Rajesh Singh

“I was enchanted to see the grandeur of the Bharani festival, and I knew that I wanted to capture its beauty like never before.”.

For quite some time I have been extremely fascinated by the cultural riches of Kerala. I was enchanted to see the grandeur of the Bharani festival, and I knew that I wanted to capture its beauty like never before.

Bharani is a festival that is dedicated to goddess Kali and marks the onset of spring in the verdant region of Palakkad district in Kerala. Amidst the swaying coconut trees and emerald paddy fields, the villagers prepare themselves to immerse into a vivid and vibrant amalgamation of colours, music and devotion.

This festival is a fusion of ancient traditions, passed down through generations, with a contemporary touch, that has kept it relevant till today. As the festival approaches, the enthusiasm of the villagers can be seen soaring, as they prepare for the festivities. When I interacted with some of the elders, they spoke with pride about preserving their heritage and the spirit of unity that Bharani brought to the community.

On the day of Bharani, I was awestruck by the kaleidoscope of colours that adorned the Kodungallur village. Vibrant banners surrounded the streets, and people dressed in bright red, yellow, and black, gathered around the temple of Kali. The air was thick with the fragrance of flowers and the sound of traditional drums.

I tried to focus on all the little details that made Bharani unique. From the delicate patterns of the women’s sarees, to the rhythmic footwork of the dancers, to the ornate umbrellas carried by the devotees. The artists, dancers and the musicians, each had their unique stories to share about their roles in the festival.

In the course of my documentary, I came across the transformative story of a troubled young man named Vikram who had a past of misdeeds. He tearfully shared his journey from darkness to finding purpose and belonging through the spirit of Bharani.

Female In Focus