Navarathri Festival

Navarathri, also known as Nine Nights, is an elaborate festival that is celebrated annually throughout the State. Typically occurring in either September or October, these nine days are dedicated to the special worship of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti / Devi. The final three days of Navarathri – Durgashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami – are specifically reserved for the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning. During this time, followers worship their work tools by placing them in the pooja (worship) room and temples. Similarly, students keep their books and study materials in the pooja room and temples for worship. This unique practice is known as Ayudha Pooja, which involves the worship of vocational tools. On Vijayadashami day, Keralites have their own special tradition. They write words symbolizing the name of God on the child's tongue using a golden ring. Additionally, the child is guided by elders to write letters on a plate of rice. This ritual, known as Vidyarambham, is intended to introduce children to the world of knowledge and letters. Ceremonies are conducted in various locations across the State to commemorate these festivities. Some notable destinations include the Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple in Kottayam, Thunchan Parambu in Malappuram, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur, and Chottanikkara Devi Temple in Ernakulam.