Aandalal Kalyanam Celebrated at Kozhikode

Aandaal Kalyana Mahotsavam was celebrated at Kozhikode on 11th January 2013 (Friday). This festive occasion organised by Chalappuram Upasabha of Kerala Brahmana Sabha Kozhikode saw a lot of devotees with a majority of ladies participate with their pledged prayers. Sri. PAdmanabha Iyengar (Trivandrum) a leading bhajan artist led the celebrations accompanied by the ladies from Calicut who recited Thirupavai. It is a custom to chant "Thirupavai" in Vishnu temples by ladies during the month of "markazhi" or Dhanu. The day on which the 27th "slokam" is recited is observed as the Aandalkalyanam, since the latter was married by Lord Ranganatha ,due to the devotion of Kudaraivally Aandal, on that day(27th Dhanu) - This day being 11th January 2013. This festive occasion organised by Chalappuram Upasabha of Kerala Brahmana Sabha Kozhikode saw a lot of devotees with a majority of ladies participate with their pledged prayers. The function was staged at Padmasri Kalyana Mandapam hall. Specially designed idols of Lord Ranganatha  and Aandaal were brought in a procession accompanied them by singing bhajans all the way to the Mandapam, and then placed in a specially decorated Unjaal. Following Mangalasthanam, Aabharana, Vasthradharanam and Choornika, Lord Ranganatha garlanded Aandaal. After Mangalyadhaaranam every devotee irrespective of age in the Mandapam participated in the Kalyanatharangam - a special dance showing happiness after the marriage of the Lord. Horoscopes of Youth boys and girls were placed for pooja. It is believed that with their participation, their marriages would happen sooner. Sri. T V Krishna Iyer felicitated the bhaagavathars on the occasion. Dr. Seetharaman T S (President - Chalappuram Upasabha), Sri. V K Mohan Dr. Seetharaman T S (Secretary - Chalappuram Upasabha), Sri. Chandrasekharan (Teasurer - Chalappuram Upasabha), Sri. C S Gopalakrishnan, Smt. Brinda Hariharan (both Executive committee members) and Sri. T V Krishna Iyer were among the organizers. This Kalyana Mahotsavam was the first of its kind held at Kozhikode.