Land Of Festivals-Kerala

Kerala is known for its festivals as it is rightly called the ‘Land of Festivals’. Festivals bring joy and happiness as they are cherished by each and every one who wishes to be a part of it. The word festival in itself brings authentic view of cracking fireworks and variety of colors used.
The main festivals that people of Kerala celebrate include Vishu, Onam, Christmas and Ramzan and so on. Festivals such as Vishu, Onam, Navrathri, Ashtami Rohini etc. are celebrated mostly by Hindus, Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter. The Muslims celebrate Ramzan and Eid ul-Fitr. These festivals are not only celebrated by ones concerned but also by almost all of Kerala together as it brings pleasure and delight to everyone and it also resembles the unity of the people of this regioin. I would like to mention in brief about few important festivals of Kerala as given below-

Onam: It is the biggest and one of the most important festivals of this region. Onam is observed as the harvest festival of Kerala. It is celebrated as the home coming of mythical King Mahabali and it is celebrated for 10 days including the important day i.e. Thiruvonam. Elaborately decorated Pookalam (floral carpets), the mammoth Onasadya (the festival feast), breathtaking Snake Boat Race and the exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the remarkable features of this festival.

Vishu: It is another important Hindu festival which is celebrated all over Kerala. Vishu is traditionally celebrated as a New Year according to the Malayalam Calendar. The festival consists of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers and a holy text and coins, in a metal vessel in puja from the house. A lighted metal lamp is also placed alongside, as all these articles is prepared a night before Vishu is celebrated. On the festive day the costum is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the closed eyes and to see Vushukanni as the first thing. By doing so it is believed that they will have a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.

Christmas: As earlier festivals Christmas is also very popular in Kerala as Christianity first came to India in Kerala. Preparations begin from the early December. Churches and Christian homes decorate their homes with Christmas stars on Christmas trees. Lighted lamps are placed in a star shaped decorative paper and placed form a pole or support from terrace, so that the stars are seen from far. As for children the best part is the Carol and the appearance of Santa Claus who gives gifts and toffees to the children. Churches celebrate it by singing choir in the praise of Christ. Greetings are exchanged and family reunion takes place at Christmas Feast.

Ramzan: This festival is celebrated by Muslims and is celebrated as one of the greatest feast. Muslims observe fasting in order to prepare for the great feast as part of purifying from sins. According to English Calendar the festival falls between August to September normally, during this month Muslims concentrate on their spiritual aspects and faith in the religion.

No matter what age it is, these festivals are always there to be celebrated and worship.