Kerala Piravi Day 2025: The story behind Kerala’s formation and its cultural legacy

The birth

Before Independence, these regions existed as separate entities. Travancore and Cochin merged on July 1, 1949, to form Travancore-Cochin. Later, under the States  Reorganisation Act of 1956, Travancore-Cochin was merged with Malabar and Kasaragod taluk of South Canara, leading to the formation of modern-day Kerala.

Beyond regional boundaries, Kerala Piravi celebrates the Malayalam language, the state’s cultural roots and its literary legacy. In the days leading up to it, educational institutions observe ‘Malayala Baasha Vaaram’ with essay writing competitions, poetry, speeches and cultural performances.

On the same day, the neighbouring district of Karnataka celebrates Kannada Rajyotsava, its own state formation day.

First ‘extreme poverty-free’ state

Kerala has eradicated extreme poverty from state, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said in Assembly on the occasion of  Kerala Day (Kerala Piravi). Former Rajya Sabha MP and CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby said the moment it took charge, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government had resolved to make Kerala “India’s first” extreme poverty-free state.

He said the record doesn’t make Kerala free from problems. He acknowledged that there are issues in the state and urged all political parties to come together to resolve them.