On the weekend I traveled to Kotayam by train. It took one hour to reach by train but I was so mesmerized by the beautiful sights that the time flew by! I stayed with a family who has a daughter who is also adopted like me; therefore we have a connection which surpasses normal friendships! I had a nice time while I was there, visiting churches and different universities. The highlight of the trip was going to Kumakaram, a popular tourist resort. The beauty of India is evident in this small town!
Kerala, the Queen of South India
Kerala, with its exotic beaches and scenic beauty that makes one in unparalleled captivity of emotions, is no doubt a holiday destination for thousands of tourists across the globe. Likewise, Kerala attracts hundreds of students from various universities and community colleges from different parts of the world primarily due to its unique status in educational affluence and rich culture. Keralites attempt to integrate different cultures. A vibrant collection of arts make a qualitative change in the lives of the Keralites. The industrial city of Cochin hosts a large number of exhibitions. The anthurium exhibitions are a full of hobby growers to turn commercial. It is full of vivid and artistic flowers, ecstasy for sure! This exhibition is organized by Ernakulum district Agri Horticultural Society. Anthuriums create a royal touch to weddings and festival season.
Onam Festival
September 2 is “atham”
the Malayalam auspicious day for the Keralites. It marks the beginning of flower decorations which will last until Thiru Onam September 12. The flower decorations are known as “pookkalam”. It is one of the main features of the Onam festival. The flower decoration competitions are conducted in organizations like banks, industries, universities, and schools. “Athapookkalam” is a beautiful depiction of the artistic talents of women in Kerala. If you have ever dreamt of visiting Kerala in your life, let it be during September at this festival season. The confluence of the rivers and the moonlit nights, the boat ride beside the boundaries of Kochi city, and across the sea remains a dream that came true in my heart! Laying pookkalam was formerly a women’s domain. Women in traditional attire called a “mundu and “neriyathu” surround a variety of flowers on the designated spaces on the floor to lay “pookalam" (The picture with me i
n the white and pink outfit is of me in a mundu). These flower carpets are so wonderful. Of late, the men also join with women in this event. These pookkalams are breaking down the walls that segregated men and women leading to better understanding for a better society. Visitors from different countries learn through observation and participation the meaning of customs, traditions, habits, food preparations, general life, and the style of the Malayalees. All these are my persisting attractions!
Dancing and entertainment at Trikkakara Temple
The Onam festival is celebrated
from September 11 to September 14, with each family in Kerala. September 11 is first Onam. September 12 is second Onam which is also known as Thiru Onam. September 13 is the third Onam. Then, September 14 is the final Onam. Thiru Onam, September 12, is the most important day in the festival season. Ornam festival is also known as the king’s festival. People believe that Mahabali, the famous and fabulous king who ruled Kerala, ensuring peace and prosperity to all, arrives back to his kingdom to visit his people on Thiru Ornam. People offer him Ona Sadya (feast) with rice and different types of vegetable curries. On the day Keralites eat their sadya in green banana leaves. There are several kinds of celebrations some of which include a flower show, dance music, and new movies to entertain people. Those who can afford new clothes buy them and wear them on Thiru Ornam. People also 
give clothes as gifts. Friends and relatives, sons and daughters arrive from different parts of the world. Elephants are decorated and exhibited at many temples. Trikkakara temple is a temple that is known for these celebrations. People are in ecstatic moods, one has to experience all these to save them in memory!The Hindu Times
This week I was ecstatic when I opened up the newspaper and saw a picture of me with my dance class! The name of the paper is "The Hindu Metroplus Weekend. It is a regional newspaper for the city of Kochi encompasses lifestyle, food, music, fitness, events, and entertainment. There was an article in the middle of the newspaper and there was also a small feature on the front page! This article explains about how our dance teacher, Geetha, combines dance, yoga, and aerobics to create natya vyayama, a workout that involves the mind and body. I’m the one in the red shirt, and my friend Leeza is the one in the yellow shirt!
