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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

CHINGOM


CHINGOM
Chingom (August- September) is the first month in the Malayalam Calendar used in Kerala. The first day of Chingom is the beginning of the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar and is locally referred as “Andu Pirappu” The first day is welcomed by special pujas and people in large numbers visit the temples. The day is of great significance to the farmers also. As per Malayalam calendar Kolla varsham 1185 (the Malayalam Year) begins to day i.e. August 17, 2009. The month is considered highly auspicious and numerous marriage and other ceremonies take place in the month. Onam, the most popular festival of kerala is observed in this month. A festival immersed in myths, folk lore and traditions Onam is an occasion of keralisties to celebrate plentiude and togetherness. The ten day Onam celebrations begin on the Atham asterism of the month chingam.
Onam has been part of Malayalam psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the sangam Age, The earliest record of the festival is found during the reign those days the whole chingom was celebrated as Onam season
Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of kerala Onam is a time when the whole state bustles with activities festivities and shopping starts even weeks before the festival. Onam epitomizes the new found vigor and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervor with folk games, family get togetherness, gifting of cloths called Onakkodi and lots of merry making


Prof John Kurakar

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