HYDERABAD: Founded during the mid-seventies in Kerala, Balagokulam is an international children’s movement that has played key roles in the development of children in the state. The organisation aims at inculcating moral, social and cultural values in children through the teachings of Lord Krishna, to make them achievers and leaders in their future thus shaping a responsible society.
It is widely recognized as a forum for children to discover the power of divinity within and to express the same for personal, spiritual and social merits. It enables children to appreciate their cultural roots and learn Sanatan Values, the perennial values applicable to the whole universe, in a divine, interactive and culturally rich environment. Balagokulam is one of the founder members of Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), a recognised body of UNICEF.
Significance of ‘Thiruvathira’ Festival Among the celebrations in the splendid landscapes of Kerala, Thiruvathira is one of the most significant festivals celebrated during the Malayalam month of ‘Dhanu’ (December- January) by thewomenfolk of Kerala.
The festival is devoted to Lord Shiva and Parvathi who, as per tradition, are worshiped as a perfect couple. The festivities last for a week as the female members of the family start their days with a sacred bath in a pond or river during the early hours of the morning. After the ceremonial bath, they deck themselves up in traditional dresses.
On the day of Thiruvathira, (Ardra in Sanskrit) womenfolk, instead rice, feed themselves only porridge of delicious arrowroot powder or fresh fruits and dedicate the whole day and night singing and dancing. A unique dance wearing traditional costumes and standing in a circle around a lighted brass-lamp called Kaikottikkali, is performed as a part of this celebration. In the night, women eat eight different tubers roasted in fire, known as Ettangadi Naivedyam. The night-long music and dance is interspersed with a ceremony called Pathirapoo Choodal, after which, the dance and music continue till sunrise.
The festivities conclude on the last day with an early morning bath, and prayer at the nearby temple.
BalaGokulam Bhagyanagar has immense pleasure inviting you all with family and friends on this auspicious occasion of Thiruvathira, which could be otherwise termed as ‘the celebration of womanhood’.
For more details, contact Pradeep Nambiaar -Coordinator at 09010403034.
Details of Thiruvathira
Date : 25th December 2015 Friday
Time : 5:30 pm
Venue : Maneesha Garden, Near Kushaiguda Bus Depot, ECIL, Hyderabad
