A Message from Mayu…
May I tell you about one of my favourite childhood memories?
It begins with rain. Not the gentle kind…
But the endless monsoon rains that only Kerala seems to know so well.
The skies would turn a deep shade of grey. The coconut trees would sway in the wind, and the sound of raindrops on our tiled roof would continue for hours.
As a child, I thought the whole world had become quiet.
Only years later did I understand that this was Karkidakam, the last month of the Malayalam calendar, lovingly known across Kerala as Ramayana Masam.
Many elders also called it Panja Masam—a month that once brought uncertainty, heavy rains, and difficult times.
Yet strangely… I’ve never remembered it as a difficult month.
I’ve always remembered it as one of the most peaceful.
Why is Karkidakam Called Ramayana Masam?
People often ask me why an entire month is dedicated to the Ramayana.
The answer isn’t found in history alone. It’s found inside our homes.
During Ramayana Masam in Kerala, families gather every evening to read the Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu, the timeless Malayalam rendition of the Ramayana composed by Thunchath Ezhuthachan.
As the rain continues outside, a brass lamp is gently lit inside. The fragrance of incense fills the room.
Grandparents begin the day’s Ramayana Parayanam, children sit quietly nearby, and for a little while, the entire family slows down together.
Even before I understood every verse, I remember how those evenings made me feel. Safe, Calm, Protected.
Looking back today, I realise the Ramayana wasn’t just being read. It was quietly bringing the family together.
Why Families Read the Ramayana During Karkidaka Masam
The Ramayana is much more than an epic. It’s a guide for everyday life.
Lord Rama teaches us righteousness.
Mother Sita reminds us of grace and inner strength.
Lakshmana shows us unwavering loyalty.
Hanuman inspires us with selfless devotion.
Perhaps that’s why these stories are read during Karkidaka Masam, when life naturally slows down.
When the world outside feels uncertain, the Ramayana gently reminds us that patience, courage, compassion, and faith will always guide us through life’s storms.
Every evening of Ramayana Parayanam becomes a moment of reflection—not only for individuals, but for the entire family.
Sacred Traditions of Ramayana Masam
One of the things I admire most about Ramayana Masam is how beautifully traditions continue from one generation to the next.
Many families observe the month through practices such as:
- Daily Ramayana Parayanam
- Reading the Sundarakanda, celebrating Hanuman’s courage and devotion
- Nalambala Darshanam, visiting the temples of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna
- Pithru Tharpanam on Karkidaka Amavasya, offering gratitude to our ancestors
Many also embrace simple sattvic meals, Ayurvedic therapies, and quiet moments of prayer during Karkidakam, making it a season of renewal for both the body and the mind.
Why Families Choose a Rama Darbar Tanjore Painting
There is one painting that always makes me pause whenever I walk through our gallery.
It’s the Rama Darbar Tanjore Painting.
Perhaps because it doesn’t portray just one deity.
It portrays an entire family.
Lord Rama stands calmly at the centre, reminding us that righteousness never needs to raise its voice.
Mother Sita radiates grace, compassion, and quiet strength.
Lakshmana stands beside them with unwavering loyalty.
And Hanuman…
Always at Rama’s feet.
Not because he is lesser.
But because true devotion is born from humility.
Every member of the Rama Darbar teaches us something.
Together, they become the very heart of the Ramayana.
More Than a Painting for Your Pooja Room
People sometimes ask me,
“Mayu, why choose a handcrafted Tanjore painting instead of a printed picture?”
My answer is always the same.
Because some things deserve to be experienced, not simply seen.
An authentic Rama Darbar Tanjore Painting is created over several weeks by skilled artisans.
Traditional relief work is carefully built layer by layer.
Jaipur stones are individually set by hand.
Finally, genuine 22K gold foil is applied, giving the artwork its timeless brilliance.
When the evening lamp is lit, the gold softly reflects the light.
The expressions seem to come alive.
That’s why so many families choose a pooja room Tanjore painting instead of an ordinary print.
It becomes part of their daily prayers.
Part of their family traditions.
Choosing Authentic Tanjore Paintings in Bangalore
If you’re looking for authentic Tanjore paintings in Bangalore, I always encourage families to take their time before choosing.
Look beyond the colours.
Notice the expressions.
Observe the traditional embossing.
Check for genuine 22K gold foil, handcrafted stone work, and premium wooden framing.
Most importantly…
Choose the painting that brings you peace the moment you look at it.
That feeling never lies.
Some Stories Deserve More Than a Book
The stories we hear as children stay with us for life.
Why shouldn’t they also become part of the homes we build?
A handcrafted Rama Darbar Tanjore Painting isn’t simply wall décor.
It quietly reminds us to choose faith over fear.
Patience over anger.
Compassion over pride.
Every single day.
Perhaps that’s why authentic Tanjore paintings continue to become treasured family heirlooms, lovingly passed from one generation to the next.
I’d Love to Welcome You
If this Ramayana Masam has inspired you to create a more sacred space in your home, I’d love to invite you to visit us.
At ArtsAisle – The God’s Own Art Gallery, we curate authentic Tanjore paintings in Bangalore that honour India’s artistic and spiritual heritage.
Visit our ArtsAisle Experience Centre in Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, and spend some time exploring our handcrafted collection of Rama Darbar Tanjore Paintings, pooja room Tanjore paintings, and other timeless masterpieces.
See the brilliance of genuine 22K gold foil.
Admire the intricate craftsmanship.
Listen to the stories behind every painting.
Take your time.
Ask every question you have.
And perhaps…
Together, we’ll find the painting that feels as though it has always belonged in your home.
Until then…
May this Ramayana Masam fill your home with peace, your family with togetherness, and your heart with the timeless blessings of Lord Rama.
With warmth,
Mayu
Curator, ArtsAisle™
