Let it Go!

In May 1498, Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese explorer, landed in Kozhikode, which led to a series of expeditions and trade deals. This resulted in the assimilation of Portuguese culture in Kerala. The remnants of the occupation are still found in Fort Kochi. The steaming process in cooking of Kerala cuisine comes from Portuguese.

The Dutch Bolgatty Palace and its corridoor.

Another tradition introduced by the Portuguese is the burning of Pappanji on New Year’s Eve in Fort Kochi. The place will be choc-a-block with traffic which sees a massive turnout. This fascinating spectacle is now adopted by many other localities.

Pappanji in Kottayam

Pappanji means ‘grandfather’ or ‘old man’ in Portuguese. The effigy is lit fire symbolising the end of the year. Another theory behind the myth of Pappanji is that, it originated from the Jewish culture as Fort Kochi still has remains of Jewish settlers. Moreover, the burning ceremony is on the eighth day after Christmas Eve, akin to the festival of Enoch.

The Jew Street in Kochi