Introduction to the Aarattu
Festival in Kerala
South India abounds in temples.
The state of Kerala is no exception. These temples are the centers of a large
number of fairs and festivals. There are innumerable customs and rituals that
are related to these festivals and they are religiously followed at the time of
the celebration of these festivals.
Two such prime rituals that are
followed in the important temples of Kerala are Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and
Aarattu (Holy Bath). The Aarattu Festival in Kerala is of special relevance at
the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
History of the Aarattu Festival
in Kerala
As mentioned before, the Aaarattu
Festival is more of a ritual than a festival that is connected to the temple
festivals in Kerala. The custom has been traditionally observed ever since the
festivals were celebrated. However at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in
Thiruvananthapuram, this religious rite is observed with so much of ceremonial
elegance and splendor that it is synonymous with celebrating a festival. The
Aarattu Festival in Kerala therefore gains greater magnitude at
Thiruvananthapuram.
Description of the Aarattu
Festival in Kerala
The unique feature of the Aarattu
Festival as celebrated at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in
Thiruvananthapuram is that when the idols are taken for the holy bath, the head
of the royal family of the erstwhile state of Travancore accompanies the
procession. It is indeed a very grand procession that is sure to impress one
with its magnificence. The idols are taken to the Shankumugham Beach and then
given the purifying bath in the sea.
The Aarattu Festival is also
celebrated at the Sree Krishnaswamy Temple at Ambalapuzha with much brilliance
even though it does not match the celebrations at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy
Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Here the festival begins with a flag hoisting
ceremony. Apart from the traditional holy bath of the idol, an important
feature of the festival as celebrated in this temple is that Ambalapuzha Palpayasam,
a sweet dish is always offered to the lord.
Time for celebrating the Aarattu
Festival in Kerala
The Aarattu Festival is
celebrated twice each year. It is once celebrated in the months of October -
November and yet again in the months of March - April. On both the occasions,
this festival lasts for a period of ten days.
Indianholiday provides online
information on the Aarattu Festival in Kerala and offers online booking for a
tour to Kerala.
Keyword Might Be Search:-
Festivals In Kerala
Indian Festival
Aarattu in Kerala
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