Kerala which is often referred to as '
God's Own Country' has a large number of
Hindu temples. Many of the temples have unique traditions and most hold festivals on specific days of the year. Temple festivals usually continue for a number of days. A common characteristic of these festivals is the hoisting of a holy flag which is then brought down only on the final day of the festival. Some festivals include
Poorams, the most famous of these being the
Thrissur Pooram. Temples that can afford it will usually involve at least one
richly caparisoned elephant as part of the festivities. The idol of the God in the temple is taken out on a procession around the country side atop this elephant. When the procession visits homes around the temple, people will usually present rice, coconuts, and other offerings to the God. Processions often include traditional music such as
Panchari melam or
Panchavadyam.