Photography means ‘Writing with light’. It is to capture this elusive light and translate the myriad facets and moods on to a canvas that the Kochi Photojournalist’s forum was conceived in 2003. It has since showcased the works of talented photojournalists in the city of Kochi in the southern state of Kerala in India. Its members are culled from the various newspapers and evening dailies in the city. The event has evolved as a yearly platform for exhibiting the versatility of the photojournalists and to encourage a healthy interaction between them.The prestigious historical landmark the Durbar Hall Art gallery has been the venue for the past six years come every Dec/January. This year the event was held between 28 Dec,2011 and 1 Jan,2012. Thousands of photobuffs and enthusiasts have thronged the gallery every year and it has become a ‘must see’ event in Kochi city. The presence of major industrial bigwigs like the Idea cellular,Gail India, Alliance, Federal Bank, Corporation Bank Hutch,Nife ,Reliance Communications and Lulu as sponsors have added more impetus to the forum. The following pages taken you on a fascinating journey through the sights and sounds of the city.

PHOTOS-SAMEER from
MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY- JULY 2010

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The mahout had come to help another mahout tie his irate temple elephant and narrowly escapes from the pachyderms fury. The furious elephant tried to gore the mahout who tripped while running away but missed goring him as his tusks got stuck in the loose mud helping the lucky mahout escape from death.
picture courtesy- Manorama Daily

THAIUSAM FESTIVAL- PHOTO FEATURE BY RR JAYARAM- JANMABHUMI-KOCHI

Thaipusam is an important festival observed by the Hindus of southern India during the Tamil month of Thai (January - February). Outside of India, it is celebrated mainly by the Tamil speaking community settled in Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and elsewhere around the world.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan or Kartikeya
Thaipusam is dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Murugan is also known as Kartikeya, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, Shadanana, Skanda and Guha. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati presented a lance to Lord Murgan to vanquish the demon army of Tarakasura and combat their evil deeds. Therefore, Thaipusam is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Read more about Murugan or Kartikeya

How to Celebrate Thaipusam
On the Thaipusam day, most devotees of Lord Murugan offer him fruits and flowers of yellow or orange color - his favorite colors and also adorn dresses of the same color. Many devotees bear milk, water, fruits and floral tributes on pails hung from a yoke and carry them on their shoulders to various Murugan temples, far and near. This wooden or bamboo structure called 'Kavadi' is covered with cloth and decorated with feathers of peacock - the vehicle of Lord Murugan.

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