In Kerala the dates of festivals are decided according to Malayalam Calendar, therefore you will witness the fluctuation in dates every year. Kerala is the state of cultural prosperity; here people of every cast and religion are absolutely independent to celebrate their festivities. One such festival is Kanjiramattom Nercha. Nercha means offering to god.
In the month of January, Ernakulam witnesses a huge march with thousands of pilgrims carrying earthen pots filled with coins and sandal wood paste move ahead to pay their offering to god. Interesting . . . Isn’t it? This holy march is part of the Kodikuthu festival at Kanjiramattom mosque located at Ernakulam.
This mosque is memorial of Sheikh Fariduddin and is well known for the Kodikuthu festival. People come here in thousands to watch the famous Chandankkudam ritual. In this ritual the pilgrims come with earthen pots filled with coins and sandal wood paste accompanied by elephants in their traditional attire. The folk performances are also the chief attraction here.
The muslim folk arts Duffumuttu and the Kolkali attracts people the most. Duffumuttu songs are tribute to Islamic heroes where around 6 members of a group sway their bodies in rhythm with small drums. While in Kolkali the dance starts with small circle with members striking their sticks with each other . . . as soon as the dance moves on, the circle expands with some special steps.
