Swathi Thirunal
Jayanthi (birth anniversary)
30th of April is the birth anniversary of one the leading men in
history of Kerala. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1813 - 1847)
of Travancore - scholar and linguist, poet and musician, statesman
and social reformer, patron of arts and sciences, and more than
all, a benevolent ruler much loved by his people - left an indelible
mark on his land.
His great contribution to Carnatic music is celebrated
at the Swathi Sangeethotsavam (music festival) from 27th January
to 2nd February every year. These musical evenings are arranged
in the romantic light of traditional oil lamps on the premises of
Kuthiramalika the equine mansion, where he spent his last days.
It was here, in a little room that faces the Sree Padmanabha Swamy
temple, that Swathi Thirunal composed his musicals.
Festivals
: Kerala is a land
of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them.
Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.