Kerala in April

April in Kerala

April in Kerala: Where Tradition Meets Celebration in a Symphony of Colors and Culture

 

Welcome to Kerala, the land of lush greenery, serene backwaters, and vibrant cultural festivities. As April dawns upon this enchanting state, it brings with it a wave of excitement and celebration. From traditional New Year rituals to grand festivals that showcase Kerala’s rich heritage, this month is a testament to the region’s vibrant spirit and cultural diversity. Join us as we embark on a journey through the kaleidoscope of events that make April in Kerala truly special.

Here is the list of festivals :

1.Nenmara Vallangi Vela (April -02)

Nenmara Vallangi Vela

 

The Nenmara Vallangi Vela festival, held in the villages of Nenmara and Vallangi in Kerala’s Palakkad district, is a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. Taking place during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April), the festival features colorful processions with decorated elephants, cultural performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. It holds immense religious significance for the local communities, drawing crowds of devotees and tourists alike. The Nenmara Vallangi Vela is not only a religious event but also a community gathering that fosters unity and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Rituals and Events:

  • Kodiyettam: The festival commences with the ceremonial hoisting of the flag (Kodiyettam) at the Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple and the Pothundi Dam area.
  • Processions: Elaborate processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional music bands, and cultural performances are a highlight of the festival. The idols of the deities are carried atop decorated elephants amid much fanfare and reverence.
  • Fireworks: The night sky dazzles with colorful fireworks displays, adding to the festive fervor and creating a spectacle for all to behold.
  • Cultural Programs: Various cultural programs, including folk dances, music concerts, and theatrical performances, entertain the gathering and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
  • Offerings and Prayers: Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities for prosperity, happiness, and protection.

 2.Malayattor Perunnal (April -7)

malayattor perunnal

 

Malayattor Perunnal is a revered Christian festival celebrated at the Malayattoor Church in Kerala, India. Dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, it draws thousands of pilgrims who trek up the Malayattoor Hill seeking blessings. The festival features prayers, masses, colorful processions, and offerings, fostering community spirit and cultural heritage. With its rich traditions and spiritual significance, Malayattor Perunnal holds a special place in the hearts of Kerala’s Christian community and visitors alike.

Rituals and Events:

  • Church Services: Special prayers, masses, and religious services are conducted throughout the festival period at the Malayattoor Church.
  • Pilgrimage: Thousands of devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Malayattoor, trekking up the hill to visit the church and seek the blessings of St. Thomas.
  • Processions: Colorful processions, often accompanied by traditional music and dance, take place as part of the festivities, adding to the religious fervor and atmosphere of the occasion.
  • Offerings: Devotees offer prayers, light candles, and make offerings at the church, expressing their devotion and seeking spiritual blessings.

3.Attuvela Mahotsavam (April 9)

Attuvela Mahotsavam

Attuvela Mahotsavam is an annual festival celebrated at the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala. The highlight of the festival is a grand procession of beautifully decorated canoes sailing along the backwaters surrounding the temple. With cultural performances and religious observances, the festival fosters community spirit and attracts tourists seeking a glimpse of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

Rituals and Events:

  • Attuvela Procession: The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of decorated canoes or “kettukazhcha” that sail along the backwaters surrounding the temple. These canoes are adorned with colorful silk parasols, effigies of deities, and traditional decorations.
  • Cultural Performances: Attuvela Mahotsavam features various cultural programs, including traditional music, dance performances, and folk arts, which add to the festive ambiance.
  • Religious Observances: Devotees gather at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Bhagavathy for prosperity, protection, and well-being

4.Kodungallor Bharani (April -9&10)

Kodungallor Bharani

 

Kodungallur Bharani is a vibrant festival at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It features rituals like Bharani Pattu, colorful processions, and fireworks. The festival draws devotees from across Kerala and beyond, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Rituals and Events:

  • Bharani Pattu: The festival begins with the singing of Bharani Pattu, a traditional song expressing devotion to the goddess and invoking her blessings.
  • Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks displays illuminate the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere and excitement.
  • Processions: Colorful processions, featuring traditional music, dance, and performances, are a highlight of the festival. Devotees carry ornate umbrellas and traditional weapons as offerings to the goddess.
  • Self-inflicted Wounds: A unique aspect of Kodungallur Bharani is the practice of devotees inflicting wounds on their bodies as a form of penance and devotion to the goddess.

