CHANDANAKUDA MAHOTSAVAM In Beemapalli.

The holy shrine of Beema Beevi, more popularly known as Beemappalli, which is held sacred by Muslims as well as others, is situated about five kilometers southwest of the Trivandrum Central Railway Station, on the beach road leading to Poonthura via Valiyathura. Beemappalli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted muslim lady gifted with divine powers. It is one of the most distinguished mosques in Kerala, which draws large gatherings. Pilgrims of all ages from all communities can be seen heading towards the shrine all along the routes during this festival.

Of the festivals celebrated here, the Chandanakuda Mahotsavam is, by far, the most important. The festival is in commemoration of the death anniversary of Beema Beevi. Celebrated with much pomp and gaiety is begins on the first of Jamadul Akhar (March-April) of the Hejra year and lasts for ten years. On all days during the festival pilgrims throng the shrine to pay homage to Beema Beevi. The largest influx of pilgrims, however, takes place on the last day of the festival ie. on the tenth of Jamadul Akhar when the entire locality turns into a veritable ocean of humanity.

On the first of Jamadul Akhar, the tradition flag of the mosque is ceremoniously hoisted in the presence of the elders and big gathering. This marks the commencement of the festival and the celebrations in the subsequent days. The whole locality wears a festive look on this day. The shrine and its premises are richly decorated with festoons and other decorative articles. A curious offering made during the occasion, requires special mention. Small earthen pots smeared with sandalwood paste and their openings covered with small white cloth, with small flowers garlands tied around their neck and two or three incense sticks thrust into the top covering, known as Chandanakudam containing coins are devoutly carried by the pilgrims on their heads to the shrine. These pots are then given as offerings at the tomb. Streams of the pots, with the burning incense and moving towards the shrine is a memorable spectacle connected with this festival. Probably, this explains the name 'Chandanakuda Mahotsavam"

As the day progresses, the crowd increases to unmanageable proportions. By dusk, the entire area is lit with neon and halogen lights and pleasantly illuminated. With this the tempo of the celebration also increases. Within the walls a special kind of Ratheeb (act of self purification done with a religious fervour), Dahara Muttu (Sword play), Vadithallu and the like are staged while outside dance, music, drama, Kathaprasangam and such other entertainments are presented. At about 1:30 AM the flag kept at the tomb is taken out in procession within the locality. This is known as Pattanapravesam. This procession is led by tow caparisoned elephants and with the accompaniment of Panchavadyam, band, Daharamuttukali and the like. When the procession returns to the shrine, the festivities are wound up with a spectacular display of fireworks that lasts till daybreak.



FESTIVAL AT CHERAMAN JUMAMASJID, Kodungalloor

This is the first Juma Masjid in India and is situated in the Methala Village of Kodungalloor taluk, hardly 20 kilometre from the Irinjalakuda railway station. According to the legend, Cheraman Perumal went on a pilgrimage to Arabia where he met Prophet Mohammed at Jeddah and embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin. He married the sister of the then King of Jeddah and settled down there. Before his death he handed over the king of Jeddah several letters addressed to some rulers of Kerala seeking their help to propagate the tenets of Islam in Kerala. After his death the king came to Kerala and met the Rajah of Kodungalloor who helped him to convert the Arathali temple into a Juma Masjid. This mosque was designed and constructed by Hindus based on Hindu art and architecture. The graves of three great disciples are situated adjacent to this mosque which is the first in India and second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from all walks of life visit this mosque. Ramadan and Bakrid are the only celebrations held here.