Islamic Festivals of Kerala

Islamic Festivals of Kerala

Islamic festivals of Kerala include Ottappalam Nercha Festival, Veliancode Jaram Nercha Festival, Mallapura Nercha Festival, Festival at Cheraman Juma Masjid of Kerala and Chandanakuda Mahotsavam which are held at mosques across Kerala.

Islamic festivals of Kerala or mosque festivals of the state of Kerala include the various regional Islamic festivals which are organized in the mosques of this southern Indian state during several occasions. The mosques of Kerala are beautifully decorated and illuminated during such grand festivals which comprise Veliancode Jaram Nercha Festival, Festival at the Cheraman Juma Masjid, Chandanakuda Mahotsavam in Beemapalli, Malappuram Nercha and Ottappalam Nercha Festival.

Chandanakuda Mahotsavam
Beema Beevi shrine, which is also referred to as 'Beempalli', witnesses the celebration of the Chandanakuda Mahotsavam Festival and it is situated about 5 kms away from the south-western portion of the Trivandrum Central Railway Station located on the road which leads to Poonthura which can be approached via Valiyathura. It is considered to be one of the most significant mosques of Kerala which attracts large congregation during festivals. Dedicated to Beema Beevi, the shrine is thronged by various religious communities of the country.

Festival at Cheraman Juma Masjid of Kerala
Cheraman Juma Masjid is the oldest mosque of Kerala and is existent in Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluka which is located at a distance of nearly 20 kms away from Irinjalakuda Railway Station. As per an Islamic legendary tale, Cheraman Perumal had once gone on a pilgrimage to Arabia where he happened to come across the Prophet Muhammad, after which he converted to Islam, taking on the name of 'Thajuddin'.

Veliancode Jaram Nercha Festival of Kerala
There exists a tomb or 'Jaram' at Veliancode village in which the dead body of a priest or 'Tangal' lies buried, who was believed to have possessed divine powers during his lifetime. To commemorate this saint, the 'Nercha Festival' is organised at his shrine.

Mallapuram Nercha Festival of Kerala
Several years ago, a chieftain named Para Nambisan of Mallapuram was imprisoned by the regional Muslims, as slaves. However, Para Nambisan was unable to tolerate this kind of dishonour and made an attempt to take revenge on his culprits. So he sent for the leader of the local Muslims who was called Marakkar which led to the death of numerous Muslim leaders. An annual festival known as 'Mallapuram Nercha' is arranged in February or March at Mallapuram Mosque, in the memory of the dead Muslims.

Ottappalam Nercha Festival of Kerala
On Friday, Juma prayers are conducted at this very mosque, in order to pay tribute to the death anniversary of Uthman Auliya, a saint. The festival is generally organized during the period of January to February.

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