RAAHEIN Gharana

Onam is Kerala’s biggest harvest festival - ten days of ritual, food, and public celebration that usually falls in Chingam (Aug–Sep) . It opens with the Athachamayam procession and culminates on Thiruvonam , when homes are decked with pookalam (flower carpets) and families gather for the Onasadya feast. Music and rhythm run through every stage - at home, in temples, and on the streets - turning Onam into a living soundscape. The core sound of Onam: Kerala’s percussion and song traditions Panchavadyam: five instruments, one heartbeat A classic temple ensemble, Panchavadyam blends five instruments— timila, maddalam, ilathalam (cymbals), idakka/edakka, and kombu —into a rising, mathematically structured crescendo. You’ll hear it at temple courtyards and public stages through the season. Maddalam: barrel drum that powers the bass layer. Ilathalam: hand cymbals that lock the pulse. Edakka (idakka): pressure drum capable of melody-like inflections. Kombu: curved natural brass hor...

When you think of Kerala, lush greenery, serene backwaters, and vibrant festivals come to mind. Among its many cultural treasures, one stands out for its grandeur and spirit of unity — the Aranmula Boat Race , also known as Aranmula Vallamkali . This is not just a sporting event; it is a blend of history, devotion, art, and tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. If you ever want to witness Kerala’s heritage at its purest, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you shouldn’t miss. The Origins and History of Aranmula Boat Race The Aranmula Boat Race is held annually on the Pampa River in the village of Aranmula , Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. The event takes place during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September), coinciding with the Uthrattathi star day , just after Onam celebrations. The roots of this festival are linked to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple , dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legend, a Brahmin devotee once pledged to offer a grand f...