Classical music and dance concerts, garba nights, cultural programmes, religious events, golu arrangement...
Navaratri has all these and much more to offer. Step out and soak in the Navaratri festivities as the celebrations reach its peak. Gods come calling The idols from Padmanabhapuram palace being taken to Thiruvananthapuram| Photo Credit:Special Arrangement The Navaratri festivities in Thiruvananthapuram begin from across its border, from the Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, to be exact.
It is from here that the idols of Munnoottinanga, Kumara Swami and Saraswathi are brought to the capital city with pomp and pageantry in keeping with an age-old tradition. The ceremonial procession is received officially in the presence of ministers representing the Government of Kerala, officials from Devaswom Board and other departments. Till the end of the nine-day festivities, the idols are kept at various temples for worship.
Head to Chenthitta Devi Temple to pay obeisance to the idol of Munnoottinanga from Suchindram placed in a special chamber; Aryasala Devi Temple is where the idol of Kumara Swami from Velimala and a huge silver horse are worshipped; Navaratri Mandapam, a heritage structure near Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is where the idol of Saraswathi and a sacred sword are placed during the festival. Divine music Navaratri Mandapam| Photo Credit:C RATHEESH KUMAR Navaratri Mandapam , where the idol of Saraswathi is kept, hosts one of the oldest mus.