Spring has always been associated with regrowth, rejuvenation and resurrection. In India, there are many festivals that celebrate this season of hope.

In Kerala, situated in India’s southern most part, spring is celebrated with a festival called Pooram–a festival dedicated to goddess Kali or Durga. The invincible goddess of destruction from Hindu mythology.

I was lucky enough to experience the festival for the first time in Malappuram. Here’s a glimpse.

Bootham or Pootham: The mythical warrior of the Goddess.

Chaliyan’s (Weaver’s) horse:  The horse which brings prosperity to the town. Four men shoulder this horse and run around, a popular myth is that if the horse breaks during the run, it can bring ill-luck to the town.

dance of the divine

Setting the stage