I am from India .As an Indian I am so proud to say about my country.

The
country with the biggest and most successful democracy in the world. The country with one of the
earliest civilization in the world with unparallel contribution to literature and philosophy such as
Vedas, gita, mahabaratha and Ramayana. India is a conglomeration of 7 Union Territories and 28
States. . Indian religions and languages are most defining aspects of Indian culture. Major religions,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Judaism, Christianity and Islam
arrived and shaped the region's diverse culture. India has officially 22 languages like Hindi, Gujarati,
Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil etc.

My grandparents and my parents are Indians. They are living in Kerala, which is
one of the states in south India. My ancestors were Hindus. In the 8th century there were many
centers for religious conversion in the state. In that time my ancestors also converted in to Muslim
.before that in India has only one religion that is Hindu. Hinduism, the world's oldest religion dates
back to about 5000 BC. The sacred texts include the Vedas, Epics and Puranas, apart from other
philosophical treatises. Hinduism is a way of life and is based on the principle of Sanathana Dharma.
The Hindus worship the Supreme Being under three forms, Brahma Vishnu shiva.

Now my family is following Muslim custom. Just like that I am also born and
bought up in Kerala . I am also a Muslim but not a religious person. Kerala hailed, as God's own
country, by many, deserves this accolade because of many features geographical and sociological. A
long coastline in the west and mountains on the east forming clear natural boundaries. Kerala is a
beautiful place where life of people is basically centered on the various activities, including fishing.
Kerala has many rich resources blessed by nature. Rich vegetation and harvests of coconut and rice
are the main features of the Kerala. The story of Kerala's spices dates back to many thousands of
years into the past. Kerala's claim to fame in the ancient world rested mainly with her fabulous riches
brought about due to total monopoly over spices. Spices like Pepper, cinnamon,ginger ,turmeric etc
are cultivating here. Traditional Kerala family values are highly respected, and multi-generational
patriarchal joint families have been the norm, although nuclear families are becoming common in
urban areas. We are following joint family system. I am staying with my parents grand parents,
uncle, cousins’ etc.Through the joint family we can earn sharing habbits.They are ready to adjust
with any situation.

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 In Kerala people are talking in Malayalam. . The term ‘Malayalam’ as
referring to the language of Kerala is of comparatively recent origin. To begin with, it denoted the
land itself. It is probable that the term is the resultant of a combination of two words, mala meaning
mountain and alam meaning the land or locality (which lays along side the mountain).Evidently
Malayalam belongs to the Dravidian family of languages, but there is considerable difference of
opinion about the exact nature of its relationship with the other languages of the stock, with Tamil in
particular towards which it bears the closest affinity. Quite a few scholars are of the opinion that
Malayalam is but an offshoot of Tamil, or rather, a daughter

Malayalam is classified as a South Dravidian language. It is the official

language of Kerala. About 31.8 million people consider Malayalam as their mother tongue.
Possessing an independent written script, it also has a rich modern literature. There are at least five
main regional dialects of Malayalam and a number of communal dialects. It belongs to the Dravidian
family. Many words have been borrowed from Sanskrit. There are 37 consonants and 16 vowels in
the script. Malayalam has a written traditional dating back from the late 9th century and the earliest
work dates from 13th century. The script used is called Kolezhethu (Rod-script) which is derived
from ancient Grandha Script. Malayalam differs from other Dravidian language as the absence of
personal endings on verbs. It has a one to one correspondence with the Indo Aryan Devanagari
syllabarry

Religion has played a crucial role in Kerala's culture. There are mainly
three religions in Kerala - Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. As far as the religion of Kerala is
concerned, the origins could be traced to Hinduism. Then came in t the Islamic faith and Christianity
with its various sects. The other Indian religions like Buddhism; Jainism had some influence among
the Hindus and was found scattered with their migration to Kerala.

Usually hidus have cast systems and sub cast system. The casting system is mainly on the
bases of their color, work etc. The caste layers most often quoted are:

The Brahmins -- those engaged in sacrifices, and priestly functions

The Kshtriyas -- Rulers and warriors

The Vaishyas -- Merchants, farmers, and tradesmen

The Shudras -- Laborers, craftsmen, service professions

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 This 4 cast also have nearly 20 of sub cast like Adikal, Ambalangadan, Ambalavasi,
Anjuvannam, Arayan, Malayala Kshatriya etc.

Kerala Christian also have different type like malangara Syrian orthodox,
marthoma, Jacobite, csi, etc. but it is not differentiated on the bases of their cast .it is on the bases of
their belief.

