Kerala Renamed to Keralam: Everything You Need to Know
As of February 24, 2026, the Union Cabinet has officially approved the proposal to rename the state of Kerala to “Keralam“. This change aligns the state’s official name with its traditional Malayalam-language name.
Why is Kerala Renaming to Keralam?
Union Cabinet Approval (Feb 2026)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the proposal on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The move follows two unanimous resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly (in August 2023 and June 2024).
Linguistic Roots in Malayalam
The state argued that “Keralam” is the original name in Malayalam and should be reflected in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Process Under Article 3
For the name change to be final, a bill must be introduced in Parliament under Article 3 of the Constitution.
Role of the President and Parliament
It requires the President’s recommendation, a review by the state legislature, and passage by both Houses of Parliament with a simple majority.
General Information about Keralam (Kerala)
- Capital: Thiruvananthapuram.
- Formation: Established on November 1, 1956, on linguistic lines, a day celebrated annually as Kerala Piravi.
- Geography: Located on the Malabar Coast, known for its 600km shoreline, backwaters, and the Western Ghats mountain range.
- Top Destinations: Kochi, Munnar, Alappuzha, and Wayanad.
- Cultural Symbols: Famous for the Kasavu Saree (traditional handloom cotton with golden border), widely worn during festivals like Onam and Vishu.