~ 'Ramayan Month' begins in Kerala ~

Keeping up with Hindu Traditions, Hindu homes and temples in Kerala began to reverberate with the chant of 'Adhyatma Ramayanam' as the month of 'Karkitakam' of Malayalam calender dawned on Wednesday. For centuries, it has been a practice for Keralities to read aloud 'Adhyatma Ramayanam' penned by medieval devotional poet Thunchath Ezhuthachan, revered as the patriach of Malayalam literature.

In Mumbai, some people keep Ramayan's path for 2 days. One by one all the members of the family will read Ramayan for 3 to 4 hrs. At the end of one person's turn, the other one takes over continuing. The entire Ramayan is compeleted in 48 hrs. With a diya burning during that time. This can be done anytime of the year. Even in US such path are kept in the week end. Guests are invited, Prasad is distributed.

Thanks for sharing this here kalyani. 😊

Ramayana Masam

Karkkidakam is referred as the Ramayana Masam, which starts on 17th July and ends on 16th August. As the name specify, this holy month is destined for undertaking pious Vratham and recitation of Adhyathma Ramayanam Kilippattu: the epic life of Lord Sree Rama, which is the most virtuous and conversant contribution from Thunjathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, called as the Father of Malayalam Language. He was born in Malappuram district in Kerala about 450 years ago. The tradition of reciting Ramayanam started from 16th century, when Ezhuthachan wrote Adhyatma Ramayana in the form of Kilippatuu ( narrated by parrot ) in pure and simple Malayalam language which easily accepted by common people of Kerala. The ferocious plunge of the rains in the month of Karkkidaka brings out many discomforts in the forms of ailments, scarcity, dearth, destructions etc. During this month the agrarian population of Kerala receives a retarded production in crops and other rural food products.

The month of Karkkidakam is often referred as "Panja Masam" (the month of extreme scarcity) in traditional Malayalam language. A shade of discontent will make its triumph due to these factors. Ramayana recitation during this time is considered as a propitious practice that will mend all the discomforts and agony both to the individuals and community. An unrivaled spiritual solace can be attained through the habitual and devoted reading of Ramayana during the 31 days of Karkkidakam. Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippatuu is recited in homes and temples during the month of Karkkidakam. The reader should sit in the front of lighted lamp (Nilavilakku) and read the verses in particular rhythm. It is recommended that the book must be completed on the last day of Malayalam Month.Marriges, new undertakings etc are not held during the month of Karkkidakam.

Ohh i didnt know this thx 4 sharing :)

thanks! great tradition, only if other states did this!

As I belong to kerala me and my mother are reading Ramayana at home this month started on 17th july.I really love it