With the pleasant spring season nearing its end in the last week of January, the city prepares for an immense pomp and show of the renowned car festival (called "Rathothsava" Rath=Car, Utsava=festival/celebration) lasting 6 days.
The "car", a wooden chariott, decorated with flags, seasonal flowers and bright colored lights is pulled by hundreds of devotees along the main street.
A religious festival for the Hindus, the car festival attracts over 100,000 people from the neigbhorhood cities. Bronze and silver idols/statues of the worshipped deities are carried on the shoulders using a gold jewelry decked palanquin.
Worshipping devotees present their offerings of flowers, fresh fruits, and "aartis" (lighted lamp or camphor) accompanied by ringing bells as a hindu ritual with spiritual significance.
People, old and young, converge at the temples to celebrate this unique annual festival with extreme enthusiasm.
Streets are lined with vendors selling all kinds of interesting wares and coastal cuisine. It is also an occasion to meet with friends and extended families.
A tradition that began in 1735 A.D. thrives amongst ongoing cultural, political and economic changes
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