Ashtamudi, Kerala

Ashtamudi is a sprawling expanse of water, the second largest and deepest wetland ecosystem in Kerala.

Like an octopus, it is eight-armed (ashtamudi literally means eight locks of hair). Vembanad (which includes Kumarakom) is larger and much promoted by Kerala Tourism, but lesser known Ashtamudi has much to offer. All the canals and creeks of these backwaters converge at Neendakara, a hub of the state’s fishing industry. 

 

 

Along both banks of the lake and its backwater canals, coconut groves and palm trees interspersed with towns and villages are seen. Quilon is an important historic port city located on the right bank of the lake and boat cruises are operated by the Kollam Boat Club from Quilon to Alappuzha providing transport access to many other towns and villages along this route, apart from the luxury “house boats” which also operate in the lake.  

 

The boat journey is an 8 hour trip, winds through lakes, canals and water bound villages, and gives a complete exposure to the beauty of the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake. Chinese fishing nets, called cheena vala in the Malayalam language, are used by local fisherman and are a common sight along the waterway.
 

Kollam, located on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, was once a prosperous and ancient sea port, trading with the Chinese, Romans, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. It is said that Marco Polo, the Venetian traveler, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast.
 

 

 

How to Reach -

By Air: The international airport at Thiruvananthapuram, 71 km away, is the nearest airport. Over 40 national and international flights operate out of Thiruvananthapuram on a daily basis. From the airport taxis are easily available to reach Kollam.
By Rail: Kollam is the nearest rail head. It lies on the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram rail line. The city is connected by rail to Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mangalore and Hyderabad. Almost all trains stop at the station.
By Bus: Kollam, the nearest city, is connected to other major cities of South India through frequent bus services. Buses ply from all major cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kochi and Thrissur. Both luxury as well as semi deluxe buses are available.

Idukki Dam

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839)m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom.

It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975. Technically, the dam type is a concrete double, curvature parabolic, thin arc dam.

This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. The Government of Canada aided in the building of the dam with long term loans and grants.

The idea of constructing a dam for power generation was first conceived in 1919. As per history, Shri Kolumban, the head of 'Araya' race during 1922, showed the way to the Malankara Estate Superintendent and his friend Thomas, who were on hunting spree in the forest, the spot of present Arch Dam. He told them of the legend of Kuravan and Kurathi Hills. Mr. Thomas was impressed by the sight of water flow between the mountains and it was his idea that has materialized in the form of Idukki Arch Dam. Sri. W.J.John of Malankara Estate submitted a report to the Government of Travancore in 1932 on the possibility of constructing a dam at Idukki for Power Generation.

In 1947, a preliminary investigation report was prepared and submitted by Sri. P.D. Joseph John, the then Chief Electrical Engineer to the Government of Travancore. It was during 1956 that the Central Water Commission conducted a detailed investigation based on the Government's request. The project report was prepared in 1961 and the Planning Commission accorded sanction for implementing the scheme in 1963 and the preliminary works of the project were started.

The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. Storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February, 1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4 October 1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. The Government of Canada aided the Project with long term loans and grants. M/s S.N.C.Inc., Canada, a well-known firm of Consulting Engineers were advising and assisting Project Engineers under the Canadian Aid.

Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 km2 width and the water stored is utilized for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves.

Features

Idukki Dam is 554 feet tall, constructed between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839 meters) and Kurathimala (925 meters ). This project is situated in Idukki District and its underground power house is located at Moolamattom which is about 43 km from the dam.

Twice in the past, the shutters had to be opened; during the northeast monsoon (October to December) on both occasions. The first time was in 1981 (when the shutters were repeatedly opened and shut between October 29 and November 13) and the second time was in 1992 (when they were kept open for 12 days from October 12 to 23). On both occasions, the water level in the dam touched the brim only when the storage built up during the southwest monsoon (June to September) was augmented by the inflow received immediately afterwards following heavy downpour early in the northeast monsoon.

Usage 

Power Generation

The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Moolamattom. The installed capacity of the Power House is 780MW consisting of 6 Units of Pelton-type turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 MW each. The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 metres (2195 feet) while generating power in the underground power house.

Irrigation

The tail waters flowing to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel is diverted for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha Valley.

