In Kerala the month of Karkadaka (17-7-03 to 16-8-03) is celebrated as Ramayana month reading, hearing, and preaching Ramayana the first poem originated in the world and the author Valmiki is the first poet. This month is also best for preventive treatment for all kinds of people.

Valmiki is known as (Adikavi), the first poet. He wrote an epic in Sanskrit, the Ramayana, which depicts the life of Rama, the hero of the story.

Telling the story of Rama at this time of the year bears a special significance. The present day celebration of Durga worship (puja) and Dassehra are related to Rama's life. The traditional Durga worship was performed in the spring season now known as Basanti puja. Rama worshiped the divine mother Durga and prayed to her to give him the strength to slay Ravana. Ravana was slain on the day of Dassehra, the tenth day of Navaratri. The coronation of Rama was held on the Dewali day, the following New moon day, that comes about three weeks after Dassehra.

Our story of Rama is divided into four parts:

1. Early life of Rama.
2. Rama's exile.
3. Abduction of Sita (Rama's wife) and
4. Slaying of Ravana, the abductor of Sita, and

5. Rama's Return from Exile, and His Coronation.