Kerala Piravi or Kerala Day is celebrated to commemorate the foundation of Kerala. This day is celebrated as the state’s birthday since it became an independent state in 1956. Kerala Piravi 2023 will be celebrated on November 1, 2023 (Wednesday).

Festival Name Date Day State Holiday Type
Kerala Piravi 2023 or Kerala Day 2023 1 November 2023 Wednesday Kerala Regional

What is Kerala Piravi?

Kerala Piravi

Kerala Piravi

Kerala Piravi is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm to mark the foundation of Kerala as an independent state in the country. Before the unification, the three parts of Kerala were divided as Travancore, Malabar, and Cochin. On 1 November 1956, Kerala became an independent state with the merger of the three parts. People celebrate this day as Kerala Piravi meaning the birth of the state Kerala.

The word ‘piravi’ translates to birth in the Malayalam language which is why this day is also known as Kerala state’s birthday and Kerala Day.

History of Kerala Piravi

Even after the years of independence of India, Kerala was not considered a state but recognised as a different region, Cochin, Travancore, and Malabar. The southern region was occupied by Travancore, the middle section by Cochin, and the Kasaragod, Kannur, and Thalassery were administered by Malabar. In 1956, Under the State Reorganisation Act, all three regions were merged to make a state, Kerala. Ever since people have celebrated this day as Kerala Day or Kerala Piravi.

Celebrations of Kerala Piravi 2023

People celebrate this event by wearing traditional attire like satavu sarees, settu mundu, and dhoti shirts. Kerala Day is celebrated in a grand manner by institutions and schools around Kerala. Various competitions are organised every year like Malayala Bhasha Varam, quizzes about Kerala Piravi, debates and other related Kerala Piravi activities.

The famous President’s Trophy Boat Race competition in Kovalam is also a main attraction of this festival. There are cash prizes and trophies for the winners and runner-ups.

Kerala Piravi 2023 Wishes

On Kerala Piravi, people greet each other with wishes like Happy Piravi, Happy Kerala Day, Happy Kerala Piravi Aasamsakal, etc. People exchange sweets with each other to celebrate the day.

About Kerala

God’s own country, Kerala embraces itself with beaches and hill stations that feature the state’s natural beauty. From spice plantations and coffee to waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries, the many awe-inspiring attractions in Kerala will entice you in no time and sweep away all your worries. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala:

1. Munnar

Located at an altitude of 5027 feet, this quaint hill station in Kerala is all about green forests, pristine valleys, tea plantations, vantage points, and exotic flora and fauna.

  • Famous for: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tata Tea Museum
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April

2. Wayanad

This beautiful hill station in Kerala has nestled among the Western Ghats and is a treat for nature lovers. Wayanad has a variety of attractions for all types of travellers, such as spice plantations, serene hills, lakes, waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and pre-historic caves. People at the hill station can engage in river rafting, trekking, and other adrenaline-pumping activities.

  • Famous for: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April

3. Alleppey

Alleppey is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its enchanting backwaters and paddy fields. Experience the paradise with a houseboat cruise through the tranquil waters, surrounded by the unmatched beauty of Kerala’s landscape.

  • Famous for: Backwaters, houseboats, beaches
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February

4. Kochi

Kochi boasts a mix of rich history and architectural styles. Visit the iconic Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the beautiful Mattancherry Palace. This city offers a glimpse into the colonial past and contemporary culture.

  • Famous For: Colonial architecture, cultural experiences, historical sites
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Places to Stay: Hotels in Kochi

5. Kovalam

Famous for crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, Kovalam is a peaceful beach destination in Kerala. Relax at Lighthouse Beach or unwind at Samudra Beach.

  • Famous for: Beaches, lighthouse, water sports
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Places to Stay: Hotels near Kovalam

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year Sunday 1 January Public
Lohri Saturday 14 January Restricted
Makar Sankranti Saturday 14 January Restricted
Pongal Sunday 15 January Restricted
Basant Panchmi Thursday 26 January Restricted
Republic Day Thursday 26 January Public
Guru Ravidass Jayanti Sunday 5 February Restricted
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wednesday 15 February Restricted
Mahashivratri Saturday 18 February Restricted
Losar Tuesday 21 February Restricted
Holi Wednesday 8 March Public
Ram Navami Thursday 30 March Restricted
Mahavir Jayanti Tuesday 4 April Restricted
Good Friday Friday 7 April Public
Easter Sunday 9 April Restricted
Vaisakhi Friday 14 April Restricted
Eid Ul Fitr Saturday 22 April Public
Buddha Purnima Friday 5 May Public
Rabindra Jayanti Tuesday 9 May Restricted
Rath Yatra Tuesday 20 June Restricted
Eid Al Adha Thursday 29 June Restricted
Muharram Saturday 29 July Public
Independence Day Tuesday 15 August Public
Parsi New Year Navroz Wednesday 16 August Restricted
Onam Tuesday 29 August Restricted
Raksha Bandhan Wednesday 30 August Restricted
Janmashtami Thursday 7 September Restricted
Ganesh Chaturthi Tuesday 19 September Restricted
Id E Milad Thursday 28 September Public
Gandhi Jayanti Monday 2 October Public
Shardiya Navratri Sunday 15 October No Holiday
Durga Puja Friday 20 October No Holiday
Dussehra Tuesday 24 October Public
Valmiki Jayanti Saturday 28 October Restricted
Halloween Day Tuesday 31 October No Holiday
Karva Chauth Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Karnataka Rajyotsava Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Kerala Piravi Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Ahoi Ashtami Sunday 5 November No Holiday
Dhanteras Saturday 11 November No Holiday
Diwali Sunday 12 November Public
Kali Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Govardhan Puja Monday 13 November Public
Bhai Dooj Tuesday 14 November Restricted
Chhath Puja Sunday 19 November Restricted
Guru Nanak Jayanti Monday 27 November Public
Kartik Purnima Monday 27 November No Holiday
Christmas Monday 25 December Public

FAQs

Q. Is it the 66th Kerala Piravi?

A. In 2023, the 67th Kerala Piravi will be celebrated on November 1st.

Q. What is the English name of Kerala Piravi?

A. The English translation of Kerala Piravi is the birth of Kerala or Kerala State Formation Day.

Q. What is the oldest name of Kerala?

A. The oldest notable name of Kerala is Cheras (Keralaputra) by the Maurya emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

Q. What is the meaning of Kerala Piravi Day?

A. Kerala Piravi or Kerala Day is celebrated to commemorate the foundation of Kerala.

Q. Who landed in Kerala first?

A. Vasco da Gama in 1498 landed near Calicut, Kerala for the first time.