Tourist destination and attraction

Earlier, there was a blanket ban on public entry in to the dam due to security reasons. Later, it was relaxed opening the dam for public for 10 days during the Onam and the Christmas seasons. The duration has been increased to one month since last year. Cameras and cell phones are not allowed inside the dam area. The entry fee is Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children. The fee for 15-minute boating service for five persons is Rs. 600.

Idukki valley is 121 km away from Kottayam, and is a small hill town surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and meandering streams. Idukki is a well known tourist center in Kerala.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spread over 77 km2 and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extends to 33 km2. One can find Elephants, bisons, sambars deers, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc. and variety of Snakes like Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes in this Sanctuary. The birds of Idukki are Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

Onam : Kerala's Biggest festival

Onam (ഓണം) is a Kerala's Biggest festival celebrated in the month of Chingam. Onam date is decided based on Malayalam Calendar. Chingam month is known as Simha month in other solar calendars and Avani month in Tamil Calendar. The day when Nakshatra Thiruvonam (Shravana) prevails in month of Chingam is considered for Onam celebrations. 

The celebrations of Onam start on Atham (Hasta Nakshatra) day and continue for 10 days till Thiruvonam day. 

Onam is a festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is the state festival of Kerala and falls during the month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for ten days. The festival is marked by various festivities, including intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunches, snake boat races, Onappottan, Athachamayam in Tripunithura, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, Kummaattikkali, Onathaar, Onachamayam, Onathallu, Thrikkaakarayappan, Thumbi thullal, Onavillu etc. This is one of the very few festivals which is celebrated with most number of cultural elements.

Significance of ONAM

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Sutala. Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory.

According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. The Brahma-Vaivarta Puranam explains that Lord Vishnu wanted to curb the pride of Indra; and therefore positioned Mahabali in great power.

The Bhagavata Purana reads "He [Vishnu] will take the kingdom away from Purandara [Lord Indra] and give it to Bali Maharaja."

The subjects under Mahabali's reign were happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded, so much so that even the gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali as was intened by Vishnu, and they approached Vishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to Indra. Once Vishnu was assured that Indra's pride has been contained and that a world with two Indras represents imbalance, Vishnu assumed the form of a dwarf: Vamana. Vamana requested three steps of land for him to live in. Given a promise of three steps of land by King Mahabali against the warning given by his Guru Sukracharya, Vamana, enlarged himself to such dimensions as to stride over the three worlds. He had grown so huge that he could step from heaven to earth, and earth to the lower worlds in two simple steps. King Mahabali unable to fulfill the promise of three paces of land to the Supreme God, offers his head for the third step. Thus, Vamana places his foot on King Mahabali's head and sends him down to the netherworld. Being worshipped however, by Mahabali, and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded to them the sovereignty of Sutala (netherworld).

However, as Mahabali was equivalent to Indra, he had to wait until the next Yuga where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the grace of Vishnu, Mahabali visited his people on an annual basis. Vishnu served Mahabali as a gatekeeper in Sutala as the Lord himself serves his greatest devotees.

It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten-day festival. The central feature of Onam is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

Another popular feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the Pamba River, in which decorative boats oared by hundreds of boatmen race amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators and viewers.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.

Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala.

The following song is often sung over Onam:

“Maveli naadu vaneedum kalam,

manusharellarum onnupole

amodhathode vasikkum kalam

apathangarkkumottillathanum

kallavum illa chathiyumilla

ellolamilla polivachanam

kallapparayum cherunazhiyum

kallatharangal mattonnumilla

adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla

balamaranangal kelppanilla”

Translation of maveli naadu vaneedum kalam -

“When Maveli ruled the land,

All the people were equal.

And people were joyful and merry;

They were all free from harm.

There was neither anxiety nor sickness,

Deaths of children were unheard of,

There were no lies,

There was neither theft nor deceit,

And no one was false in speech either.

Measures and weights were right;

No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.

When Maveli ruled the land,

All the people formed one casteless races”.

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Vishu

Vishu, the new year for Malayalis, is celebrated on the first day of Medam month. In 2013, the day falls on 14th April.

History

Chithira Vishu finds mention in the incomplete Trikodithanam Shasanam by Bhaskara Ravivarman who ruled Kerala between AD 962 and 1021. According to scholars, Vishu has become a major celebration by then. It is believed that Vishu celebrations began in Kerala during the reign of Sthanu Ravi who ruled between AD 844 and 855. Vishu is mentioned in William Logan’s Malabar Manual as follows: Mathematically Vishu is the New Year day. On this day, Sun rises straight from the East.

