Source: CCTV.com
04-20-2008 10:19
In Southern India, Elephants are the focus o another spring festival, 'Thissur Puram' is attracting thousands of people, swarming the centuries old temple festival. The event -- at the Vadakkunnathan temple in India's southern Kerala state, features a breathtaking parade of 30 richly caparisoned elephants.
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| In Southern India, Elephants are the focus o another spring festival, 'Thissur Puram' is attracting thousands of people, swarming the centuries old temple festival. |
The biggest of all elephant festivals in Kerala state, 'Thissur Pooram' is a 36-hour long affair. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction.
The festival commences with the arrival of small rival elephant processions. Each carries its respective deity from the various temples in the villages across Thissur.
It culminates at the grounds of Vadakkunnathan temple.
C.R. Prasad, Local Resident, said, "I have been coming here for the past few years to see the special percussion show which many people gather to see and is the main attraction of this festival because of its grandeur and fame with so many artists, and will always remain Thissur Pooram's most appealing part. Pooram is wonderful and I feel happy that I was able to attend this."
For foreign tourists, the festival is an excellent opportunity for a taste of Indian tradition and culture.
John Rogers, Tourist from the US, Said, "I'm here for Pooram because I've heard it is one of the greatest festivals of south India and in all Kerala. It's an amazing display of religious devotion. So far, I've seen the elephant procession to the temple and it's truly something amazing to see."
It is believed that King Sakthan, who ruled Cochin in the late 18th century, started the festival.
Hindus in India revere elephants as an incarnation of elephant god Ganesha, lord of luck and prosperity.
The word "Pooram" literally means a group or a meeting. It's believed that the gods and goddesses meet for a day of celebration, falling either in April or May.
