Shiv ki Baraat

Lord Shiva is said to have arrived at his wedding with Parvati, with a host of grotesque spirits who were his companions. They cheered and danced and brought their lord to the mountains. I took these photos in Thrissur, where a costume artists' union was holding a parade for fairer wages. The city being named after Shiva (as Thirushivaperoor), I like to believe this procession also had his blessing.