Hello, Keralam!
Our state has a new official name. It is also a very old name!
Keralam is what people have always called our state in Malayalam. Now it is the official name everywhere. Signboards, maps and papers will change to the new name by August 2027.
Where does the name come from?
Some people say it comes from keram (coconut tree) and alam (land): the land of coconuts! Others say it comes from the Chera kings, who ruled here long ago.
Happy birthday, Keralam!
Our state was born on 1 November 1956. That day is called Keralappiravi. This year Keralam turns 70!
Did you know?Keralam has 44 rivers. Most of them flow west, into the Arabian Sea.
How does a state get a new name?
1. The Assembly asked
Our state’s leaders voted to ask for it.
2. Parliament said yes
India’s leaders in New Delhi voted for it.
3. The President agreed
On 25 August, Keralam became our official name!
Music of Keralam
The Chenda
The chenda is a tall, LOUD drum played with two curved sticks. At festivals, big groups play together. This is called chenda melam. Color the chenda in!
Try it: tap a tin with two pencils. Ta-ka, ta-ka, TA!
Good news
Air India Express will start flying straight from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia.
Talk about itIf you could give your street a new name, what would it be?