Karkidakam is the Malayalam month which is equivalent to Aadi in Tamil calendar. It starts on July 17 and ends on August 16 in 2017.This month is observed as Ramayana masam by Keralites

Karkidakam month is significant in Malayalam calendar for reciting Adhyathma Ramayana Kilippattu, the epic narration of Ram Katha written by Thunjathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the Father of Malayalam language. As we know, Aadi is the start of Dakshinayana Kalam. So is the case with Karkidakam.

Karkidakam is a month when we have the torrential rains of South West monsoon. Reciting Ramayana will lend solace for the discomforts faced during the month and also it will yield spiritual bliss. It is also considered to protect the household from negative energies. Further, reading Ramayana at home is a traditional custom that needs to be kept up despite our changing lifestyles. Ramayana month helps this practice greatly.

The Malayalis recite the verses of Adhyathma Ramayana every day before the lighted lamp and pray to Lord Rama for spiritual bliss, prosperity and mental peace. They complete their recitation by the end of the month.