People

The most important religious communities of the district are the Hindus, the Christians,and Muslims,  In Cochin Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins form an important section of the Hindus, In addition to the major communities the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs, and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population,  The ancestors of the Jews are migrated from Jerusalem in 72  A.D.  Now there are very few Jewish families in  Cochin.



Festivals

The famous Sivarathri at the Siva Temple of Aluva attracts people from different parts of the country.  Other important temples of the district are Chottanikkara ,Thrikkakkara, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Ponnurunni, Palarivattom, Chowara, Sreenarayanpuram and Perumbavoor.   Kalady is famous as the birth place of Adisankara.  The famous Christian pilgrim Centre at Malayattoor is in this District.  The festival here lasts for 10 days from April 10.

St. George Church at Kadamattam is very old and was founded by Mar Abo Metropolitan in 5th Century A.D.  He brought a cross from Persia which is still preserved in the church.  The name of Kadamattathu Kathanar is associated with this church.

The festival at the church of Vallarpadam on September 24 attracts people belonging to all religions. The icon of Virgin Mary in this church is credited with many miracles.  St. George Forane Church at Edappally  which was founded in 593 A.D. is considered to be the oldest church in Kerala  after the 7 churches founded by St. Thomas.  St.Antonys church at Kannamaly is famous for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19 where  a large number of people are fed.

The Easter Festival at St. Marys Church at Piravom is also worth mentioning. One of the ancient mosques in Kerala is at Kanjiramattam.



Art Forms

Chavittu Natakom

The Coastal belt of Ernakulam District is famous for the  Neo-classical dance form Chavittu Natakom.  The Portuguese influence in Kerala helped the spread of Christianity along the South West Coast.  As a result, a new  type of community  was slowly brought into existence, which being cutoff from its original set up had to look upon the westerner for cultural sustenance.  Out of this situation was born a new art form with songs dialogues and dances similar to the miracle plays of the west.  They are known as Chavittu Natakom. The stage settings, introduction of certain  costumes, etc. show the influence of  the west.

Genoa, Caralman  charitham, Napoleon charitham, etc are some of  the important plays.  Places like Gothuruth, Mundamvely, Varapuzha are famous for this art form.