Thrikkakkara

Thrikkakara is a municipality in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. It is the location of the district headquarters, and is located about 207 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Thrikkakara is part of the Kochi metropolitan area and is located 6.6 km east of the Kochi city centre. As per the 2011 Indian census, Thrikkakara has a population of 77,319 people, and a population density of 2760 /sqkm.

A major industrial and technological hub, Thrikkakara is home to the Cochin Special Economic Zone, Kochi InfoPark, and the Kochi SmartCity. The Thrikkakara Temple is famous for its legends and celebrations associated with the festival of Onam. The development of Kakkanad in recent years has led to rapid economic growth and further integration of the municipality with the wider Kochi metropolitan area.

Etymology
The name Thrikkakkara is an evolved pronunciation of the word Thiru Kaal Kara, meaning the place of the holy foot. This connects to the tale behind the festival of Onam, by which, this is the place on which Lord Vamana set his foot to push down Mahabali to the 'lower world' Pathalam (also referred to as Suthalam). There is a place named Pathalam about 7 km from this place in the same district.

Following from the legend of Onam, Thrikkakkara is home for the associated shrine, the Thrikkakara Temple, where the deity enshrined is Vamana. It is one of the very few Vamana temples in India. Thrikkakara temple is considered to be the centre of Onam celebrations worldwide. The festival is largely attended by thousands of people from all religions. The Onam festival is celebrated here in a colourful manner as a festival spanning over ten days. Devotees contribute money for public feasts. A large number of mobile shops make it a trade fair. A notable fireworks show is held towards the end of the celebration. Thrukkakkara was in Travancore state, 61 naduvazhis jointly organise the Onam festival under the leadership of the Maharaja of Travancore. Ananthapadmanabhan, the title holder is Chempil Arayan Ananthapadmanabhan Valiya Arayan, participated the festival with the Maharaja of Travancore.