Ramayana Masam significant observance in Kerala, aligns with the Malayalam calendar month of ‘Karkidakam,’ falling between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. This period is also referred to as ‘Karkidaka Masam.’
In 2024, Ramayana Masam will commence on Tuesday, July 16, coinciding with the start of Karkidakam, and conclude on Sunday, August 16. Throughout this month, Hindu families and organizations engage in the sacred practice of reading the Ramayana (Ramayana Parayanam) daily. This tradition is prevalent in Hindu households and temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as the Ramayana, a revered Hindu epic, holds profound religious importance.
Observance and Rituals of Ramayana Masam
Karkidakam, regarded as an inauspicious month for ceremonies such as marriages, housewarmings, or new projects, is considered ideal for treatments, pilgrimages, and worship. The rituals of Ramayana Masam and the reading of Ramayana during this period require strict adherence and devotion.
Families prepare for this holy practice by thoroughly cleaning their homes and surroundings at least a week before Karkidakam begins. A strict vegetarian diet is adopted by family members throughout the month, and celibacy is maintained, with an emphasis on purity of thoughts. Negative behaviors like gossiping, sarcasm, day sleeping, violence, and ego are to be avoided, as they negate the observance's benefits.
From the first day of Karkidakam, family members gather every evening after sunset. They light the traditional Kerala lamp, 'Nilavilakku,' and recite verses from the ‘Adhyatma Ramayana,’ the Malayalam version of the Ramayana. This daily recitation continues until the last day of the month.
Community Involvement and Additional Rituals
In addition to household recitations, Ramayana readings take place in Lord Vishnu temples, and various religious and spiritual organizations conduct plays, public discourses, recitals, and quiz competitions based on the Ramayana. Devotees actively participate in these events with great enthusiasm.
A special ritual during Ramayana Masam is the Karkidaka Vavu, observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of Karkidakam. On this day, Hindus perform rituals near water bodies to honor their ancestors, seeking peace for deceased family members. This ritual is typically performed by the male members of the family.
During Ramayana Masam, many Hindus also embark on a pilgrimage to the four temples of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna in the Kottayam and Thrissur districts. This pilgrimage, known as ‘Nalambalam Darshanam,’ is an integral part of the observance.
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