Kerala Government Organised Onam Celebration At The Rashtrapati Bhavan

Onam Celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

Honourable President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee hosted hundreds of guests at his official residence for a special programme celebrating Onam. In a first of its kind, the Onam celebrations were organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the Government of Kerala.

Titled ‘Kairali’, the Onam evening showcased the unique art forms of Kerala. “Onam is a festival that transcends the barriers of caste, creed and social status. It is a secular festival celebrated by one and all,” said Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala. “Onam reminds us every year of the spirit of love, brotherhood, peace and harmony,” he said.

Around 70 artists performed at the hour-long cultural programme which began with a “Vadyamanjari” a percussion ensemble, and showcased art forms such as Mohiniyattam, Kathakali and a choreographed performance of Kerala Natanam, Margamkali, Oppana, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, and Kalaripayattu. This was followed by ‘Onasadya’, the grand feast served during Onam festival.

Organised by Kerala Tourism in partnership with the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s 'Indra Dhanush' cultural series, the programme was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, Mr. P. Sadasivam, Governor of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, and his cabinet colleagues Mr. A. C. Moideen, Minister for Tourism, Mr. E. Chandrasekharan, Minister for Revenue, Mr. Kadannappally Ramachandran, Minister for Ports ,Mr. A. K. Sasindran, Minister for Transport , Ms. K. K. Shylaja , Minister for Health, Ms. J. Mercikutty Amma, Minister for Fisheries, and Mr. K. T. Jaleel, Minister for Local Self-Government, Mr. Mohan M. Shantanagoudar, Chief Justice, Kerala High Court, MPs, senior state and central government officials including  Mr. S. M. Vijayanand, Chief Secretary, as well as Ambassadors from Gulf nations.

Tiruttani Subramaniya Swamy Temple – It Has Been Pointed Out The Fifth Abode Along With Six Holy Abodes

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE

AT

TIRUTHANI

Tiruthani is a holy town located in Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Murugan Temple. This temple is one among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. 

The story of Lord Muruga and Valli has a great message of philosophy. Every one should walk towards the Almighty for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

The world we live in is a rented house and what our own is the feet of the Lord. Almost all of us feel that this is ours and are hunting for material wealth and pleasures. Enlightened souls understand this truth and they win illusions and reach the final destination-the feet of the Lord.

Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar.

According to legend, Devayani, daughter of Indra married Lord Murugan and was presented Indra's elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning.

Lord Subramanya is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra refused to accept a gift that he had made and instead requested that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. 

The hill temple is reachable by a motorable road and is also accessed through a plight of 365 steps. The temple has 4 enclosures and a series of temple towers. There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage.

The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower. The large ornament adorning the image of Subramanya is decorated with green stones and is of great beauty. 

Lord Muruga is seen holding Vajra Hastam in his right hand instead of Vel, his regular weapon. There are separate shrines for Valli and Devayani. Sri Aadhi Balasubramanian graces on the wall behind the sanctum sanctorum as a child. Lord Bhairava graces in temple with 4 dogs vehicle representing 4 Vedas. The temple also has five ponds spread around the temple. 

By Air

Chennai internation airport in the nearest airport.

By Train

Arokonam and tiruvallur station is the nearest railway stations.

By Bus

Tiruthani is 97 km from Chennai, 42 km from Tiruvallur and 42 km from Kancheepuram.

Maharastra Tourism Provides Jungle Safari For Tourist

Jungle Safari (Amravati)

MTDC has taken initiative to provide Jungle Safari Activity to Tourist/Guests visiting Holiday Resort Chikhaldara.

Tourist will be provided the Jungle Safari facility which will start from MTDC Resort and will end at Resort itself.

Tourist will have to choose the package amongst following

A) Chikhaldara - Melghat Jungle Safari

Tourist will have 2 options

1. Morning Safari - Start from MTDC Chikhaldara Resort at 5.30 am and will end at 10.30 am.

OR

2. Afternoon Safari - Start from MTDC Resort Chikhaldara at 2.00 pm and will end at 7.00 pm.

This package will include Open Gypsy Fare + Forest Guide Fees + All the Entry Fees at Forest which will cost Rs.3500/-.

B) Verat  - Sunset Jungle Safari

In this Safari tourist will be taken to the Jungle Safari in an Open Gypsy for 6 Persons and will start from MTDC Resort at 4.00 pm and will end at 6.30 pm which will cost Rs. 2000/-.

C) Local Sightseeing, Chikhaldara

In this package tourist will be taken to the well known Tourist Destinations in and around Chikhaldara, they are as follows

Sunset Point, Devi Point, Gavilgad Fort, Mozari Point, Bhimkund, Panchbol Point (Eco Point), Garden Point, Hariken Point, Boating (Excludes Boating Charges) etc. Which will take around 3 hours of time and will cost Rs. 1500.

For More Details Contact
Abdul Sabir
901113289, 9021344160
zakir1432@gmail.com