Islam is believed entered into India through Kerala. There are historical
records of commercial trading between Kerala and Middle East during 7th Century AD. The Jews
and Arabs of the Pre-Islamic period were among the pioneers of spice trade with Kerala. The religion
of Islam was also by these traders from Middle East, who later settled in Coastal belt of Kerala. To
this day Muslims are very proficient in trade and commerce. Muslims in Kerala, as anywhere else in
the world, are close-knit unit clear-cut religious and political agenda

Marriage is Kerala is an event of fun and frolic like the rest of marriages. It is an
occasion when prospective husband and wife take various wedding vows. Horoscopes are matched
first and then the date is finalized with the astrologers. Before the wedding day, the groom must dine
with the elders of his family and relatives. The girl also observes the same rituals in her house.
Traditional Kerala wedding ceremonies take place during the day. Before the marriage, the groom
pays a visit to temple and asks for the blessings of his elders. When groom reaches the bride's house
on the wedding day in a 'dhoti', his feet are washed by the bride's father. He gives a white sari for the
bride ,which she has to wear during the whole ceremony. After this, 'lagan' is performed in which
girl and boy take three rounds around the fire. A 'taal' is put in yellow thread and tied around the
neck of the bride by the father of the bride. The bride's father places her hand in the hands of the
groom. The girl is given to boy in this way.

In Kerala Christian also follow some of Hindu tradition. Kerala Christians also
known as Nazarani. Both the Hindu women and the Nazarani women at the time of marriage have an
amulet tied around their neck by the bridegroom. It is called "Thali" by Hindu and "Minnu" by
Kerala Christians. There are many other Hindu traditions followed by Christians such as dowry
system, decorations with rice flower, and forty one day observances after a death in the family

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 My family follow Muslim traditional wedding. Kerala Muslim Wedding, or
Nikah, as it is commonly known, can be held anytime, as there are no beliefs about auspicious
timings in Islam. The Nikah is conducted by a Maulvi (priest). The Maulvi reads selected verses
from the Quran and the Nikaah is complete after the Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance).

Islam does not stipulate any religious ceremony for marriage as such.
Consequently, local flavor has found their way in to marriage ceremonies. Like other communities in
kerala, the elders occupy the center stage and decide the future of their issue. Rather than the
compatibility factor, the financial and social standings get prominence.

Once the initial discussions between two families are over, girl and boy get to
meet each other. If they like each other, a particular day is fixed for the conduct of the initial process,
"valayidal"- the custom of giving gold ornaments to the girl. The date for the function of engagement
is arrived at through mutual consultations. On this day, some male members of the bride's family will
go to the groom's house, and after reciting some parts of Koran (usually the first chapter); the boy
will be given some gold ornaments or cash. At some places dowry is passed. This betrothal is a
contract, not bound by any law or religious custom, and can be broken, if one wishes so.

On the preceding day of the marriage, sister of the groom and some female
relatives proceed to the bride's house to take part in "mailanchi"(or mehendi)- a practice of applying
henna on the girl's hand as part of beautifying her. On the marriage day, the groom and his entourage
will reach the place of marriage (it can be held at any place. Usually it is held at marriage halls and
some use the option of marrying at mosques) at the appointed time. Brother of the girl receives him
there and a bouquet and garland is offered to the groom.

Then the groom is led to the place where "nikkah"- the marriage contract- will
take place. After reciting some portions from the holy Koran, by the mullah, the groom and the
father of the bride are made to express the oath of acceptance. Bride's father makes the statement to
the effect that he marries away the girl to the prospective husband according to the Islamic way. The
bridegroom then declares his acceptance of that commitment and that he has married the woman
according to the terms specified. After this the groom is led to the women's section (men and women
are segregated at all the functions). Here he will tie a gold chain around the neck of the bride,
assisted by his sister. After the wedding there is a big reception, given by the bride's parents to guests

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from both sides. After the reception bride is taken to the groom's house and later they will proceed
towards the bride's house.

Post wedding, the groom's family throws a grand reception in the honor of the bride,
which is known as Dawat-e- walima. Like the Muslims else where, a Muslim marriage in Kerala is a
simple contract between the boy and the girl's father. The presence of the girl is not essential for the
marriage. The "nikkah" - the ritual of contract - needs to be made in the presence of two male
witnesses and the services of the mullah (musaliar in local language), is needed for observing some
of the Islamic guidelines. The groom needs to give a mehr (dower) to the girl's father while
accepting his daughter as his wife.

