FASCINATING CULTURE OF KERALA

The EVERGREEN paradise Land that sprung from the oceans!

Kerala is believed to have sprung up from the depth of the Arabian sea when lord PARASURAMA, the incarnation of Vishnu heaved his axe in remorse to the wanton destruction and cruelty he had wrought upon the KSHATRIYA's in a war. The Brahmin had offered severe penance atop the mountains of the Western Ghats.

Man has inhabited this land from time immemorial. Like many other civilizations, the origin of culture of in Kerala is shrouded in the mist of time. Many theories exist as to its development but none have confirmed with any substantial merits the anthropology of the state. But what is most distinct is the fact that Kerala has been the most cosmopolitan and peace loving state in India. It has served as a melting pot for the cultures from the orient and the occident.

A flourishing market of spices, she was called upon by the ships from all continents to collect the valuables and riches that made them. Ancient roman statesmen even chided their citizens for the extravaganza they showed in procuring luxuries from Kerala. Nowhere else in the world, not even in the most urban centers of the developed world would you find people with such divers cultural and religious background living together in friendly and peaceful manner. When the Jews were driven out of central Asia during the BC's, they came to Kerala.

When St.Thomas came here, he was amazed at the religious liberty given by the state to all its people. He established a church in Kerala in the year 52 AD when even Constantinople did not have a church. When prophet Muhammad founded Islam, Keralites embraced it and the kings here invited Arabic architects to raise mosques out of the sand.

This tolerance of cultural values have persisted through the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and universality of its nature. In its widest sense it embraces the highest achievements of the human spirit in every sphere of life. Thus, in its totality, it represents the quintessence of the collective achievements of a people in the fields of religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, education and learning and economic and social organization.

In fact, all through its history the genius of Kerala has blossomed forth in all its vigor and vitality and has helped its people to reach the peak of excellence in all their endeavors.

Onam - the state festival of Kerala - is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festive season of Onam, which falls on the Malayalam month of Chingam, every year (between August and September), is a ten-day carnival for the Malayalees all over the state, country and abroad. Being a harvest festival, it is time to thank God for the bountiful yield. According to the stories in Hindu epics, Mahabali, the legendary King of Kerala, visits the state every year during the Onam festival, to ensure the wellbeing of the people. He is welcomed to his kingdom with reverence. The festival is all about relishing on the grand Onasadya (traditional feast of Onam), shopping, family reunion and welcoming King Mahabali by spreading good cheer.

A number of rituals are performed during the ten days of Onam, which starts on the Attam nakshatram of Chingam. Rituals such as Maveli Puja, Onathallu, Onakazhcha are rooted in the ancient legends and are followed in many parts of the state, since a long time. Apart from the rituals, enthralling games are played during the ten days, wherein small children, men and women take part with equal enthusiasm. Games such as 'Thumbi Thullal (folk dance performed by women), Kaikotti Kali, Pulikkali form a prominent part of the celebrations of Onam. In addition to this, sporting events such as Uthratadhi Vallamkali (snake boat race) are organized with zeal.

Onasadya is an inevitable part of Onam festival. Thiruvonam is the important day of Onam, wherein the lavish feast is organized. Lip-smacking recipes are prepared by the women in every Malayalee household. Intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with colored rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of the homes. There is a tradition of bestowing Onakkodi (new clothes especially purchased for Onam) upon the younger members of family by the elder ones. All the traditions and rituals of Onam attract thousands of tourists from across the country and the world, to Kerala, during the festival of Onam.

When is Onam in 2009?

Onam 2009 is on Wednesday second of September. The atham star that is 10 days behind of Onam is on 24th of August. From Atham onwards the Onam pookalam will start and ends on Onam day.

Related articles : festivals in kerala, keralites, malayalee festivals, Onam Feast, Onam Legends, Onam Celebrations, Onam Games, Onam Rituals, Snake Boat Race, Onam Wishes, Ten Days of Onam, Onam Songs, Onam Quotes, Onam Pookkalam, Onam SMS, Onam Rangoli, Onam History, Onam Gifts, Onam Date, Onam Cards, Onam Decorations, Onam Dance, Onam Recipes, Palada, Pradhaman, Tomato Rasam, Banana Halwa, onam pookkalam decoration ideas, onam pookkalam, onam flower decoration, onam flower pattern idea, 

Onam related Searches:

onam in malayalam, onam festival 2017, onam story, onam festival essay, onam festival 2017, onam photos, harvest festival of kerala, onam essay in malayalam, onam 2017, thiruvonam, thiruvonam 2017 date, onam festival date, thiruvonam 2017 date in kerala, new onam songs, onam songs 2017, kerala onam songs, onam songs lyrics, onam songs list, onam songs free mp3 download, malayalam onam songs