) to the younger members of the family is part of the celebrations.

Thirunakara Festival: In the Thirunakara Temple the heart of Kottayam
and dedicated to Lord Siva is also famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture. The annual festival of this temple falls in the months of March-April, when folk arts like "Mayilattam' and 'Velakali' are presented in the temple grounds in the evenings. In connection with the festivala fair is also held , featuring exhibitions of industrial and agricultural products, besides the usual fair ground stalls.