MUSLIM

Aandunercha

Aandunercha is the annual celebration of mosques. Kondotty Nercha, Malappuram Nercha, Manathara Nercha, Mamburam Nercha, Alathur Jaram Nercha, Ottappalam Nercha, Beemapally Nercha are famous ones in Kerala. In many mosques, Nercha festival is conducted on a similar manner to those of Hindu temple festivals. As a part of the Aandunercha, Muslims perform Kodiyettam (hoisting of flags) in mosques, playing of percussion, procession with elephants etc.

Bakrid

Bakrid is a festival that commemorates the willingness of the patriarch Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael at the command of Allah (God). It is also known as Id al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). The Muslims enjoy hearty feasts on Bakrid day. The rich may sacrifice a goat or a bullock and distribute it among friends, relatives and the poor. The Qur'an, the sacred scripture of Islam, allows Abraham and Ishmael with instituting the Hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam, the five religious duties of every adult Muslim The famous Hajj pilgrimage is performed after the celebration of Id al-Azha.

Chandanakkudam (Uroos)

Chandanakkudam or Uroos is an important festival of Muslims in central and southern Kerala. The main function of the celebration is the procession carrying pots covered its mouth and agarbathies. In some places it celebrate on a grand scale just like the temple festivals. The rites observed are almost analogues to the rituals of Hindu temples perhaps due to the influence of Hindu culture on Islamic practices.

Mil-a-di Sherif

Mohammed Nabi, the Prophet of Islam, was born on the 20th April 571 AD. Muslims all over the world celebrate the birth of the Prophet. in various ways. In Kerala also the Prophet's birthday is celebrated. Reading 'Maulod' (biography of the Prophet) is the common ritual of the day. Night discourses are being organized during the first twelve days of the month to enlighten the people on the life of the Prophet.

Muharam

Muharam is a festival of Muslims. It is also known as festival of tears. Muharam is observed to commemorate the death of Hussain and Hassan, grand children of the Prophet. Hijara year starts with the month of Muharam.

Ramdan (Ramzan)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. According to the Islamic calendar Ramadan occurs about 11 days earlier each year, and it rotates through the seasons in a cycle totaling about 33 years. The month of Ramadan is sacred because the first revelation of the Qur’an is said to have occurred during this month. It is known as 'Ramadan' since the festival is connected with the month of Ramadan. During this month the Muslims observe fast, giving up food and drink during daytime, and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Purification of the body and soul is the main aim of this observance. The festival id ul-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking) marks the end of Ramadan. It begins with the sighting of the new moon on the first day of “Shawwal”, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. The first part of the celebration is the distribution of food materials to the poor. Any person who holds food in excess should contribute in accordance with the prescribed norms. Muslims of Kerala celebrate this festival with great dedication and in gratefulness to God along with their counterparts all over the world. It is also known as Cheriya Perunnal, Id Perunnal, and Ramzan Id etc. In the morning, men, women and children proceed to the mosque, where they offer the prayers led by an Imam. After the prayers the Imam delivers the discourse about Ramadan