Culture
As a result of successive waves of migration over the course of several
centuries, the population of the city is a mix of people from all parts
of Kerala and most of India. The pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the
substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts
of the country.
Kochi has a diverse, multicultural, and secular community consisting of
Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists among other
denominations, all living in peaceful co-existence. The city once had a
large Jewish community, known as the Malabar Yehuden—and now
increasingly as Cochin Jews—that figured prominently in Kochi's business
and economic strata.[58] The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 22 sui
iuris Eastern Catholic Churches, has its seat at Ernakulam. Prominent
places of christian worship include the St. Mary's Cathedral and the St.
Antony's Shrine at Kaloor. Appropriate to its multi-ethnic composition,
Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu along
with North Indian Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali with great
fervour. Christian and Islamic festivals like Christmas, Easter, Eid
ul-Fitr and Milad-e-sherif are also celebrated. A merry making fest
called the Cochin Carnival is celebrated at Fort Kochi during the last
ten days of December.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is one of the large multi-use
stadiums in India
The residents of Kochi are known as Kochiites; they are an important
part of the South Indian culture. However, the city's culture is rapidly
evolving with Kochiites generally becoming more cosmopolitan in their
outlook.[26] The people are also increasingly fashion-conscious, often
deviating from the traditional Kerala wear to western clothing.
Kochiites generally partake of Keralite cuisine, which is generally
characterised by an abundance of coconut and spices. Other South Indian
cuisines, as well as Chinese and North Indian cuisines are popular. Fast
food culture is also very prominent.
Kochi was home to some of the most influential figures in Malayalam
literature, including Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, Kesari Balakrishna
Pillai, G. Sankara Kurup, and Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon. Prominent
social reformers such as Sahodaran Ayyappan and Pandit Karuppan also are
from Kochi.
The Maharajas of Kochi (then Cochin) were scholars who knew the epics
and encouraged the arts. The paintings at the Hill Palace and the Dutch
Palace are testimony to their love for arts.
Kochiites are known for their enthusiasm in sports, especially cricket
and football.[60] The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is
one of the large multi-use stadiums in India with International Class
Lighting for Day and Night Matches.[61] The Regional Sports Centre is an
important centre of sporting activity in the city.
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