Kerala FestivalsPosted by nabeelshaukat on September 19th, 2010 The land of Kerala is full of different festivals. All of these festivals are rich with history and tradition. Some of these festivals are detailed below:
Eid Ul Fitr: Eid Ul Fitr is the festival of Muslims. It is celebrated at the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this month the Muslims fast in the day and spend a substantial time of night in prayers. On the day of Eid the Muslims give alms and charities to the poor. The special event of Eid is the congregational prayer. After the prayer the Muslims embrace and hug each other. Eid Ul Azha: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. It is celebrated in the memory of Abraham?s willingness to sacrifice his only son to obey the commands of ALLAH (GOD) Almighty. On this day the Muslims who can afford sacrifice goats or bullocks. The meat is distributed among the families, friends, neighbors and the poor. Milaad Shareef: This festival is celebrated in the month of April. The Muslims mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on this day. The Muslims decorate their homes and Mosques on this day. Large processions are held on the streets. The stories about the life of Prophet Muhammad are narrated. This is the day for extreme prayers and wishes for Muslims. Muharram: Muharram is a festival of Muslims. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Lunar month Muharram. On this day some Muslims fast. The Shea groups of Muslims celebrate this day to mourn martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali. Hussain Ibn Ali was the grand son of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Hussain gave his life in the Battle of Karbala on 10th Muharram.
Christmas: Christmas is one of the important festivals of Kerala because a large number of Christians reside in Kerala. Christmas is the day when the Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christmas hymns and carols are sung and the Christmas Trees are beautifully decorated in all homes and churches. Cards and presents are received from Santa Clause, and there are various other activities that are performed in this day like dance etc.
Easter: The Christians celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Christians believe this is the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead after three days of crucifixion. It is celebrated with much religious fervor and devotion. It is usually celebrated in the months of March or April.
Vishu: Vishu is celebrated on the first day of the New Year according to the Malaylam calendar. According to the Solar year it is celebrated in the month of April. People believe that celebrating this festival will bring good luck in the coming year. Kani is the important feature of this festival. Kani is prepared by placing different fruits, cereals and flowers in a pot. A statue of Krishna and a mirror are placed with this pot. In the morning the master of the house the family and the children see this Kani. The elders bless the children and give them some money. Navaraatri: The word "Navaratri'' is a Sanskrit word, which means nine nights. This festival is celebrated for nine days in the months of September and October. It is celebrated to commemorate the event when the god Rama and the Durga slayed the demons. During the nine nights the Hindus worship nine forms of Durga. Special worships are conducted in the temples on this festival. Many people visit the temples to watch these pujas. The last three days of this festival are of prime importance. On these three days all business activities come to a halt. Onam: Onam is the most popular festival of Kerala. It celebrated to mark the homecoming of the King Mahabali. It is celebrated by the people of all religions although it is linked to the Hindu folktales. Onam is the harvest festival, and it is celebrated in August or September. On this day people put on their finest clothes in memory of the prosperous life of people during the reign of King Mahabali. The new clothes also mark the renewal of heart by removal of the bad and evil thoughts. Clothes called Onnakodi are gifted to friends and family members. Visit to temples and family get-together and a lot of merry making takes place on this festival. The people of Kerala perform dance called Mohiniattam on this festival. Another dance, performed on this festival, is Thiruvathira Kali. People decorate the floor with a lot of flowers to welcome Mahabali. Maha Shrivatri: This a festival celebrated by the Hindus of Kerala. "Maha Shrivatri" means the ''Great Night of Shiva". This festival is celebrated in the memory of the day Shiva ate poison to save the world. The Hindus offer Bale leaves to the Shiva. They fast for all day and for all night. They stay awake all night on this festival. Another ritual of this festival is the washing of Lingam with water or milk. On this day large numbers of Hindus go to temples and offer their prayers to the Shiva. The Hindus believe that the Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. Asthami Rohin: This festival is to celebrate the birthday of the Krishna. Usually this festival is celebrated in the months of August or September. The believers of Krishna visit the Hindu temples to worship and offer prayers to the Krishna. Along with the religious activities many cultural programs also take place on this festival. Theyyam: Theyyam is another very important and popular festival of Kerala. On this festival the Hindus worship the dancers with great respect and religious veneration. On this festival the dance Theyattam is performed. The music and dance are combined in a rare form in Theyattam. The important features of tribal culture are reflected in this dance. This is one of the most important festivals for Hindus.
Like it? Share it! More by this author |