Kerala Piravi 2022: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Extends Greetings, Know History & Significance Of Kerala Day

The state came into existence on November 1, 1956, almost a decade after India gained Independence after three Malayalam-speaking regions were merged.

Kollam beach at Kerala

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Kerala Piravi 2022: Kerala Piravi is celebrated on November 1 to mark the foundation of Kerala as an independent state after the unification of three provinces.  Piravi is a Malayalam word that means birth. Therefore, Kerala Piravi literally means the birth of the southern state of Kerala. On the eve of the foundation day of the state, Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended their greetings to all Malayalis.

The Chief Minister in his wishes on Monday said, "A peaceful social environment was very important for the creation of a new Kerala and some people have gone out of their way to try and prevent it. The state's status as one free of communal tensions and with good law and order was upsetting such people. Therefore, we need to be vigilant against those who try to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the state.”

"My heartiest wishes to the people of Kerala and other Keralites all over the world on the occasion of Kerala Piravi (Kerala Day). Hand in hand, let us make greater contributions towards the development and progress of our beloved State, the strengthening of our social harmony and the enrichment of our mother tongue, Malayalam," the Governor said in his greetings according to a Raj Bhavan release.

Kerala is celebrating its 66th foundation day today.

History of Kerala Piravi

The state came into existence on November 1, 1956, almost a decade after India gained Independence after three Malayalam-speaking regions were merged.

Malabar, Cochin and Travancore were separate regions before Kerala was unified. After independence, Travancore and Cochin were merged on July 1, 1949 to form Travancore–Cochin. Aikya Kerala Movement led to the reformation of the state on a linguistic basis.  On November 1, 1956, Travancore–Cochin merged with Malabar and the Kasargod taluk of South Canara to form Kerala under the States Reorganisation Act.

Significance Of Kerala Day

Malayalis celebrate the state anniversary with great passion and raise awareness about Kerala's history and culture. On this day, women are dressed in saris and Settu Mundus while men wear dhotis and shirts.

Educational institutions organise Malayala Bhasha Vaarams, or language-based contests to promote Kerala's culture and legacy via discussions, skits, plays, and quiz challenges.

The President's Trophy Boat Race in Kollam also is a part of the celebrations