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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.
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Introduction to the Aarattu Festival in Kerala
