Royal history etched on saris

You might have read history  from books but never from a sari.  The multi-coloured saris braided with golden threads displayed at an exhibition stall near Poornathrayeesa temple here exhorts the ancient history of the place.

The ‘Vrischikam’ textile exhibition at Kalanjam building near Thattumalika by Niranjana Varma, a member of the Cochin royal family, has become popular among the devotees here. The tradition and culture of the place  and the Cochin royal family unfold on the saris displayed at the painting exhibition.

A panoramic view of the festival is also portrayed through the elegant and delicate fabric works on the sari. “Each sari is designed by giving prominence to the different rituals performed during the festival season. The saris focus on ‘ezhunnellipu’, ‘trikketta purapadu’ , ‘utsava bhali’, ‘valiya villakku’, ‘panchari melam’ and even the devotees thronging the temple,” says Niranjana. 

Most of the devotees who visit the stall are curious to fathom the designs while others are  certain of buying a sari endowed with a history.  

“I was just curious but now I want to buy a sari portraying the real feel of the place, the festival and its cultural background,”  said Sobha, a local resident. Niranjana was guided by pure passion that made her pursue the novel venture. Her exhibition also included the paintings of 33 palace buildings here.

“Each palace is different with its own unique features. Now, among the existing palaces, the Rama Mandiram palace is the most beautiful one,” she adds. Paintings of the palaces, including the ‘H’-shaped Mangalalayam palace and the Anandavilasam palace have grabbed the attention of many. Noting that many palaces were demolished, Niranjana said that the  remaining 35 palaces here should be maintained to showcase the vibrant culture.  Niranjana learned painting from Thiruvananthapuram Fine Arts College. The painting exhibition was inaugurated by Chakrapani, her teacher.  She is daughter of K T Ravi Varma and Hemalatha Varma of the Cochin royal family. The exhibition will continue till the end of the festival.