A Hindu Devotee Woman holding sword and praying at Kodungalloor Bharani Festival, Kerala, India


The legendary Bharani festival is noted for the spectacular event called kaavu theendal in which oracles; both men and women from different parts of the State arrive at Kodungalloor Bhagavathy temple. The oracles run in a trance around the temple and smite their crown with sword, proclaiming their communion with the Mother Goddess. Meanwhile the devotees strike the temple rafters with sticks and hurl offerings over the roof and on to the inner quadrangle. All Hindu festivals are decided here according to the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. This year (2015)it was on March 22nd.


Size: 4500px × 3000px
Location: Kodungalloor, Kerala, South India, India, Asia
Photo credit: © Vinod Kumar M / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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