Santhigiri fest begins

 Santhigiri fest begins

DILRUBA K.

            ‘Santhigiri Fest-2012’ organized by  Santhigiri Ashram in connection with Nava Oli Jyothir Dhinam was launched on 12th of this month at the premises of the Ashram, near Pothencode. The 50 day long fest will help the common man experience the mysticism of Indian culture and heritage The fest includes various exhibitions, seminars , food fest  and cultural programmes.

             

            The education expo at the fest is a cultural and knowledge fete featuring science and medical exhibitions, interactive sessions with scientists, soft-skill training, career guidance counseling, environment seminar and various cultural programmes. Competition sincluding science-ecology quiz, painting, elocution (malayalam), recitation, light music, group song and clay modeling are organised for college and school students across South India.

 A major highlight at the fest is the exhibition of vintage cars. Vintage models like 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe, 1947 Ford Super Deluxe, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle are the major attraction at  the pavilion.

 Vismayanauk’, a 3D mini theatre and pavilion is one of the biggest crowd-pullers at the expo. Built in the shape of a life-sized boat, it is an initiative of Santhimahima, the youth wing of the Santhigiri Arts and Cultural Department. The 3D theatre showcases documentaries on socially-relevant themes. It also has demonstration of 3D technology, sale and exhibition of 3D gadgets, 3D books, and 3D cameras. An adjacent artificial lake and a lighthouse, combines to create an illusion of being on board a real ship which makes a stunning impression on the visitors.

 Santhigiri Healthcare and Research Organisation set up the Health Fair and the healthcare pavilion. It disseminates the message of spiritualityand the need to preserve and propagate the traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Siddha. Medicare kiosks, stalls representing every system of medicine, seminars and awareness classes on a variety of medical issues, special camps for uncommon ailments, health-related quiz and counselling centres are the other highlights at this pavilion.

 ‘Krishi Mela,' the agriculture fair is being organised in collaboration with State Department of Agriculture and State Horticultural Mission. The mela aims at helping the farmers acquaint themselves with modern mechanized farming techniques.

 'Samskarikothsavam', the art and handicraft gallery at the expo, features several stalls including the TRIBES India by TRIFED and 'Kalatheertham'. Exotic vegetarian dishes from diverse cuisines are also available at the Fest. The fest will conclude on May 31st.