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Kerala,
cut off as it is from the rest of India by the
Western Ghats, is noted for its rich culture,
heritage and other distinctive characteristics.
Keralites have the rare capability to imbibe
and assimilate lofty ideals and principles wherever
they find them. Religious tolerance, hospitality,
cleanliness, simple life and broad outlook of
the people have attracted many a foreigner to
the State from time immemorial, besides her
scenic beauty, pleasant climate and rich natural
resources.
History has helped the Malayali to develop a
cosmopolitan outlook. Kerala had contacts with
the rest of the world for several centuries
in the past. The important trading centres of
Kerala had relations with Egypt, Asia Minor,
China, Assyria, Babylonia, Greece, Rome, Malaya,
Philippines, Java and Sumatra. The Kerala Kings
and chieftains provided them with all possible
assistance not only to carry on trade, but also
to settle down here and propagate their religions.
It is believed that the Apostle St. Thomas landed
on Kerala in 51-54 A.D. St. Thomas established
seven churches in the State in places like Palayar,
Niranam and Thumpoly. Cheraman Juma Masjid at
Kodungalloor, the first Juma Masjid in India,
was set up under the patronage of the Raja of
Kodungalloor. Tradition has it that 10,000 Jews
came to Kerala soon after destruction of their
second temple in their homeland in 72 A.D.
There is an ancient Jain temple near the Palakad
town. There are thus hundreds of instances of
the Hindu rulers of the princely states of Kerala
who made land and wealth available for the construction
of churches and mosques. In some cases even
temple buildings were given to establish institutions
of other religions. Thousands of Namboodiris,
the then caste-Hindus and even kings like Cheraman
Perumal, changed their religions. Another notable
feature is that there is no antagonism between
one religion and another. Lord Ayyappa, an important
deify of the Hindus, had close friendly relations
with a Muslim, Vavar. It is further to be noted
that many churches and mosques in Kerala are
situated adjacent to temples suggesting that
communal harmony and religious tolerance are
an essential part of Kerala's culture and heritage.
Even the responsibility for organising certain
ceremonies and rituals of some of these institutions
is vested with the local people belonging to
other communities. Fairs and festivals of the
places of worship are programmed in tune with
the cultural background and heritage of Keralites.
In short, 'Keralisation' of the festivals of
different communities is the unique feature
of Kerala life.
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