CULTURE

ONAM FESTIVAL

 POKALAM

Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for ten days. The festival is marked by various festivities including intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali etc.

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers, which fall on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Patala (the underworld). Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory.
According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. The Brahma-Vaivarta Puranam explains that Lord Vishnu wanted to curb the pride of Indra; and therefore positioned Mahabali in great power.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.
Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala. The following song is often sung over Onam:

"

Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam, manusharellarum onnupole amodhathode vasikkum kalam apathangarkkumottillathanum kallavum illa chathiyumilla ellolamilla polivachanam kallapparayum cherunazhiyum kallatharangal mattonnumilla adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla balamaranangal kelppanilla

"

HISTORY OF KERALA

 KERALA HISTORY

The history of Kerala goes back more than several millennia. Stone age carving in Edakkal Caves had pictorial writings believed to be dating to at least 5000 BC, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region.^[1] From as early as 3000 BC, Kerala had established itself as a major spice trade center. Kerala had direct contact across the Arabian Sea with all the major Red Sea ports and the Mediterranean ports as well as extending to ports in the Far East. The spice trade between Kerala and much of the world was one of the main drivers of the world economy. For much of history, ports in Kerala were the busiest (Muziris) among all trade and travel routes in the history of the world.





PARASURAMA
There are myths concerning the origin of Kerala. One such myth is the creation of Kerala by Parasurama, a warrior sage. The Brahminical myth proclaims that Parasurama, an Avatar of Mahavishnu, threw his battle axe into the sea.As a result, the land of Kerala arose and was reclaimed from the waters.

He was the sixth of the ten avatars (incarnation) of Vishnu. The word Parasu means 'axe' in Sanskrit and therefore the name Parasurama means 'Ram with Axe'. The aim of his birth was to deliver the world from the arrogant oppression of the ruling caste, the Kshatriyas. He killed all the male Kshatriyas on earth and filled five lakes with their blood. After destroying the Kshatriya kings, he approached assembly of learned men to find a way of penitence for his sins. He was advised that, to save his soul from damnation, he must hand over the lands he had conquered to the Brahmins. He did as they advised and sat in meditation at Gokarnam.
Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese navigator. At the end of the 15th century he led an expedition that opened the sea route to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.He was born in 1460 at Sines in Portugal, the son of a well known nobleman and explorer called Estavao. Estavo had planned to make the sea voyage from Portugal to India but he died before he succeeded in his endeavor.

He reached the Cape of Good Hope region on November 7.They crossed the Indian Ocean in 23 days, and reached Calicut on May 20, 1498. The Moors in Calicut instigated the Zamorin of Calicut against him, and he was compelled to return with the bare discovery and the few spices he had bought there at inflated prices (but it did help him make a 3000% profit) Vasco da Gama died of an illness in Cochin, India on December 24, 1524; his remains were returned to Portugal for burial.

KERALA TOURISM

VADATTUPARA 

VADATTUPARA located 55 km north east of Ernakulam town.The main irrigation and Hydro Electric Projects of Ernakulam District- The Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and Edamalayar- are also located near byTourist Places :Bhoothathankettu: A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.Thattekkad :Lying close to Vadattupara is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad . Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience for adventure lovers.

How to Reach:Nearest railway station: Alway junction, about 50 km away

Nearest airport: Kochi international airpor

BOOTHATHANKETTU DAM

Bhoothathankettu is a scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. It is heaven to nature lovers. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience for adventure lovers. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Edamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby.

Therefore the name Bhoothathankettu means Forts of the Spirits.. Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Bhoothathankettu derives its name from a legend in which bhootham (ghost) tried to submerge the Thrikariyoor temple of Lord Shiva by creating a dam on Periyar but Shiva suspecting trickery, came up with a plan to frighten them. He made it appear that dawn was approaching by making a sound like the crowing of the rooster. The demons fearing the arrival of light fled leaving their task incomplete. Large boulders can be found to this day.

Religions in Kerala

Mainly three types of religions are present in kerala.they are

Christian

Hindu

Muslim

Christian

MALAYTOOR CHURCH

This is one of the old church in Kerala.This christian pilgrim located in the town of Malayatoor in Enrakulam district, Kerala.St.thomas was a  Apostle one who took initiative to begin Christian community in Kerala.And he construct a church here and is known as malayatoor church...

 

 ST..MARY'S CHURCH, VALLARPADAM

The church of our Lady of Ransom Vallarpadam is a famous pilgrim centre. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed come to the church to seek the Blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as 'VALLARPADATHAMMA'. 

