Kerala

 Kerala

(This is a list.... I might be able to add, if oddities occur. So, this blog might warrant a revisit, if a reader solicits those additions)

Tantra based instead of mantra

Abode for brahmaRaakshas inside temple compound only in Kerala!

Tonsure is not a practice

Elder brother and a husband addressed alike with "Jeyshta"

Deepavali not a festival

Bali, though a demon like ravana kamsa etc, worshipped

Gates closed at night only after a call "any hungry stomach out there???"

Strict dress code for temples, rituals according to deity and not desire of devotees

Tuft of hair tied up to the side towards ear lobes, not towards rear of head.

Fireworks specific to temple festivals…

Benedictions sought, not blessings!

Obsequies, 16 days, instead of 13 for rest of India!

Vysya as an exclusive class is not conspicuous among known names of classes/groups! 

No exclusive Vishnu worshippers among Hindus in Kerala. Rest of India has few sects in Hindus, who avoid worshipping Shiva!

A priest in a temple is called "shaantiKaaran"( one who induces peace, shaanti), unlike in rest of Bharat, a poojaari . Was it due to taantrik styled consecration? 😜

A keralite in-me, yours

psn(7th Sept., 2024)