Chandankuda Mahotsavam

Chandankuda Mahotsavam celeberated in Bheemapalli, 5 km from Thiruvanthapuram railway station, center around the tomb of a renowned Muslim woman, Beema Beevi. Devotees bring small earthen pots, smeared with sandalwood paste, covered with fine white cloth, tied with a garland, and fragrant with smoking incense sticks. Inside the posts are coins. Within the walls of the shrine, in the brightly-illuminated night, devotees preform acts of self-purification as swordsmen display their skills. Outside the walls of are held dance, music and drama performances. In the small hours of the morning, the tomb's flag is taken out in procession, led by two decorated elephants and accompanied by the traditional elephants and accompanied by the traditional orchestra. The festivities end with an impressive fireworks display.