 Mythology

It is said that Lord Sree Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the Vishu day. Another interesting myth is related to the demon king Ravana. Ravana had never allowed the Sun to rise straight from the East and after Ravana’s death it was on a Vishu day, that the Sun started to rise from the East.

Science / Numerical derivations

Vishu conveys the message of auspiciousness and prosperity. The advent of this festival is marked by the widespread blooming of Kanikonna (Laburnum) flower. Once, this was the New Year festival of Kerala; much before the Kollavarsham calendar began. In the nearby State of Tamil Nadu, Vishu is celebrated as the New Year day. Kalivarsham and Sakavarsham also begin with Meda Vishu. Vishu is considered as the New Year according to Mathematical science also.

On the Vishu day, which has geographical and astrological relevance, the Sun is believed to come above the line of Equator. There are two phases in a year namely Dakshinayanam and Utharayanam. While in the former, the Sun is on the southern side of the Equator and in the latter it is on the northern side. Due to this, in one phase the duration of the day will be longer and the night shorter; while the reverse happens in the other phase. The only two days in which the Sun rises on the line of the Equator are the Tula Vishu and Meda Vishu.

  

 

Vishukkani

Vishukkani or the viewing of the auspicious objects is an important ritual associated with Vishu, the harvest festival of Kerala. It is believed that the first object that one sees in the Vishu morning determines the prosperity in store for the coming year. Hence, a set of auspicious objects will be arranged to be first beholden in the morning.

The Vishukkani, consisting of rice grains, fruits, Konna (Laburnum) flowers, gold and fresh coins – all signifying prosperity – will be arranged by the eldest female member of the family on the day prior to the Vishu day. Placed in a sparkling bell metal pan in front of the image of Lord Krishna, the set gets complete with a lighted Nilavilakku (traditional lamp of Kerala).

Vishukkani is also arranged in temples. The temples of Guruvayoor, Sabarimala and Kulathupuzha are famous for the Vishu celebrations and Vishukkani sighting.

Vishu Kanhi

On the Vishu day, the breakfast comprises Vishu Kanhi (rice porridge) and traditional vegetarian feast for lunch. The rice porridge for breakfast is made of rice, coconut and jaggery. This breakfast dish is popular in north Malabar region during Vishu. And for the feast during lunch, a special curry made of jack fruit (Erissery) and mango form important dishes. Vishukaineettam

Vishukaineettam or hansel given by elders to children is an important ritual in connection with Vishu celebrations. On the Vishu day, after sighting the Vishukkani, the elder person in a family hands out money to the younger members of the family. The effect of this symbolic gesture is believed to stay for the rest of the year. Money is also handed out to relatives and to domestic helps.

Vishukkani Vili

A practice prevalent in the north Malabar region of Kerala, Vishukkani Vili involves children, who move from one house to the other in villages, calling ‘vishukaniye, vishukaniye.’ As they arrive at houses giving out this call, they are given a type of rice cake – the kaniyappam, which the children collect by using the fresh mid-rib of coconut leaf. While this takes place, the local astrologer arrives and he would handover the Vishu astrological prediction for one year, written on coconut leaf to each household. This prediction would touch on matters pertaining to availability of rain, fluctuation in agriculture yields etc. The auspicious day for tilling agriculture land by using oxen was also decided by the kaniyan. This would be a day coming between the Vishu day and Pathamudayam – the 10th day of the Malayalam month, Medam.

Chal means channel in Malayalam. On the Vishu day, the spade is decorated using rice powder and prayers done. The senior-most member of the family and others enter the rice field with the decorated plough and spade. A type of pancake is deposited in the field and small channels (called chal) are then made in the field. This is followed by covering the field with cow dung and green manure. This filed is later used to grow rice and also vegetables like elephant yam and some tuber crops.

Vishu Kali

Vishu also marks the occasion to find out the Kali Samkhya. This is based on the Samkhya philosophy of Hinduism concerning the material universe with all its movement of rotation, revolution, gravitation etc. The morning of the first day of the Malayalam month Medam is considered relevant for calculating the Kali Samkhya and also for finding the Kali Samkhya for the first day of the following months.

Bihu, Ugadi, Vishu

Vishu is celebrated as Bihu in North India. In the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka the festival is called Ugadi.