Judaism in Kerala

Festival of Merry Making

Purim or the Jewish Festival of Merry-making commemorates the rescue of the Jews from the evil hands of Haman, the vizir of King Ahasuerus of Persia, because of the brave intervention of Esther, a Jewish beauty. The celebration involves feasting, drinking, masquerades and exchange of gifts. Purim is unique among all Jewish festivals because the culture of moderation that is espoused by Judaism is relaxed slightly, and drunkenness gets a kind of religious sanction.