Keralam

Keralam (formerly Kerala) is a state in southwestern Bharat. It is the 21st largest state by area in Bharat, and the 13th-most populous state. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram.

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Kerala Bharat map

Kerala is known as "God's Own Country" due to its lush green landscapes, stunning beaches, and backwaters. The state is also known for its rich culture and its unique cuisine.

Here are some of the things that make Kerala special:

• Natural beauty: Kerala is a beautiful state with a variety of landscapes, including the Western Ghats, the Malabar Coast, and the backwaters. The state is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries, including the Periyar National Park and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
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  Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala Bharat
• Backwaters: Kerala is famous for its backwaters, which are a network of canals and lakes. The backwaters are a popular tourist destination for boating, fishing, and bird watching.
• Houseboats: Kerala is also famous for its houseboats, which are traditional boats that are used for accommodation and sightseeing.
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  Houseboats Kerala Bharat
• Ayurveda: Kerala is known for its Ayurveda, which is a traditional system of medicine that originated in Bharat. Ayurveda is based on the belief that health is a balance of the body, mind, and spirit.
• Cuisine: Kerala has a unique cuisine that is influenced by its many cultures. The state is known for its use of spices, coconut, and rice.
• People: The people of Kerala are known for their warmth and hospitality. They are also known for their resilience and hard work.

If you are looking for a state with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Kerala is the place for you. It is a state that is full of surprises and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Kerala:

• Alappuzha: Alappuzha is a town that is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The town is known for its backwaters and its houseboats.
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  Alappuzha Kerala Bharat
• Munnar: Munnar is a hill station that is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. The hill station is known for its scenic beauty and its cool climate.
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  Munnar Kerala Bharat
• Kovalam: Kovalam is a beach town that is located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The beach town is known for its beautiful beaches and its laid-back atmosphere.
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  Kovalam Kerala Bharat
• Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a town that is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The town is known for its Portuguese colonial heritage and its vibrant culture.
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  Fort Kochi Kerala Bharat
• Thrissur: Thrissur is a city that is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The city is known for its temples and its cultural festivals.
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  Thrissur Kerala Bharat

Sabarimala Festival

The Sabarimala Festival is a Hindu pilgrimage and festival celebrated annually in the month of November-January at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, Bharat. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, a Hindu deity who is believed to be the son of Shiva and Mohini.

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Sabarimala Temple, Kerala

The Sabarimala temple is located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). The temple is accessible only by foot or by helicopter. The pilgrims who undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala are called Ayyappan devotees or Sabarimala pilgrims.

The Sabarimala Festival is a 41-day pilgrimage that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November) and ends on the 11th day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January). The pilgrims who undertake the pilgrimage are required to follow a strict set of rules and regulations, which include:

• They must be celibate for the entire duration of the pilgrimage.
• They must not shave or cut their hair.
• They must not consume meat, alcohol, or tobacco.
• They must wear a black or dark blue robe.
• They must carry a rudraksha mala (rosary) and a lighted lamp.

The pilgrims who complete the pilgrimage are believed to be cleansed of their sins and to have attained moksha (liberation). The Sabarimala Festival is a major event in Kerala and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over Bharat and the world.

The festival is celebrated in two parts:

• The Mandala Puja Festival: This is the main festival and is celebrated during the months of November-December.
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  Mandala Puja Festival in Sabarimala
• The Makaravilakku Festival: This festival is celebrated on the day of Makara Sankranti (January 14). 
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  Makaravilakku Festival in Sabarimala

The festival is also a major economic event for Kerala, generating billions of dollars in revenue.

The Sabarimala Festival has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to the ban on women of menstruating age (between 10 and 50 years old) from entering the temple. The ban was lifted by the Supreme Court of India in 2018, but it has been challenged by some groups. The controversy is still ongoing.