Paranur Brahmothsavam - 2008
SheshaVahanam
The Shesha Vahannam proved a evening of colour, dance and joy. Sri Baktha Kolahalan was dressed in a parrot green and red dress. He was wearing his diamond necklace, crown, Sangam and Chakram. Radhai was beautful in her orange and red dress. The shesham had a soft red cloth over it over which kolahalan and Radhai stood. A big garland of red, green,white and pink colours was placed over Kolahalan and Radhai.
Kolahalan and Radhai came out for their first Procession of the Uthsavam. Sri.Harianna carried Kolahalan in the front. The devotees rejoiced by singing the 'Vridavalli'. SriSriAnna was showering pink flowers, a combination of 'Arali' and Lotus flowers on Kolahalan. The 'Arali' gives a great fragrance while the Lotus gives coolness.
Kolahalan came out of the Vasantha Mandapam and stopped to hear the Nagaswaram troupe play. This troupe a regular in Kolahalan's Uthsavams play with great devotion towards Anna and Kolahalan. Both Anna and Kolahalan enjoy their music. Often Kolahalan could be seen stopping at places to hear the song played by them.
The highlight of the night was the massive Thulasi garland a devotee put on Anna. The way Anna carried the garland, the way he swung it with ease, the fragrance of thulasi, devotion and Anna combined, were all treat to one's senses.
At one place Anna was in the middle of all the devotees joyfully singing Namavallis. A white jasmine garland adorned him. As the namavalli reached a high pace Anna could no further stand simply. His hands went up in the air and the devotees were overjoyed. This great mood of Anna remained till the end of the purappadu. The devotees danced around Anna and Anna danced in their midst. As the devotees danced Anna's pace increased and as Anna's pace increased the devotees danced faster and sang still louder.
Though the crowd kept moving as Kolahalan moved along, the dancing and singing never ceased. Kolahalan, surrounded by the Paatasala boys and other devotees stopped in front of all the houses and received their pooja. Many staunch Kolahalan devotees usually follow Kolahalan and others go behind Anna. Generally the count is more on Anna's side !!
It was a day of big garlands. This one was huge. Anna carried it with ease and even danced with it. But soon all the garlands were removed and he danced gracefully. He looked more beautiful without a garland. But soon a small jasmine garland took up the place. Garland or no garland every moment of Anna is beutiful.
Kolahalan went up to the Shiva temple and came back. He was received by all the devotees. The Nagaswaram troupe, the local trumpet wala and the drum man went around Kolahalan thrice and Anna showed the DeepaHarathi and Kolahalan went inside.
It was a sleepless night for all the devotees as the Abishegam and other Pooja went on throughout the night. It was nearly 3.30 in the morning when SriSriAnna gave prasadam to all the devotees. Everyone were though not tired for the great Nandhothsavam awaited them.
Dwajarohanam Sheshavahanam Nandhothsavam-Onjal Nandhothsavam-Celebration Nandhothsavam-Final
