Kerala - History and Tradition
What and Where is it ?
Kerala, regionally referred to as Keralam , is a state in the south-west region of India on the Malabar coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 as per the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam-speaking regions. Spread over 38,863 km2 , it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and north east, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Laccadive Sea to the west. It has 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 census, Kerala is the twelfth largest state by population and is divided into 14 districts. Malayalam is the most widely spoken and official language of the state. The state capital is Thiruvananthapuram, other major cities include Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam and Thrissur.
History
The region was a prominent spice exporter from 3000 BCE to 3rd century. The Cheral dynasty was the first powerful kingdom based in Kerala . During the Chera period Kerala remained an international spice trading center.
Religious history
According to Hinduism, the land of Kerala was recovered from the sea by Parasurama, an Incarnation of the diety Vishnu , hence Kerala is also called Parasurama Kshetra directly translating to ' Land of Parasurama '. Parasurama was an axe-wielding warrior sage.
Boats of Kerala
The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways . In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises from the lat 2nd century .
Festivals of Kerala
Kerala is considered as land of festivals, with numerous festivals falling across the year. The State has numerous holidays due to Festivals.
Onam
Onam is the most biggest festival in Kerala. It is the National Festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthardom) to the 4rd Onam Day. Its also one of the most secular festival. Onam Festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) .
Sree Padmanbha's Arattu
The Sree Padmanbha's Arattu is again a Royal Procession of Lord Sree Padmanabha, the presiding deity of the Temple, happening twice in a year. As Lord Sree Padmanabha was the National Deity of the Travancore Kingdom who adored the title of Emperor of the Erstwhile Kingdom, the procession is considered one of the last legacy of royal heritage, with Kerala Police, Indian Army, Air force making its obligation to the Lord
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is one of the most popular festivals of the state Kerala. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur town every year on the 'Pooram' day of the Malayalam calender month of 'Medam'. 'Pooram' day is the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star .