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A state that
qualifies as the best example of unity in diversity,
festivals are celebrated with pomp and gaiety by all
groups of people residing in the state. Erasing the
otherwise thick line that separates religious, caste
and linguistic groups, people of Kerala together
celebrate the festivals of Onam, Thrissur Pooram,
Aranmula Uthrittathi, Easter, Thiruvathira,
Idul-Fitr, Makaravillakku and Vishu.
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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