Cheranalloor- A Typical Ramayana Village

Cheranalloor, a peaceful village in Ernakulam district has earned the appellation of having undergone a metamorphosis by imbibing the spirit of Ramayana in their lives. It was way back in 1982, when a clarion call was issued by Vishal Hindu Parishad during their meet in Ernakulam, for the need to absorb the grandeur and essence of Adhyatma Ramayana into society as part of a social renaissance. The call as well taken by the natives of Cheranalloor, which unfailingly undertook the task of conducting discourses in Ramayana, from 1988, during the month of Karkidakom.

It was under the guidance of Shanta Pratapan, Baby Pankajakshan and Radha Krishnan of Rashtra Sevika Samiti that these activities were embarked upon. It was decided to have the chants and discourses with the participation of each household. This later led to the formation of Ramayana Parayana Samiti under Seva Bharati, with youths in Kaliswari Shakha undertaking all activities associated with Ramayanamasam. The samiti branched out its activities to every single area of Cheranalloor.

The discourses in Ramayana take place in turns, in the homes of residents. They include Ashttothararchana, Bhajans and distribution of sacred prasadam. As part of the observance, many have now been adept in reciting the entire epic, which made them take the initiative of branching out the activities to neighbouring areas as well. The samiti also has quiz programmes and various activities related to Ramayana to inculcate a sense of participation and interest among children. A ‘naalambala darshanam’ is also organized each year, unfailingly. The sterling part of these observances is the culminating ‘Mahavilakku Pooja’.