RAKKULI THIRUNAL, Pala

Rakkuli Thirunal is the terminology of Common parlance to denote the feast of Epiphany celebrated every year on the 6th January in the St. Thomas Cathendral Church at Pala. It has been the occasion of a vast fair where articles of every neccessity are exhibited for sale.

The festival symbolises the Bibilical account of the three wisemen from the East, being led by a new born star to infant Jesus in the manger of Bethlehem.

RAMADAN

Idul-Fitr, of late known by the misnomer 'Ramadan' is one of the two festivals of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast, giving up all kinds o food and drink during day time, and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer. Purification of the body and soul is the main aim of this observance.

When the crescent appears on the western horizon heralding the end of the month of fasting, it marks the beginning of the Idul-Fitr festival. Because this festival is connected with the month of Ramadan, it came to be known as 'Ramadan'. The Idul-Fitr festival starts with the commencement of the first day of the month of 'Shawwal'. The first item of the celebration is distribution of food materials to the poor and the deserving. Any person who holds food in excess of the day's need must necessarily make his contribution in accordance with the scales prescribed by Islam. Muslims all over the world celebrate this festival with great éclat and in gratitude to God. In the morning men, women and children cleanse their bodies, put on the best attire and proceed to the mosque or the Id-Gah. The assembled Muslims gathering then offers the congregational prayer led by the Imam. After the prayers the Imam delivers the sermon pointing out the extreme importance of the occasion. Returning home after the ceremonial functions, they visit friends and relatives. Some make it a point to visit the graves of close relatives, on this day.

In certain parts of Kerala, for instance Chavakkad, Muslim women, dressed in their best clothes and wearing jewelery, celebrate this occasion by paying visits to neighbors and engaging in entertainments. The women organise themselves into groups and spend the time in singing and dancing.

Recently in certain parts of Kerala new practices is connection with the celebration of this festival have been introduced. One of the novel features of the Id celebration is to invite members of the sister communities to participate in such function.

FESTIVALS AT SABARIMAL

For many centuries Sabarimala in the south has been an important pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, especially from the Southern states. The presiding deity of Sabarimala is Lord Ayyappa known as Dhrama Sastha, who is considered a symbol of unity between the Vaishnavites and Saivites, his origin being traced to a union of Siva and Vishnu under special circumstance. He is also believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self enshrined at Sabarimala. Some scholars say that Sastha images seen all over Kerala are those of Lord Budha, but there are others who dispute the theory.

The temple is situated in the interior of the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats Sahyadri, and it is inaccessible except on foot. Pilgrims have to negotiate long shelter of the thick forests and tall mountains infested with all sorts of wild animals.

Pilgrimage to Sabarimala cannot be undertaken at all seasons, because it requires long proparations and fixed timings. A devotee who wishes to perform the pilgrimage should undergo forty-one days' Vritham (penance) consisting of strict celibacy, morning and evening ablutions, growing of bread and daily prayers. Saranamvilli or the call of dedication and refuge in Lord Ayyappa is an essential part of the daily worship.

January 14, every year synchronizing with the day of Sankramom (crossing of the sun from Dhakshinyana to Uttarayana) is the most important festival day of the temple. On the above day, lakhs of pilgrims each called an Ayyappa (assuming the very name of the Lord) flock to the shrine for worship. Here they see the Makara Vilakku the appearance of the spontaneous phenomenon of strange light in the distance, indicating the presence of god, and return ennobled and strengthened in spirit. Situated not far from the Sabarimala temple, there is a shrine in the name of Vavar, a Muslim of great valour, who was thought to be a close associate to Sri. Ayyappa. It is a rare feature of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala that the Hindu pilgrims offer worship at this shrine of Vavar also during their trip, indicating the communal harmony that prevailed in Kerala for ages. During the entire pilgrimage, all distinctions of caste and class are forgotten.

SARKARA BHARANI AND KALIYOOTTU

The famed Sarkara Bhagavathi temple situated at Sarkara village, near Chirayinkeezhu railway station. The festivals clebrated in this temple and Kaliyoottu in Kumbham and Bharani in Meenam (February-March), Kaliyoottu is celebrated to commemorate the fight between Darika and Bhadrakali. The festival extends over nine days starting on an auspicious Thursday in Kumbham and ends on the ninth day which will be a Friday. A large number of people assemble for the Kaliyoottu festival. Bharani in Meenam is the birthday of the Bhagavathy. This festival commences on pooradam day in Meenam (March-April) and ends on Bharani, the tenth day. More than a lakh people assemble for the festival.

SIVAGIRI MUTT

Sree Narayana Guru was the Kingpin of a social revolution which transformed the caste-ridden society of Kerala. His philosophy of 'one cast, one religion and one God for man' and 'man should progress whatever be the religion' had far-reaching impact. Though in a peaceful and democratic way he fought against the caste supremacy and the outlook of caste Hindus, untouchability and religious rites does not rest only with caste-Hindus, especially Brahmins. The Sarada temple and his mutt at Sivagiri atop Varkala hill has now become a place of pilgrimage. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the Samadhi day are befittingly celebrated in August and September respectively every year. On these days colourful processions, seminars, Public meetings, cultural show, community feasts and special rituals are held. In the last week of December, devotees of Sree Naryana Guru, donned in yellow attire stream to sivagiri from different parts of Kerala and outside, in what way be called a pilgrimage of enlightenment. Seminars and discussions on various themes of modern life ranging from industrialisation to women's emancipation are held during the days of pilgrimage. The Mahasamadhi of Sree Narayana Guru also attracts a large number of devotees and tourists.