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About Kerala Piravi

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About Kerala Piravi

Kerala Piravi, the birthday of Kerala, falls on 1 November. On that day in 1956 the Malayalam-speaking regions of Travancore-Cochin and Malabar were joined to form the state of Kerala.

Schools, offices and cultural groups hold programmes of Malayalam songs, poems, dance and quizzes, and many people wear the cream and gold kasavu. It is also celebrated as Malayalam language day.

Malayalis in the Gulf, Europe, America and across India mark the day with gatherings, food and music, keeping their language and culture close.

  • 1 November
  • Formed in 1956
  • Malayalam language day
  • Kerala and Malayali families abroad

Where it began

Piravi means birth. Before 1956, Malayalam speakers lived in the princely states of Travancore and Cochin and in the Malabar district of Madras State.

Travancore and Cochin were joined in 1949. Under the States Reorganisation Act, Malabar and the Kasaragod area were added and Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956.

Legend says the land of Kerala rose from the sea when the sage Parashurama threw his axe into the waters, a story many people still tell on this day.

Kathakali, the dance drama of KeralaKerala

How it grew over time

  1. 1949

    Travancore and Cochin join to form the state of Travancore-Cochin.

  2. 1956

    Kerala is formed on 1 November by joining Malayalam-speaking areas into one state.

  3. Later decades

    The day becomes a time for schools to celebrate the Malayalam language and Kerala's arts.

  4. Today

    Offices and schools mark the day with programmes, and Malayalis abroad celebrate too.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Thiruvananthapuram

    State functions and cultural programmes in the capital.

  • Schools across Kerala

    Students wear the Kerala saree and mundu and hold quiz and language events.

  • Gulf countries

    Large Malayali communities hold cultural evenings with songs and dances.

  • UK, US and Australia

    Malayali associations gather with food and stage shows.

Kerala Piravi moments

A traditional meal served on a banana leafKerala
A houseboat on the backwatersKerala
Calm waters of the Kumbalangi backwatersKochi, Kerala
A houseboat on Vembanad LakeAlappuzha, Kerala

Kerala Piravi today

People wear traditional white and gold, share sadya meals, and enjoy Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Thiruvathirakali performances. It is a day to celebrate Malayalam and the land many call God's own country.

How people celebrate Kerala Piravi

  • Cultural programmes in schools and offices
  • Wearing kasavu
  • Malayalam songs and poetry
  • Celebrating Malayalam language day
  • Gatherings of Malayalis abroad

How to wish well

  • Wish on 1 November, in the morning.
  • "Keralappiravi Ashamsakal" (കേരളപ്പിറവി ആശംസകൾ) is the common greeting.
  • Pride in the language, nature and people of Kerala fits the day; keep politics out of wishes.

Questions about Kerala Piravi

When is Kerala Piravi?

Every year on 1 November.

Why is Kerala Piravi celebrated?

It marks the formation of the state of Kerala on 1 November 1956, when the Malayalam-speaking regions were united.

What do you say on Kerala Piravi?

Say "Happy Kerala Piravi" or, in Malayalam, "കേരളപ്പിറവി ആശംസകൾ".

Is Kerala Piravi a holiday?

It is celebrated across Kerala with programmes in schools and offices; check the state's holiday list for the year.

Why is Kerala called God's own country?

It is a popular name for Kerala's green hills, backwaters, beaches and gentle climate.

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