Why in News? 

The Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur marked the beginning of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam with the grand Aanayoottu (ritual feeding of elephants) and the rare Gajapuja ceremony, 

About Kerala 

Location & Boundaries 

• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram 
• Located in the southwestern part of India, along the Arabian Sea. 
• Land Borders 
  • North & Northeast: Karnataka 
  • East: Tamil Nadu 
  • West: Arabian Sea (coastline) 

Geography & Climate 

• Climate: Tropical; hot and humid summers, heavy monsoon rainfall, and mild winters. 
• Highest Peak: Anamudi (in the Western Ghats) 
• Major Rivers: Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Chaliyar, Kallada 

Natural Resources 

• Rich in limestone, ilmenite, monazite, and bauxite 
• Fertile land supports cultivation of rice, spices (cardamom, pepper), coconut, and rubber 
• Coastal resources include fisheries, coir industry, and backwater aquaculture 

Key Officials 

• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan 
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar 

Historical Highlights 

• Once part of the Chera dynasty and later influenced by Travancore and Cochin kingdoms. 
• Played a major role in the Indian freedom movement through social reform movements. 
• Formed as a separate state on 1 November 1956 on a linguistic basis (Malayalam-speaking regions). 

Map of Kerala