festivals in kerala
Kerala is a land of mixed religions and has a variety of festivals to boast of. Some major festivals of Kerala are celebrated throughout India. Some Kerala festivals are unique to the state. Irrespective of their religion and caste, people of Kerala celebrate these religious festivals in Kerala with much pomp and joy. On the morning of a typical festival, the houses are thoroughly cleaned spic and span from top to bottom. Everyone takes a bath early in the morning and wears new clothes. The elders of the house prepare yummy food items and perform a small ceremony in the honor of the festival. Colorful designs with flowers are made outside the home just at the entrance. The kids of the household make these designs and decorate it beautifully.
Kerala is a melting pot where several ethnic and religious groups mingle. A good illustration of the religious tolerance or secularism is found in the heart of Kerala's capital, 'Thiruvananthapuram', where a Hindu temple, a mosque and a cathedral stand side by side. The ancient rulers of Kerala never practiced religious discrimination. Patronage was distributed not only to the Hindus, but also to the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims.
Each of the unique festivals brightens up the otherwise customary affairs of life. It is a reason to celebrate life and resembles eternal harmony. Filled with laughter, enthusiasm and excitement, festivals bring people of various religions and backgrounds together and take pleasure in the endowments of nature.
With ever so many fests all through the year to cherish, to get together and to rejoice, Keralites must be truly blessed. Every season wakes up to another delightful festival, which makes life more vivacious and cheerful.
A close look at the Kerala calendar will reveal that this is a land where the festivals never end.
Some of the common festivals celebrated in Kerala are given below.