5.Painkuni Festival (April-12 -21)

Painkuni Festival

 

The Painkuni festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a vibrant celebration dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy. It features a grand procession of temple deities, cultural performances, and fervent prayers by devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. The festival, marked by colorful decorations and community participation, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala in a joyous atmosphere.

Rituals and Events:

  • Grand Procession: The highlight of the festival is the elaborate procession of the temple deities carried on beautifully adorned chariots, accompanied by traditional music and chanting.
  • Decorations: The temple premises and the surrounding areas are decorated with colorful floral arrangements, traditional lamps, and festive banners, creating a vibrant ambiance.
  • Cultural Performances: Various cultural programs, including classical music and dance performances, are organized as part of the festivities, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Offerings and Prayers: Devotees throng the temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings from the divine deities for prosperity and well-being.

6.Thrissur Pooram (April-19)

Thrissur pooram

 

Thrissur Pooram is a vibrant festival at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It features a grand procession of decorated elephants, accompanied by traditional music and fireworks. Drawing crowds from far and wide, the festival is a celebration of culture, community, and devotion to Lord Shiva.

  1. Rituals and Events:
    • Elephant Procession: The main highlight of Thrissur Pooram is the procession of decorated elephants from neighboring temples, each carrying a ceremonial parasol (kudamattam) and accompanied by traditional percussion ensembles.
    • Fireworks: Elaborate and synchronized fireworks displays light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere and excitement.
    • Music and Cultural Performances: Various musical performances, including traditional Kerala percussion music like Chenda Melam and Panchavadyam, entertain the crowds gathered for the festival.
    • Caparisoned Elephants: The elephants participating in the procession are adorned with decorative accessories like golden nettipattam (headgear), peacock feather fans, and brightly colored silk attire.

7.Kadamanitta Padayani (April-21)

Kadamanitta Padayani

 

Kadamanitta Padayani is a colorful folk festival at Kadamanitta Devi Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It features vibrant processions, traditional music, and energetic performances. The festival, celebrated with fervor during the Malayalam month of Medam, attracts devotees and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

Rituals and Events:

  • Padayani Procession: The highlight of the festival is the Padayani procession, where performers, adorned in colorful costumes and elaborate masks, depict various mythical characters and deities associated with Hindu mythology.
  • Music and Dance: Padayani is accompanied by traditional percussion music, including Chenda, Thappu, and Ilathalam, creating a rhythmic atmosphere. Folk dances like Thullal and Kolam are also performed during the festival.
  • Offerings and Prayers: Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Bhadrakali for prosperity and well-being. They often make symbolic offerings and participate in religious rituals.

8.Edathua Perunnal (April-27 -May -07)

Edathua Perunnal

 

Edathua Perunnal is a vibrant Christian festival at St. George Forane Church in Edathua, Kerala. Dedicated to St. George, it features colorful processions, prayers, and cultural events. Drawing devotees from across Kerala, the festival showcases the region’s rich religious traditions in a spirit of celebration and unity.

Rituals and Events:

  • Processions: The festival features colorful processions with the statue of St. George, accompanied by traditional music and prayers, as it is carried through the streets of Edathua.
  • Religious Services: Special masses and religious services are conducted at the church throughout the festival period, allowing devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings.
  • Cultural Programs: Cultural events, including music concerts, dance performances, and dramas, are organized as part of the festivities, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

 

Are you ready to experience the magic of Kerala? Whether you’re a traveler seeking new adventures or a culture enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this vibrant state, now is the time to plan your visit. Explore the events and festivals mentioned in this blog post, or discover even more treasures waiting to be uncovered in Kerala’s picturesque landscapes. Follow our blog for updates on upcoming events and insider tips on making the most of your Kerala experience.

 Wellnessloka invite you to start your wellness journey with us. Explore our platform, discover empowering resources, and embark on a path to holistic well-being. Let Kerala’s cultural richness inspire you to prioritize self-care and embrace a life filled with joy, vitality, and balance.

Together, let us celebrate the beauty of Kerala’s traditions and cultivate a culture of wellness in our lives. Join us at WellnessLoka as we journey towards a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future.

