I was fortunate enough to visit Kerala last week when I got to witness huge congregation of crowd from various districts during these festivals of Kerala. My visit to Kerala was during the time of the celebration of the famous Sabrimala Festival. One of the major attractions of Kerala is the presence of numerous extravagant temples which acquire intrinsic role in the culture of Kerala as they host magnificent festivals.

Celebrated during the pilgrimage towards Sabrimala temple situated on Sahyadri Mountains, this festival propagates ideals of brotherhood and communal harmony amongst its people. I being a great devotee of Lord Ayyappa was all enthusiastic when I heard of the pilgrimage to the temple devoted to him- Shri Dharma Saastha Temple and hence, immediately packed myself for this journey. This seven day long procession to the temple is a festive season in Kerala which reaches its finale on the 14th of January.

On this day a ritualistic celebration of Makara Vilakku Puja is held post 41 days of intricate journey people celebrates the legendary event of enshrining of lord Ayyappa.
I count myself as the fortunate of the lot who witnessed the idol of Lord Ayyappa decorated with all the ancient ornaments made in gold the enshrining of the deity is the most important event of Kerala festivals. The festival then included a procession towards hill of the Sahyadri ranges to witness the celestial light that appears on this day.

I was completely mesmerized at the sight of the Makarjyothi on the hills and was deeply honored at this grand gesture of lord’s blessing to us. Such celebrations in Kerala are a measure of propagating brotherhood and love amidst people. These phenomenon event witnesses great crowds due to the faith and curiosity of the people about the divine presence of the lord in the premises of Sabrimala shrine which drove me as well to these pristine environs of Kerala.