Sivagiri, Kerala 4.14

Sivagiri is a pilgrimage centre in Varkala, India where the tomb of the social reformer Narayana Guru. The town is also the place where Guru believed himself to have become enlightened. His tomb attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days, from 30 December to 1 January.The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala Thiruvanathapuram. This is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organisation of his disciples and saints, established by the Guru to propagate his concept of "One Caste, One Religion, One God". The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations.