BAKRID (IDUL-AZHA)

Bakrid, to be rightly called Idul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice, is the second of the two festivals of Islam. This festival is observed by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. It is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command.

In Kerala as in other parts of the world, this day dawns with the resounding of Thakbir (Allahu Akbar), the declartion that God is great. Every Muslim house wakes up with the spirit of sacrifice and festivity. Men, women and children, dressed themselves in their best attire and reciting the Thakbir, proceed to the Id-Gah which is the wide open space set apart for public prayers. The whole atmosphere is filled with the resonance of "Allahu-Akbar". The Assembly then prepares for the congregational prayer led by the Imam. After the ceremonial Id prayer, the leader addresses the devotees, exhorting them to be conscious of their duties to God and follow the example of Abraham. The prayer and the sermon over, the gathering exchange greetings and as an expression of affectionate brotherhood, hug each other.

The festivity at home commence after the ceremonial prayer with hearty feasts followed by social visits. Women enjoy this occasion by paying visits to the neighboring houses and engaging in singing and dancing. All festivities of Islam have some religious significance and are occasions to express their gratitude to God.

In Kerala on the occasion of Bakrid, special meetings are held in which distinguished members of sister communities participate. This occasion serves to foster brotherly relationship among members of various communities. A spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood pervades such gatherings.

BHARANAMGANAM FEAST

Bharanamganam, a small village town in Meenachal taluk, has been famous for long as one of the hallowed places in Kerala. It is about 14 miles from the Ettumannoor railway station. Bharanamganam has always been a refuge of the afflicted and the miserable as well as of the faithful. It is here that the famous St. Mary's Forane Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala dedicated to the Holy Mother, stands, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. It was very recently that this sacred place shot into greater fame and glory when the faithful servant of God, Sister Alphonsa attained eternal bliss.

The important annual festivals of this church are the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on the 9th of Novermber, and the Feast of St. Sebastian on the 20th of January.

Nearby is a Sree Krishna temple. It is said that the celebration of the St. Sebastian's Feast in this Church has traditionally some connections either with this temple or with a Namboodiri family which once proposed by the side of the temple. Probably this tradition is based on the fact that Kolvilakku (lamp with long handles) of high artistic perfection used in this church for the "circumambulation ceremony" during the feast of St. Sebastian, closely resembles the one used in the temple procession. The feast of St. Sebastian and the Arat of the temple are celebrated more or less during the same period in the month of Makaram every year.