India is a land of fairs and festivals and Kerala is
no exception to this. Besides the major festivals that are celebrated
across India, there are numerous local festivals that are celebrated in
Kerala. Most of the festivals of Kerala are connected with local
traditions and religions. There are certain festivities like the boat
races, which originated to commemorate religious events but subsequently
turned out to be events of social importance.
Vishu
It is one of the important festivals of Kerala. Vishu is celebrated in
the month of April. According to the old traditional Malayalam calendar
it is the 1st day of the New Year. The main event of the Vishu
celebration is the 'Kani- Kanal'. Coconuts, fruits, cereals and Konna
flowers are kept in big pots to prepare Kani. Behind this pot, a mirror
and a garlanded statue of Krishna are kept. Early morning on the Vishu
day, the master of the house sees the Kani and then the rest of the
family follows. Children's are brought blind folded to see the Kani. The
elders in the family give money to the youngsters and bless them.
According to the local beliefs, if we you Kani good luck will stay with
you till the year end.
Navratri
The Navratri celebration is known by different names in different parts
of India. It is Durga Puja of Bengal, Dussehra of Bombay and the
Saraswati Puja and the Ayudha Puja of the south. The Navratri festival
runs over 9 days. The last three days of navratri are most important.
The last three days are known as Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijaya
Dasami. On the night of the Durga Ashtami day, there is the ceremony
known as 'Puja Vayppu'. It involves decorating a room superbly,
illuminating it with many lights and arranging on a platform, raised in
the middle of the room, the things necessary for performing Saraswati
Puja. During the last three days of Puja, all sorts of learning and
business come to a stand still.
Onam
Onam is the most important and popular festival of Kerala. Onam is
celebrated with lots of fervor and gaiety. All Malayalis, irrespective
of their religion, celebrate Onam. It falls in the Malayalam month of
Chingam (Aug-Sept). Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. According to
legends, Onam is celebrated to commemorate the home coming of Mahabali,
the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down
to the Patala by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana.
The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is
installed in every Hindu home during the Onam celebration. Children go
around collecting flowers and decorating them in the front portion of
their houses in different designs and patterns. Onam festival is an
example of religious harmony and provides for family get-together.
Mahasivarathri
Mahasivarathri is an important festival of Hindus and is celebrated in
Kumbam (Feb-March). Mahasivarathri festival commemorates the day on
which Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Kalakuda visham) to save
the world from destruction. On the Mahashivaratri day, people throng all
the prominent Shiva temples to offer their prayers to lord Shiva.
Asthami Rohini
Asthami Rohini, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great
fervor in the state. It is celebrated in the month of Chingam (Aug-
Sept). Devotees visit the Krishna temples to offer Pooja and prayers.
Cultural programmes are also held to mark the occasion.
Thrikarthiaka
Thrikarthiaka festival is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam
(Nov-Dec). Display of light in the evening is an integral and unique
part of the festival.
Christmas
Christmas is an important festival of Kerala. Christians, all over
Kerala, celebrate Christmas on 25th Dec. During Christmas, holy Mass is
held in all the churches of Kerala. Singing of Christmas Carols, Setting
up of Christmas tree, exchanges of cards, gifts etc form an integral
part of Christmas festivities in Kerala.
Easter
Easter is another important festival of Christians, which commemorates
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is celebrated with fervor and
dedication among the Christian community of Kerala. Easter generally
falls in March-April. During the Easter celebrations, Christians go for
mid-night mass as a memory of the resurrection of Jesus.
Bakrid
Bakrid commemorates the sacrifice of Ibrahim in obedience to God's
command. Bakrid is an important festival of Kerala. Muslims enjoy hearty
feasts on Bakrid day. Many rich people sacrifice goats and distribute
them among friends, relatives and the poor, to mark the occasion.
Idul Fitr
Idul Fitr/Eid is celebrated after the conclusion of the Ramzan fast
when Muslims give up all kind of food and drink during the day and spend
the major part of the night prayer. Since Kerala has a substantial
population of Muslims, Idul Fitr/Eid is an important celebration.
Miladi Sharif
Miladi Sharif, celebrated on a large scale in April, Commemorates the
birth of the prophet. This celebration has acquired its present
dimensions only in recent times. Previously the day was observed by the
Muslims by reading what is commonly known as Maulud which is a short
treatise in Arabic celebrating the birth, life, work and sayings of the
prophet or some saint.
Muharram
Muharram is another festival celebrated by Muslims of Kerala on the
10th day of Muharram, the forbidden month, which marks the beginning of
the Hijra year.
