Thiruvananthapuram: Temples and houses of Hindus across Kerala reverberated with the chanting of verses from the epic, as the annual 'Ramayana Month' began in the state on Saturday, July 17.

With the starting of 'Karkitakam,' the last month in the Malayalam calendar on Saturday, elders chant verses from 'Adhyatma Ramayana' authored by medieval devotional poet Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, during the next 30 days in front of lighted lamps.

Temples and cultural organisations additionally make arrangements for the recital of Ramayana during the season, but this year they lagged behind due to COVID-19 restrictions. Savouring the 'Karkidaka Kanji,' a spicy mix of rice and medicinal herbs is another traditional practice of the people.

Karkitakam,' is the lean season ahead of 'Chingam' that ushers in Malayalis' most colourful festival of 'Onam.' Another age-old tradition of savouring the 'Karkidaka kanji,' a spicy mix of rice and medicinal herbs, remains intact among a few families even today.

This ritual is known as 'Nalambalam Darshanam.' 'Aanayootu,' a mass feast for elephants, prepared as per ayurvedic tradition, was held at the famed Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur.

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