As Kerala prepares to welcome the Malayalam month of Karkitakam, beginning on 17 July 2026, Mathrubhumi Books has unveiled a specially curated collection of Ramayana publications to commemorate the sacred month, offering readers of all ages an opportunity to engage with one of India’s greatest epics.
Traditionally observed as Ramayana Month, Karkitakam coincides with the peak of the southwest monsoon, a season often associated with physical hardships and quiet reflection. During this period, devotees across Kerala read and recite the Adhyathma Ramayanam, seeking spiritual strength, peace, and renewal.
The month-long tradition traces its roots to the Malayalam translation of the Adhyathma Ramayanam by the revered poet Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, whose work made the epic accessible to ordinary people and transformed it into a cornerstone of Kerala’s devotional and literary heritage. What began as a household practice has grown into a wider cultural observance marked by public discourses, temple pilgrimages, devotional gatherings, and community reading sessions.
Recognizing the enduring importance of this tradition and the varied interests of readers, Mathrubhumi Books has brought together one of its most extensive collections of Ramayana titles, featuring devotional editions, literary interpretations, scholarly works, and children’s books.
Among the highlights is the Adhyathma Ramayanam (Malayalam), one of the most sought-after editions during Karkitakam and a cherished part of Kerala’s spiritual life. Readers seeking deeper insights into the epic can also explore interpretations by renowned scholar and writer Prof. M. K. Sanu.
To make devotional reading more accessible for elderly readers, Mathrubhumi Books has also released a Large Print Edition of the Adhyathma Ramayanam. Featuring larger, clearer typography, the edition is designed to provide a comfortable reading experience while preserving the joy of daily recitation.
Another key offering is the 30-Day Guided Ramayana, prepared by noted Ramayana scholar Gopalkrishna Vaidhik. The text is systematically divided into daily reading portions, enabling devotees to complete the Ramayana over the traditional thirty-day observance with ease and consistency.
To introduce younger generations to the values and stories of the epic, the collection includes engaging children’s titles such as Kuttikalude Ramayanam by Cherkkil Govindan Kutty Nair and Ramayanam Kuttikalkku by Ashitha. Written in simple, accessible language, these books offer age-appropriate retellings that make the epic enjoyable and meaningful for young readers.
With this special Karkitakam collection, Mathrubhumi Books continues its commitment to preserving Kerala’s literary and spiritual traditions while making the timeless wisdom of the Ramayana accessible to readers across generations.
Speaking about the newly launched collections, Mayura Shreyams Kumar, director digital business, Mathrubhumi Group, said, “At Mathrubhumi Books, we believe publishing is not only about preserving literary treasures but also about keeping meaningful traditions alive for future generations. As Kerala welcomes the sacred month of Karkitakam, we are proud to present this specially curated Ramayana collection that brings together devotional classics, scholarly interpretations, accessible editions for senior readers, and engaging retellings for children. Through this initiative, we hope to make the timeless wisdom of the Ramayana more accessible and inspire families across Kerala to continue the cherished tradition of Ramayana reading during Karkitakam.”
Mathrubhumi Books will amplify the initiative through a comprehensive multimedia campaign leveraging the Group’s extensive media ecosystem.
