Do All Brahmin Communities in Kerala Follow the Malayalam Calendar?
Often, questions arise about the religious and cultural practices of communities in different regions. One such query is whether Brahmin communities in Kerala follow the Malayalam calendar. The answer is a nuanced one, as it involves an understanding of the historical and cultural context of Kerala.
General Calendar Usage in Kerala
Through my knowledge and observations, it is widely understood that not just Brahmin communities, but all Keralites follow the Malayalam calendar. The Panchangam, a traditional reference for the Malayalam calendar, serves as an important tool for scheduling various events and rituals, including religious, agricultural, and social activities. This tradition has deep roots in Kerala’s history, dating back to the past, and continues to be significant even for the older generation.
Reasons for Prevalence
The Malayalam calendar permeates all aspects of life in Kerala due to several reasons:
Comprehensive Information: The Malayalam calendar provides detailed information for all communities, not just Brahmins. Each date in the calendar includes the Malayalam date and month, the Tamil date and month, the Hijri date and month, the Hindu calendar date and month, and Muslim prayer times. It also includes information on Hindu special days such as Ekadasi and Pradosham, festivals of various communities, and date of prominent events like temple and church festivals. The side panels and back pages are filled with various religious and non-religious dates.
Standardized Version: A standardized version of the Malayalam calendar has gained widespread popularity due to its practicality and ease of use. This version is used by various newspapers, government agencies, and even individuals like myself. It comes with color codes that make it easier to navigate and understand.
Mainstream Inclusion: The standardized calendar is also used in apps, printed calendars, and desk calendars, ensuring it is widely accessible and used by the majority of the population. The popularity of the calendar is evident in how people eagerly await their new calendars at the start of every year.
Practical Usage
The calendar's practicality is a key factor in its widespread usage. For example, newspapers in Kerala typically publish the Malayalam calendar every year, and the Government of Kerala also uses and promotes it. Furthermore, the calendar's availability in various formats, including apps and standard printed versions, ensures its convenience for modern life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Malayalam calendar is not just for Brahmin communities but is followed by all communities in Kerala. Its wide usage is a result of its comprehensive information, standardized format, and practicality. Hence, it is safe to say that the Malayalam calendar is a cultural and practical tool for all Keralites, transcending the boundaries of individual communities.