| India is regarded as a
land of unity in diversity. An Indian state replicates
the same truth. The picturesque state of Kerala is also
inhabited by diverse groups of people. As the different
groups celebrate their own festivals, the mood in Kerala
always remains festive. The pomp and gaiety with which
the festivals are celebrated further adds to the colourful
atmosphere.
The Kerala Festivals
Onam: The 10 day Onam festival is the most important
festival of the state. The festival honours the mythological
King Mahabali. His rule is regarded as the golden period
of Kerala's history. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds
with Chingam, the new year in Malayalam.
Thrissur Pooram
This spectacular festival is celebrated in the months
of April and May. It was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran,
the Maharaja of erstwhile Cochin state. Also known as
the temple festival, a large number of devotees swarm
the temples of the state to seek divine blessings.
Aranmula Uthrittathi
The famous snake boat festival of the state is witnessed
by people from many different parts of the country.
Very long boats with 120 competitors in each boat tire
it out to win the top honours.The race held in connection
with the Onam festival commemorates the crossing of
the river by Lord Krishna on that very day.
Easter
Easter, the Christian festival regarded as old as Christianity
itself, is celebrated widely in the state. The festival
signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Thiruvathira Festival
The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Dhanu
that falls in December-January. On Thiruvathira morning,
devotees go to Shiva temples as worship of the deity
is regarded as highly auspicious on that day. Some say
that the festival celebrates the death of Kamadeva,
the mythological God of Love. Others believe that Thiruvathira
is the birthday of Lord Shiva.
Idul-Fitr:
As Kerala has a large Muslim population, Idul-fitris
celebrated in a large way in the State. One of the two
festivals of Islam, the festival is celebrated in the
lunar month of Ramadan. During this month, the Muslims
observe fast during day time and spend the nights in
devotion and prayer.
Makaravillakku at Sabarimala
This festival is regarded as a symbol of unity between
the Vaishnavites and Saivites. Lord Ayyappa, also known
as Dharma Sastha, is the presiding deity.
Vishu
The Malayalam new year is celebrated with a
lot of pomp and gaiety. Young ones burst crackers while
older people prefer to visit temples.
Kerala is perhaps the only Indian state where there
is an almost equivalent number of Hindus, Muslims and
Christians. All the communities believe in celebrating
the festivals with others which makes the various festivals
of the state a symbols of communal harmony.
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