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A rich and electic mix of religious influences make Kerala a comfortable home for
Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.Not to mention, remaining traces of Buddhism, Jainism and
Judaism. Festival season in Kerala begins in August, after the rains. Kerala's most
colourful festival, Onam celebrates the golden age of King mahabali,the mythical ruler of
Kerala. The story...
Though a wise and good king, he belongs to the faction called Asuras or Demons. The Devas
or Gods, worried that he might become too powerful , ask Vishnu (the preserver in the
hindu trinity) to curb his power.Vishnu, in the form of a dwarf called Vamana, visits
Mahabali. After being fed and taken care of, Vamana is offered a boon by the King.
"Will you give me 3 paces of land ?"asked Vamana. Laughing, the king agrees to
the request. Soon, the dwarf begins to expand. With the first step, he covers the sky,
blotting out the stars. Next he straddles the nether world. One more step and the earth
will be destroyed. Realising his defeat, mahabali offers his head as the last step. The
gods rejoice, but since the ruler was loved by his people, he is allowed to return once a
year. The people of Kerala celebrate his return with flower carpets and lights, feasting,
new clothes, fire works and games.
In April/May, Malayalees celebrate Vishu, The new year of the Malayalam calender. It is
characterised in Malayali homes, by the ' first sighting ' of auspicious articles
ceremoniously placed before a lamp. Elders in the family also gift token amounts of money
to the younger members. One of the most colourful Muslim festivals in Kerala, is the
Chandanakkudam at Bheemapally, near Trivandrum. It is said to commemmorate the death
anniversary of Bheema Devi, a devout pilgrim, who came to Kerala from Mecca. During the
festival, both muslims and non-muslims offer earthen pots of money at the lady's tomb.
In the hot months of April/May, attention shifts to Thrissur for the Thrissur Pooram,
where caparisoned elephants , glittering umbrellas, fire works and the rising sounds of
the traditional percussion ensemble combine combine in front of the vadakkunathan temple,
offering a treat for the senses.
There is no way, you can ignore Christmas in kerala. Whether the inhabitants are Christian s or not, the illuminated star, a
ubiquitous symbol hangs in front of most malayali homes. Groups of youths, singing carols
are also a common sight. When February comes to an end, the small town of Alwaye comes
alive with the Maha Shivrathri festival. The river banks are lit by hundred of tiny oil
lamps by devotees, who spend the night fasting and meditating.
These are just some of the festivals. Almost
every temple, mosque or church hosts an annual festival.These festivals are a unique way
of savouring the culture and lifestyle of the people of Kerala.
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