KANJOOR ST.SEBASTIAN CHURCH

This is the one of the famous christian church located in Kanjoor town,Ernakulam district, kerala.The People belive that the Saint Sebastian at kanjooralso known as "The Kanjoor Punyavalan"  is the Living saint who removes all the diseases and epidemics.

Hindu

The old kerala temples are precious in the world....

 GURUVAYUR TEMPLE

This is one of the old temple in Kerla which name as "GURUVAYUR TEMPLE".This temple is dedicated to krishna,located in the town of Guruvayur In kerala.It is one of the most important places of workship for hindus is often refered to as "Bholooka  Vaikuntam".

SABARIMALA TEMPLE

This is one of the old temple in Kerla which name as "SABARIMALA TEMPLE".This is a hindu pilgrimage center located in the western ghat    mountain  ranges of pathanamthitta district in kerala.Sabarimala is believed to be the place where the hindu god ayappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness,Mahishi .

Vadakkumnathan Temple,Thrissur

A very big temple in 10 acres, said to have been built by Parasurama, the legend creator of Kerala. Here the deity is Shiva. The famous ‘Thrissur Pooram’, fathered by Shaktan Tampuran, is celebrated in the precincts of the temple. To facilitate the Pooram he cleared teak forests of 54 acres around the temple. The temple is enclosed by 15 ft massive walls. The Gopurams, four, in carved wood and stone positioned in four directions around the temple. Bali (sacrifice)stones in brass seen everywhere. The ground is dotted with stone reliefs of prostrating men. The deities of Ayyappa and Rama, as ancillaries, are in comradeship with giant old trees. The Adi Sankaracharya is also accommodated. The exquisitely carved wood beautifies the shrines and Koothambalam (temple theater). The idols of Shiva positioned all around the main altar. The deity Shiva is in the form of a big ‘mahalingam’. Here the main offering is ghee. The devotees brought ghee pours on the ‘lingam’ The years’ offerings has concealed the lingam. At present the devotees can see only a mound of ghee. As a miracle, the ghee does not melt or emit any smell, though in summer the temperature rises upto 35 degree C. It is said, part of the ghee is more than 1000 years old. The ghee will not be removed. If and when any portion of the mount is collapsed, the same will be sold. If a collapse is taken place, it is believed as a sign of some evil about to happen in Thrissur. Seven years back there was a partial collapse of ghee prior to the Pooram and during the Pooram a fireworks accident snatched the life of three. The Kerala’s own art form, Chakyarkoothu, is staged here very often. For this there is a specifically thatched roof structure. 

PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE

Located inside the East Fort, this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Serpent. The idol, plated in gold and made out of a rare composition known as katu-sarkara-yogam, is acclaimed as a marvel. It is also noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Muslim

Cheraman Juma Masjid, kodungalloor 
Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque in Kodungalloor resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. It was earlier made of wood. Built in 629 A.D., this is the first mosque in India where Juma prayers were started. Recent changes have been made and it now has concrete minarets. The interiors remain wooden with a Kerala oil lamp right in the centre. This lamp is of great significance to people of all religions. Some of them bring oil for the lamp on the auspicious occasion of major family events.

This is one of the famous mosque

.Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira

 This is the very old mosque which is present in Kerala.Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira, Kozhikode, was built by Nakhuda Mishkal in the 14th century. Nakhuda Mishkal was a renowned trader and ship owner from Yemen. The title Nakhuda is of persian origin, meaning Captain of the ship; from nāv = boat + khudā = master. As you can see, the mosque was designed in the traditional kerala architecture of that period.

Kerala Coin Collections

COIN COLLECTIONS

 ANNA

An Anna was a currency unit formerly used in india equal to 1/16  rupee. It was subdivided into 4 Paise or 12 Pies (thus there were 64 paise in a rupee and 192 pies). The term belonged to the Muslim monetary system. The ānā is not commonly used since India decimalised its currency in 1957.

This is the coin which is used in the ruling periods of British

This is one of the important coin which is present in 1116.it is known as "ONE FANAM".this coins are prent in the ruling period of Mr.Balarama varma .Now the cost of these is too much.

This is the another side of "ONE FANAM  COIN"which is one of the rare coin which is present 1116.It is made by Mr.Balarama Varma in 1116.And it is the rare collection of kerala coins.

This coins are known as "THERAKASU" which are made by venad rulers  for small denomination money for everyday usage..In kerala, the most discovered coins are silver coins...because they have the resistant against the climate....

Vira Kerala  varma (1127-1155 AD), Udayamarthanda varma(1175-1195 AD)silver  coins have also been discovered, but they are not voluminous yet. Gold coins also came into use from 12th century, but their find has been rarer than that of  silver.