WellnessLoka is established with the aim of making the world a healthier and a happier place. With a carefully curated selection of 3500+ wellness retreats in collaboration with 250 trusted gurus and properties, we simplify the process of discovering and booking authentic Ayurveda and Yoga experiences. Our team of experienced wellness consultants and doctors are here to assist you choose the retreat that best aligns with your goals and budget. As your dedicated representative in Kerala, we prioritise your interests, ensuring peace of mind during your stay. We maintain long-term partnerships with resorts, allowing us to secure the best prices for you!

Visit www.wellnessloka.com to explore the world of authentic wellness retreats.

 

Corporate yoga : Flavours of Yoga

 

 

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar

Offices are slowly reopening as people are getting fully vaccinated and workers have returned to their respective workplaces. Corporates have realized that the struggle is real. Covid 19 or not, companies worldwide have already started implementing corporate wellness programs – one of which is introducing yoga in the workplace.The person who work in corporate culture can understand that how tiring is sitting in long time in front of the laptop. So because of these problems body becomes more stiff .

Balancing the personal life with office life leads to stress. How to get rid from these problems and health issues.The concept of Yoga in the workplace is based on the holistic merits of Yoga to improve physical and emotional stability of employees.

 

Flavours of yoga

Flavours of yoga means the essence of the practice . This includes the techniques in it.

1.Sukshma vyayama

Sukhshma vyayama otherwise called as loosening exercise. This is very mandatory for all the employees for relaxing the stiffness of joints.Yogic Sukshma Vyayama techniques are considered to be extremely powerful, as they activate the subtle pranic body. Their benefits include developing memory, intellect, willpower, and sharpening the senses.

2. Yoga Nidra

 

Yoga Nidra other wise called as yogic sleep. It helps to relieve from stress and anxiety.Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep as it is commonly known, is an immensely powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. While the practitioner rests comfortably in savasana (corpse pose), this systematic meditation takes you through the pancha maya kosha (five layers of self), leaving you with a sense of wholeness. No longer do you have to dread spending hours sitting on the floor waiting for liberation.

3. Relaxation techniques

These are techniques used to relax body and mind . It includes deep relaxation technique, quick relaxation technique , Instant relaxation technique.Relaxation techniques are practices to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response,” which is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. The relaxation response is the opposite of the stress response.

4. Pranayama

Breathing is something we do on a daily basis. The body, in a living state, breathes involuntarily whether we are awake, sleeping, or actively exercising. Breathing is living. It is a vital function of life. In yoga,  this is called pranayamaPrana is a Sanskrit word that means life force and ayama means extending or stretching. Thus, the word “pranayama” translates to the control of life force. It is also known as the extension of breath. Every cell in our bodies needs oxygen to function properly. So it’s no surprise that research shows that a regular practice of controlled breathing can decrease the effects of stress on the body and increase overall physical and mental health. It is used to improve the lung capacity and helps to improve oxygen supply to be brain.

5. Asanas

An asana is simply a physical shape that you do with your body. Asanas are performed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Asanasor yoga poseshelp the body’s joints , ligaments, and muscles strengthen through movement. A regular yoga practice can, over time, increase flexibility and mobility, lubricating the spine and alignment to aid in everyday activity.

6. Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction. It is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine.

Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. It is a practice in which an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity  to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.

 

Mental benefits of yoga

  • Help reduce depression
  • Decrease perceived stress
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Importance of yoga
  • Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness
  • Increases body awareness
  • Relieves chronic stress and relaxes the mind
  • Centers attention
  • sharpens concentration

Do’s and Don’ts in yoga

Do’s

  • Do yoga in a clean and ventilated space
  • Do under expert guidance
  • Keep yourself hydrated

Don’t

  • Don’t do yoga in full stomach
  • Don’t hesitate to tell to the instructor when you are not comfortable.

Incorporating yoga into your employees’ lives can improve their mental and physical health. The poses of yoga can help reduce physical pain, workplace stress and also decrease absenteeism.With energy levels increased, your employees will be more productive and motivated to work. Moreover, a yoga program is a cost-effective one that will require only 10-20 minutes of your employees’ time daily to reap its full benefits.So, waste no time to incorporate and reap the benefits of yoga at work.