University of Sto. Tomas

The oldest university in the Philippines and in Asia, Founded on April 11, 1611 by Reverend Father Miguel de Benavides. Originally opened as the College of Our Lady of Rosary. The University has been bestowed the title "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain in 1758, while Pope Leo XIII granted the title "Pontificial" in 1902. Located originally in Intramuros, it was only transferred to its present site in 1911. Owned by the Spanish Dominicans which is governed by the Board of Trustees until the late 19th century, the university only accepted students of Spanish parentage. Women were first admitted in 1927. UST campus served also as an interment camp for Americans, British, Canadian and other allied nationals by the Japanese Occupation Forces from January 1942 - February 1945. More than 10,000 people were imprisoned although it never held more than 4,000 at one time.

Halloween Costumes

MANNARSALA UTSAVAM

In olden time every Hindu family in Kerala has a serpent-grove. Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri.Subramanyaswamy temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of Serpents), the largest of its kind in Kerala . Built in a grove the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods.

On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), Kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing.

Halloween Costumes

Exotic Vacations in Chennai

However, though the English legacy is undeniable, Chennai has continued to be a centre which has blended the foreign influence with the traditional Tamil-Hindu culture. As a city it continues to maintain the best of south Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region was an important centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here and the traces of which are to be found in the numerous old temple. Image

Thus, the unwary visitor will find Chennai more than just a gateway of South India. He shall find it a convenient base to peep into the varied aspects of traditional south Indian culture and life styles which inter- mingle with the modern city complete with its plush hotels and restaurants- offering a range of continental and typical, south Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping centres which offer traditional handicrafts, textiles and much more peculiar to this part of India.

Besides the modern city itself, there are several interesting towns like Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich collection of ancient temples and an array of traditional handicrafts which are very much their own.