NAKSHATHRA THDAKAM (STARRY LAKE)
MALAYATTOOR MEGA CARNIVAL 2015
Malayattoor and Manappattuchira
Malayattoor is a village gifted with natural beauty with a divine touch. It has its name because of the geographical position. The village (ooru), situated between the river (aaru) called Periyaar and the hill (mala) called Kurisumudi, has got the name Malayattoor.
It is a place where people from different religions live intermingled. Agriculture and cattle farming were the occupation of the people. During the royal rule, this belonged to the Thirukochi state which was ruled by then king of Kochi. Periyar was the waterway to transport spices and agricultural products to Kalady, Angamaly and Aluva.
The suitability of the place for cultivation and cattle farming attracted many people from near and far villages and thus they were immigrated to this locality. The growth of agriculture demanded the need for more water and therefore, they decided to build a check dam in 110 acre that could collect the water from the hill and rain. The dam built of wood, mud and stones fulfilled their need of water for cultivation and gradually it became a main source of water for drinking.
Malayattoor - Manappattuchira Tourist attractive place
Though the lake was built for the agricultural purpose, it added to the beauty of the surroundings which is situated at the foot of the hill. This natural beauty and landscape automatically invited the attraction of the people and thus became an eco-tourist centre. The religious importance of the place due to the visit of the Apostle St. Thomas also added splendor to this area. The lake was fortified later and beautified by building roads and trees. There were minor developments of the area by the government. But no significant development was done so far from the authorities. There are immense possibilities for this locality to develop into a full-fledged tourist cum pilgrim centre which is a gift of nature.
Malayattoor Janakeeya Vikasana Samithi
To actualize such unrealized possibilities, the people of the place are joined together in spite of caste, creed and political alliances and formed an action council named Malayattoor JanakeeyaVikasanaSamithi. This council has got the recognition of the Kerala Government. Nakshathrathadaakam (lake adorned with stars) is the first endeavour of this council aimed at attracting people to this beautiful landscape and the Folk Fest lasting one week is to provide the facilities of merry making to the visitors.
Vision of Nakshathra Thadakam project
Each one in Malayattoor is a star and all the stars are to be united to lighten the entire village and convert it into a place of attraction, which will result in the development of the area. This will give an opportunity to experience the nature and its beauty so that the people who come here will be inspired to be with the nature always. This is a historical movement that is to be written in golden letters, and it will change the face of the village.
What is Nakshathrathadaakam (lake adorned with stars)
Malayattoor Manappaattuchira, spread in 110 acres, is one of the largest human made fresh water lakes in the Asian Continent. The lighted stars and electric lights being hung around this huge lake is a sight to see. The natural landscape beautified by electric decorations will surely add colour to the magnificence of the locality. These lighted stars and the electric decorations will change this lake into a Nakshathrathadaakam (lake adorned with stars). Thousands of people will flow to have a look at the beauty of this Nakshathrathadaakam. To decorate such a huge human made fresh water lakewith 5015 starsis a unique event of its kind and may find a place in the “Guinness World Records”. This will give Malayattoor a prominent place in the eco-tourism map and the authorities will be convinceded to sanction the required developments.
Malayattoor Carnival
Along with the Nakshathrathadaakam, we offer seven days of Carnival for merry making and with different programs based on art, literature and cultural.
From 25 December 2015 to 1 January 2016, there will be cultural and entertaining events staged by different professional troops, clubs and artists on a huge platform (24x20 feet) built adjacent to the lake.
There will be traditional performances like, Folk Songs, Folk Dances, Poem Recitations, Kaikottikkali, Thiruvaathirakali, Maargamkali,Oppana, etc. and modern performances like CinimaticDacnes, Skits, Karaoke Orchestra, One Act Plays, Professional Orchestra, etc.
Public Meetings on culture and society and Inter-Religious Dialogues will be part of this event.
On the gallery built adjacent to the Nakshathrathadaakam, there will be seminars and discussions on the developmental possibilities of Malayattoor conducted by the personnel from MalayalaManorama, the leading daily of Kerala.
In connection with Nakshathrathadaakam, a temporary amusement park will be arranged for merry making and the visitors of all age and gender will be able to enjoy their evening.
Foods courts are also arranged to have an experience of both traditional and modern tastes.
Without endangering the eco system, pedal boats are arranged for the people to have a boat safari.
The other main attraction is a huge figure of Santa Claus (80 feet high) placed close to this Nakshathrathadaakam. The burning of this Santa Claus at the New Year will end the Carnival.
Many cultural programs will be staged on each day and huge Santa Clause of 80 feet would be a great attraction of the carnival. We cordially invite all of you ………….