Kerala State formation day – Kerala Piravi or Kerala Day
Kerala Day is celebrated on November 1 to commemorate the foundation of the state of Kerala. It is also known as Kerala Piravi after the Malayalam word “piravi” which means birth. Kerala Piravi therefore literally means the birth of Kerala. This day is observed to mark the date on which Malayalam-speaking regions were unified into one state.
Kerala Day, Kerala Piravi History
In Kerala, there were four distinct regions before 1956: South Canara (Kasaragod region), Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore. On July 1st, 1949, the princely states of Travancore and Cochin united to establish the Travancore-Cochin State. Later, Travancore-Cochin included the Malabar area, which was originally a part of Madras state. Kerala as a state was established on November 1, 1956.
According to the States Reorganisation Act, the taluk of Kasargod in the South Canara district of Madras, the Malabar district of Madras, and Travancore-Cochin merged on November 1 to form the state of Kerala, leaving out the four southern taluks (which joined Tamil Nadu). Following the first elections for the newly-formed Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1957.
On this special day, people in the state dress traditionally, with women donning kasavu sarees and men sporting mundus. Malayala Bhasha Vaarams, or language-based contests, are hosted by educational institutions to promote Kerala’s culture and legacy via discussions, skits, plays, and quiz challenges. The President’s Trophy Boat Race in Kollam is part of the celebrations.
Also read – Historical And Important Events In Kerala History