Malayalam Calendar 2023 September: A Guide To Festivals And Events

Introduction

As the month of August comes to an end, people in Kerala eagerly wait for September to arrive. The month of September is significant in the Malayalam Calendar as it marks the beginning of the harvest season. With the onset of monsoon, this month brings with it a flurry of festivals and events that celebrate the bounty of nature. In this article, we will take a look at the festivals and events that make September a special month in the Malayalam Calendar.

Personal Experience

Growing up in Kerala, September was always a month to look forward to. The sound of raindrops hitting the roof, the smell of freshly harvested paddy fields, and the sight of colorful flowers blooming everywhere made this month special. As a child, I eagerly waited for Onam, the biggest festival of Kerala, which usually falls in September. As I grew older, I realized that there were many more festivals and events that took place in September, each with its unique significance.

Malayalam Calendar 2023 September Festivals and Events

Here are some of the festivals and events that are celebrated in Kerala during September:

Onam

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, and it is celebrated with much pomp and grandeur. It usually falls in the month of September and is a ten-day long festival. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects during this time. Onam is a time for feasting, wearing new clothes, and participating in various cultural activities.

Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam is the main day of Onam, and it usually falls on the 11th day of the festival. On this day, people prepare a grand feast called Onasadya, which consists of over 20 dishes. Thiruvonam is also a day for exchanging gifts and visiting relatives and friends.

Arattu

Arattu is a ritualistic bath of the deities that takes place in the temple tank. It usually takes place on the last day of Onam, and it marks the end of the festival. The procession of the deity to the temple tank is a sight to behold, with people singing and dancing in joy.

Pulikali

Pulikali is a unique folk art form that is performed during Onam. It involves men painting their bodies like tigers and dancing on the streets. The performance is usually accompanied by music and is a colorful spectacle.

Navaratri

Navaratri is a nine-day long festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It usually falls in September and is celebrated by fasting, praying, and offering special prayers to the goddess Durga. The last three days of the festival are known as Durga Puja and are celebrated with much fanfare.

Chingam

Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam Calendar, and it usually falls in August or September. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated by cleaning and decorating houses, buying new clothes, and preparing special dishes.

Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira is a festival that is celebrated by women in Kerala. It usually falls in September and is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. Women fast on this day and offer special prayers to the goddess for the well-being of their husbands.

Question & Answer

Q: What is the significance of Onam in Kerala? A: Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, and it is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects during this time. Onam is a time for feasting, wearing new clothes, and participating in various cultural activities. Q: What is Pulikali? A: Pulikali is a unique folk art form that is performed during Onam. It involves men painting their bodies like tigers and dancing on the streets. The performance is usually accompanied by music and is a colorful spectacle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, September is a month of festivities and joy in Kerala. With Onam, Navaratri, and other festivals, this month is a time for people to come together and celebrate the bounty of nature. The unique culture and traditions of Kerala make September a special month in the Malayalam Calendar, and it is a time that is eagerly awaited by all.