The holy month of Karkataka Masam, famously known as Ramayana Masam is celebrated with great fervor in Kerala. This year, the Ramayana Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16. It is the last month in the Malayalam calendar. Due to heavy rain, the month is referred to as ‘the month of scarcity’. To ward off nature’s fury, the epic is read in traditional Hindu houses, by Hindu organizations and in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As per Malayalam Almanac, new ventures and auspicious functions are not held during this month. The Amavasya day in the Karkataka month is dedicated to the dead ancestors and Hindus perform special pujas on this day. A pilgrimage to the temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers is also undertaken in the Ramayana Masam. The famous Malayalam version of the Ramayana titled’ Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu’ written by Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is the one being recited. Ezhuthachan is regarded as the Father of Malayalam language.
