Karkidakam the Ramayana month

Ramayana masam

The Malayalam month of karkidakam (July-August) is observed as the Ramayana month in Kerala.On all days of the month the epic is read in traditional homes & other establishments like temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the state.The Ramayana month falls between mid July & August, this year the it starts on the 17th of July & closes on August.

The reading starts on the first day of the month & the book is completely read by the last. As per tradition the reading takes place in the evening.The reciters

& participants bathe & dress in clean clothes & sit facing a nilavilakku, a traditional brass lamp.The recitation is done from the famous Malayalam Version of the Ramayana titled Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu written by Thunchath Ezhuthachan.

Karkidakam is the last month of the Malayalam calendar & the monsoon is at its peak during the month. In the past an agriculture dependent population considered the month, 'panja masam' or the month of scarcity.As sowing would start soon after & the month & the resources would be at its scarcest. Many leaves & vegetables are also considered inedible during the month.

The month also sees fasts & religious observances & is considered appropriate for ayurvedic treatments.The new moon day is dedicated to dead ancestors & special pujas & rituals to remember them is performed during the season.The month is seen fit for pilgrimage to the four famous temples dedicated to Lord Ram,called the 'Nalambala Darshanam' literally , visit to the four temples.

These traditional practices ensures the efficient use of the peak monsoon season when heavy rains prevent most activities.It is interesting how these practises deeply rooted in the culture & environment of the region makes sure time is dedicated to all aspects of lifein a year, including religion, health care & remembering the past . 

To listen to Malayalam Ramayanam reading at special page dedicated to Ramayam in Mathrubhumi click here (Ramayanam is uploaded on the left cornor with small images of chapter. Wait for few seconds for the Ramayan Chapters to load fully)The reading is broken into MP3 files of various sizes