Festivals have always been one of the best ways to connect with friends and family, and this time around, we’re taking you to the beautiful city of Kochi for a taste of what Kerala has to offer. The festival is a celebration of the lakes and their unique ecosystem. Let’s go on an exciting journey as we explore this wonderful festival in detail.
What is festival of the lakes?
This festival is heartily known as Vaikom Mahotsavam, which means ‘festival of the consorts’ encompasses various events and celebrations around Lake Viverra. It was launched at a function held in 1956 by His Highness Maharajah Rama Vira Kochukunji VIII. The word ‘Kochu’ comes from the Sanskrit word Kuchcha meaning white or fair whereas it stems from Tamil words Kalam and Kali meaning course or dynasty.
The Festival of the Lakes is celebrated every year on a lunar calendar date near Thulam 26th, which falls in August/September. This day coincides with Pancasasana (Navarathri) as from 7:31 PM to 8:27 PM Bhagavatham-sampradaya – 34th devotional song composed by Adi Shankara — commences at Kottayam Bhagavathi temple.
What is the story behind Festival of lakes?
It all started when Vettathunadu Maharajah Rama Ayyappan Pillai Kochukonji VIII acquired rights to build a dam across the river Punnaverki (a stream running thru Silent Valley) and he built it, which was completed in 1973. The lake derived its name from one such tree called lunnalottam for being sculpted by nature . The king went on to promote “fishing and tourism, with the project providing employment to thousands of men.
The community conference decided that an important festival must be held in Kovalam every year so they could produce funds for all these developments and show their appreciation towards this ruler. Hence it was named ‘Vaikom Mahotsavam’ (Festival of consorts). In 1956, a grand ceremony was undertaken by His High ness Maharajah Rama Vira Kochukunji VIII to celebrate both the completion of the dam and birth anniversary celebration of his wife Rajamani MahaViktayom Thrivepillaiyar. An official proclamation from once in 1956 was reproduced here: Year-1956
‘Vaikomsagarign Kovalam (Kaipattanum), a beautiful lake situated at Vaikk om in Pathanamthitta District, has been completed and is now ready with water. Its ideals combine those of education and music, making it a renowned attraction for the visitors at Kovalam town. His Highness Maharajah Rama Vira Kochukunji VIII laid sincere emphasis on this work through his keen awareness using all possible technical skill; to present before the world-in fact even as an object of admiration’ From the shores of Vaikom stands a 5 m-high masterpiece – Kovalam, Meenachil Bird Sanctuary. It is at present the only place in Kerala where one can find rare birds like Cockerell’s oriole (Cyanoramphus malabaricus), Black baza each year on August 15 and Serin batis oaris & Houbara bustard during December to January.
Conclusion
This blog post is about the festival of the lakes. The event will be held from 20th June to 6th July. It is an annual festival in Delhi, India and has been held since 1980.
Tags: festival, festival of the lakes
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