People:
Bounded by the Arabian sea on the west and Western Ghats on the east this magnificent city of Cochin has been traversed by explorers, seafarers and traders. In the erstwhile years the region has been visited by Arabs, Dutch, Arabs, Portuguese, Chinese and British which has greatly affected its culture and lifestyle. The major resident population is increasingly becoming fashion-conscious and is often deviating from the traditional Kerala wear to the western casual attires.
Religions:
The major religion to be followed by the people living in Cochin include Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The other religions that are also followed in Cochin includes Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism but they have comparatively less followers. A recent survey of the city shows that there are almost 47 percent of the population which follows Hinduism.
Languages:
Malayalam is the state language of Kerala and is mainly used as a medium of instruction and communication in Cochin. Apart from Malayalam the commonly spoken language of Kochi is English and is mainly used in the Business circles. Tamil and Hindi are widely understood the people of Kochi but are used much in the daily conversation with the people.
Fairs and Festivals:
Cochin Carnival:
Cochin Carnival held in the last week of December is the most awaited festival by the people of Cochin. Kochi Fort is decorated like a bride and tourist from around the world flock in this majestic port city to attend the celebrations. The preparations for the festival celebration generally start months in advance for hosting fairs, parties and unique games during the carnival. The major highlight of the carnival is the massive procession that take out on the New Year’s Day.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race:
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a colorful water sport festival which is organized every year in the last week of December in the tranquil backwaters of Cochin. The boat races are packed with so much energy that it makes you feel delighted to observe them. The boats widely used in these boat race competition are streamlined in shape and make for faster run.
Feast of Tabernacles:
The feast of Tabernacles is one of the oldest festival of the Jews which is celebrated in Cochin with a lot of flair. This festivity is referred to as the Feast of Ingathering in the Bible. The celebration of festivals every year takes in the month of September or October.
Passover Festival:
The Passover Festivals of Jews are celebrated during March or April. This festival is originally associated with the escape of the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt. This festival is sometimes also referred to as the spring festival .
Pentecost:
Pentecost festival is usually celebrated on the 50th day of the Passover. The festival is closely associated with agriculture and seeks to welcome the inception of the spring season and is also popularly known as the Old Testament festival. In the present days the festival is also being celebrated to honor the God’s creation of his people.
Malayatoor Perunal Festival:
The Malayatoor Perunal Festival is celebrated in the month of April every year. The festival is organized at the world-famous Catholic Church at Malaytoor every year on Sunday after Easter. The Church is situated at a height of some 609m and is dedicated to the famous apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas. During the celebration of the festival the pilgrims of all faiths trek the hill to chanting the holy name of the Apostle.
Cochin Arts & Crafts:
The local art and craft industry of Kochi is well preserved and on a tour to Cochin, one can find numerous shops which sell handicraft items. The artisans present in Cochin are very adept and the handicrafts made by them have amazing preciseness. The major things to shop for while exploring the Cochin market include bell-metal like lamps, bells and utensils then one can find many items carved out of rosewood like lamp stands, figures of deer, fishes, elephants along with paper weights, book ends, lamp stands. Also shop for hanging lampshades made from bamboo.
