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Showing posts from November 8, 2015


Onam Pookalam 2014

Onam Pookalam 2014 photos published in various newspapers and other websites. Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam 2014 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September).  These above images are from an Athapookalam competition held in Kerala 2014. The first three were prize winners. Related Onam Pookalam Photos 2013

Diwali In Andhra Pradesh And Telangana

Diwali in Andhra Pradesh is spread over five days and begins on Ashwin Krishna Paksha or Bahula Trayodashi as per traditional Hindu Lunar calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Diwali in Andhra Pradesh in 2024 is from October 29 to November 3. On the first day, prayers are offered to Ganesha, Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi. The day is known as the Dhanteras day. Worship is also offered to Kuber Yantra. Yama Deep Daan or special lights are offered to Yama in the evening. This is to prevent any untimely death in the family. Second day is observed as Naraka Chaturdasi. Images of Narakasura are taken around the village and towns. It is then burned in an appropriate place. The third day is known as Kaumudi Utsav. Special delicacies are made from urad dal on the day. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides on Til oil on the day. Til or Sesame oil is rubbed on the body. Lamps are light in homes and in important places. Special Lakshmi puja is also conducted on the day.

Information on Official Website of Sabarimala Queue Booking System – Online Queue Booking in at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala

For smooth and hassle free darshan at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in pilgrim season , Kerala police have created an official website for booking for a place in the queue in the Nadapanthal. Virtual Queue booking is currently available. The devotee who registers online will be given a coupon which contains date and time to join the separate queue. The print out of the coupon in pdf format has to be taken out by the devotee. The coupon will be verified with relevant id cards and the person will be allowed in the separate queue. There is a police verification point and information center for directing virtual queue devotees at Pampa. Link - You can do online queue booking here at the official website from the first week of October  – Official Website of Sabarimala Queue Booking System . Virtual Queue Help Line Numbers are - 0471 324 3000, 324 4000, 324 5000 By booking for standing in the queue, a devotee is not assured with Darshan at Sabarimala.  However this entitles