Utsavam is a time of celebrations and feasting that give, the travelers an excellent opportunity, to know about the cultural heritage of that state. Guruvayoor Utsavam in Kerala is one such occasion that attract thousands of devotees from every corner of the world.
Guruvayoor is one of the oldest and most visited Hindu temples of Kerala that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legends when Krishna was going to heaven, he gave an idol of him to Udhava (who gave it to Guru). Guru (teacher of Devas) later established it in Thrissur and constructed this temple. Thus it was called the Guruvayoor temple. Since then every year in the month of February, an annual Utsavam is organized by the temple authorities, to mark the origin of the Krishna idol in the shrine.
This year the Utsavam has started from 16th Feb that will last till 25rd Feb. This ten day fest basically emphasizes on the restoration of divine Chaithanya (means purifying and energizing the powers of Krishna). For whole ten days the entire city is decorated like a bride. Every day huge processions of beautifully decorated elephants are taken out on the city streets. This year the event started with a very interesting elephant race, that also has a religious significance. Because the winning elephant gets the advantage of carrying the deity's idol (the Thidambu) on special occasions for one year. The whole temple is decorated with several lamps and lights offering a real treat for the visitor's eyes.
Along with it many traditional and cultural dance performances are also performed by the trained artists. Most prominent among them is the 'Krishnanattom' performed by the devotees, in which the tales of Lord Krishna's life are enacted. Finally the Utsavam will come to an end with the great feasting.
So what are waiting for pack your bags and come to Kerala to experience this amazing Guruvayoor Utsavam.
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