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Kerala Fairs & Festivals
All India Travel Tourism > Kerala Travel
> Fairs & Festivals
Kerala, cut off as it is from
the rest of India by the Western Ghats, is noted for its rich culture,
heritage and other distinctive characteristics. Keralites have the rare
capability to imbibe and assimilate lofty ideals and principles wherever
they find them. Religious tolerance, hospitality, cleanliness, simple
life and broad outlook of the people have attracted many a foreigner to
the State from time immemorial, besides her scenic beauty, pleasant climate
and rich natural resources.
History has helped the Malayali
to develop a cosmopolitan outlook. Kerala had contacts with the rest of
the world for several centuries in the past. The important trading centres
of Kerala had relations with Egypt, Asia Minor, China, Assyria, Babylonia,
Greece, Rome, Malaya, Philippines, Java and Sumatra. The Kerala Kings
and chieftains provided them with all possible assistance not only to
carry on trade, but also to settle down here and propagate their religions.
It is believed that the Apostle St. Thomas landed on Kerala in 51-54 A.D.
St. Thomas established seven churches in the State in places like Palayar,
Niranam and Thumpoly. Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungalloor, the first
Juma Masjid in India, was set up under the patronage of the Raja of Kodungalloor.
Tradition has it that 10,000 Jews came to Kerala soon after destruction
of their second temple in their homeland in 72 A.D.
There is an ancient Jain temple
near the Palakad town. There are thus hundreds of instances of the Hindu
rulers of the princely states of Kerala who made land and wealth available
for the construction of churches and mosques. In some cases even temple
buildings were given to establish institutions of other religions. Thousands
of Namboodiris, the then caste-Hindus and even kings like Cheraman Perumal,
changed their religions. Another notable feature is that there is no antagonism
between one religion and another. Lord Ayyappa, an important deify of
the Hindus, had close friendly relations with a Muslim, Vavar. It is further
to be noted that many churches and mosques in Kerala are situated adjacent
to temples suggesting that communal harmony and religious tolerance are
an essential part of Kerala's culture and heritage. Even the responsibility
for organising certain ceremonies and rituals of some of these institutions
is vested with the local people belonging to other communities. Fairs
and festivals of the places of worship are programmed in tune with the
cultural background and heritage of Keralites. In short, 'Keralisation'
of the festivals of different communities is the unique feature of Kerala
life.
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