Also, on the day of the wedding, two families decide the amount of Mehar that is a
compulsory amount of money given by the groom's family to the bride.Then comes a lavish dinner,
after which the couple sit together for the first time. Their heads are covered by a dupatta while they
read prayers under the direction of the maulvi (priest). The Quran is placed between the couple and
they are allowed to see each only through mirrors

India is a land of fairs and festivals and Kerala is no exception to this. Besides the
major festivals that are celebrated across India, there are numerous local festivals that are celebrated
in Kerala. Most of the festivals of Kerala are connected with local traditions and religions. There are
certain festivities like the boat races, which originated to commemorate religious events but
subsequently turned out to be events of social importance. Many festivals are religious in origin,
although several are celebrated irrespective of caste and creed. Some popular festivals are Diwali,
Ganesh Chaturthi, Thai Pongal, Holi, Onam, Vijayadashami, Durga Puja, Eid ul-Fitr, Bakr-Id,
Christmas, Buddha Jayanti, Moharram and Vaisakhi..India has three national holidays which are
observed in all states and union territories — Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi.
Other sets of holidays, varying between nine and twelve, are officially observed in individual states.
Religious practices are an integral part of everyday life and are a very public affair.

Vishu is one of the important festivals of Kerala. Vishu is

celebrated in the month of April. According to the old traditional Malayalam calendar it is the 1st
day of the New Year. The main event of the Vishu celebration is the 'Kani- Kanal'. Coconuts, fruits,

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cereals and Konna flowers are kept in big pots to prepare Kani. Behind this pot, a mirror and a
garlanded statue of Krishna are kept. Early morning on the Vishu day, the master of the house sees
the Kani and then the rest of the family follows. Children's are brought blind folded to see the Kani.
The elders in the family give money to the youngsters and bless them. According to the local beliefs,
if we you Kani good luck will stay with you till the year end.

The Navratri celebration is known by different names in different parts of India. It

is Durga Puja of Bengal, Dussehra of Bombay and the Saraswati Puja and the Ayudha Puja of the
south. The Navratri festival runs over 9 days. The last three days of navratri are most important. The
last three days are known as Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijaya Dasami. On the night of the
Durga Ashtami day, there is the ceremony known as 'Puja Vayppu'. It involves decorating a room
superbly, illuminating it with many lights and arranging on a platform, raised in the middle of the
room, the things necessary for performing Saraswati Puja. During the last three days of Puja, all
sorts of learning and business come to a stand still.

Onam is the most important and popular festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated with lots of
fervor and gaiety. All Malayalis, irrespective of their religion, celebrate Onam. It falls in the
Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. According to
legends, Onam is celebrated to commemorate the home coming of Mahabali, the king who ruled
over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down to the Patala by Lord Vishnu in the form of
Vamana.The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is installed in every
Hindu home during the Onam celebration. Children go around collecting flowers and decorating
them in the front portion of their houses in different designs and patterns. Onam festival is an
example of religious harmony and provides for family get-together.

Maha Shivaratri is an important festival of Hindus and is celebrated in Kumbam

(Feb-March). Mahasivarathri festival commemorates the day on which Lord Shiva consumed the
deadly poison (Kalakuda visham) to save the world from destruction. On the Mahashivaratri day,
people throng all the prominent Shiva temples to offer their prayers to lord Shiva.

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 Christmas is an important festival of Kerala. Christians, all over Kerala, celebrate
Christmas on 25th Dec. During Christmas, holy Mass is held in all the churches of Kerala. Singing
of Christmas Carols, Setting up of Christmas tree, exchanges of cards, gifts etc form an integral part
of Christmas festivities in Kerala.

Easter is another important festival of Christians, which commemorates the resurrection

of Jesus Christ. Easter is celebrated with fervor and dedication among the Christian community of
Kerala. Easter generally falls in March-April. During the Easter celebrations, Christians go for mid-
night mass as a memory of the resurrection of Jesus.

Bakrid commemorates the sacrifice of Ibrahim in obedience to God's command.

Bakrid is an important festival of Kerala. Muslims enjoy hearty feasts on Bakrid day. Many rich
people sacrifice goats and distribute them among friends, relatives and the poor, to mark the
occasion.

Idul Fitr/Eid is celebrated after the conclusion of the Ramzan fast when
Muslims give up all kind of food and drink during the day and spend the major part of the night
prayer. Since Kerala has a substantial population of Muslims, Idul Fitr/Eid is an important
celebration.

Miladi Sharif, celebrated on a large scale in April, Commemorates the birth of the
prophet. This celebration has acquired its present dimensions only in recent times. Previously the
day was observed by the Muslims by reading what is commonly known as Maulud which is a short
treatise in Arabic celebrating the birth, life, work and sayings of the prophet or some saint.

Muharram is another festival celebrated by Muslims of Kerala on the 10th day of

Muharram, the forbidden month, which marks the beginning of the Hijra year.