Monsoon in Kerala

Namaskaram... 🙏.....Enjoying the monsoon season in Kerala!, which arrives earlier here, around mid-May. 😊 

        Kerala has unique climate with only two distinct seasons: the rainy season and non-rainy season. Unlike other parts of India, it does not experiences harsh winters or summers and the rains are more pleasent due to the moderate temperatures.

     Past three months of steady rainfall has brought a refreshing dip in temperature, making the weather delightfully pleasant. However, in North India, the monsoon begins around this time, coinciding with the Hindu month of 'Saawan'. The month of Saawan aligns with the Malayalam month 'Karkidakam', showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian cultural heritage. 

    Actually, after shifting in Ernakulam, I have subscribed to cow milk from a local milk dairy that also sells regional fruits, organic veggies and homemade treats like ellunda (malayaman word for til ke laddu). Being new here, I am excited to try new things, so I often order exotic fruits like Mangosteen and Rambutan. The dairy sends promotional messages through whatsapp. 

     Recently, I came across one message advertising for 'Marunnunda' (a laddu made of methi, ajwain and other medicinal herbs & seeds), a traditional treat, to boost immunity during monsoon season. Another message I received highlighted the beginning of Karkidakam month and the importance of seasonal cleansing. It introduced Karkidakka marunnu kanji (khichdi made of red rice and medicinal herbs), a potent ayurvedic blend of 40 ingredients that supports wellness and balance. 

    In my free time at office, I discussed with my colleagues about Karkidakam month and promotional messages selling ayurvedic treats during this time. My colleagues told me that it is believed that'Karkidakam' month is perfect time for Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation for our body. This period, coinciding with the monsoon season, is believed to be ideal for treatments due to the body's increased receptivity to therapies. Karkidaka Chikitsa, as the practice is known, focuses on cleansing the body, boosting immunity, and restoring overall well-being.

       Later, I was analysing that despite having some cultural differences, North India and South India share some basic similarities too. For instance, the names of North Indian Hindu calendar months viz. (i) Chaitra, (ii) Baishakh, (iii) Jyeshtha, (iv) Ashadh (v) Saavan/Shravan (vi) Bhaado/Bhadrapada (vii) Kwaar/Ashwin (viii) Kaartik (ix) Aghan (x) Paush (xi) Maagh and (xii) Faagun/Falgun have been named after the 27 Nakshtras of Indian astrology. In the same way, the Malayalam calender months are named after the 12 zodiac signs of Indian astrology: 1) Chingam (Singh rashi)-August 15 to Sept 15 

2) Kanni(Kanya)-Sept 15 to Oct 15 

3) Thulam (Tula)-Oct 15 to Nov 15 

4) Vrischikam (Vrishchik)-Nov 15 to Dec 15 

5) Dhanu-Dec 15 to Jan 15 

6) Makaram-Jan 15 to Feb 15 

7) Kumbham-Feb 15 to Mar 15 

8) Meenam- Mar 15 to Apr 15 

9) Medam (mesh)-Apr 14 to May 15 

10) Edavam (vrish)-May 15 to Jun 14 

11) Midhunam (Mithun)-Jun 15 to Jul 15 12) Karkidakam (kark)-Jul 15-Aug 15  

       Let me tell you that as per vedic astrology, all the 09 planets/Grahas including Sun/Surya are continuously moving from one zodiac sign to the other in different speeds. The Sun takes a month to transit through each zodiac sign. On Makar Sankranti (January 15), it enters Makara Rashi, marking the start of the 'Makaram' month in Kerala. This day, also known as Uttarayan, signals stronger Sun rays. Similarly, when the Sun transits into Karka/Cancer Rashi (July 15 - August 15), it's known as Karkidakam in Kerala and Kark Sankranti in North India, marking the beginning of Dakshinayan with gentler Sun rays. This day (July 15) is celebrated as "Harela" festival in our Uttarakhand state. 

     As I have significant interest in astrology, I already know that the Karka rashi is owned by planet Moon, which signifies nourishment hence the month must be good for nourishment. I was amazed to figure out that the real use of astrology was being done in South India, if people really followed their traditions.

     Today, a colleague of mine also told me that Karkidakam month is also known as Ramayanam maasam in Kerala and "Nalambalam Darshanam", a pilgrimage to four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers (Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna), is a popular practice during this month and is considered to be auspicious. He told me that PM Modi had also visited in such a Nalambam temple located in Thrissur district last year before Lok Sabha election. He suggested me to visit the temple during this month. 

     I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to explore India's rich cultural diversity, learn about its various traditions and gain new experiences.