God’s Own Country, Kerala is the land of many festivals. Most of these festivals are related to religious and traditional customs of the state. They are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour by the people. All these festivals showcase the universal brotherhood and an eternal harmony of spirit of the people of Kerala.
Major Festivals and Events
Onam
It is the national and also the most important festival of Kerala. This ten day celebration falls in the month of Chingam (Aug-Sep) according to Malayalam calendar. This festival is dedicated to the King Mahabali who is considered as the most able and greatest king to have ruled the state. As this festival begins right after monsoon season in Kerala, the festival also marks the beginning of spring season. Sky becomes clear blue and you can see gleaming streams and rivers and flowers in full bloom. This festival is also called the harvest festival as the farmers sow seeds during this time. Thrilling snake boat races, beautifully decorated Pookalam (floral carpets), aquatic festivals along the Pampa River and Kaikottikali dance are some of the significant features of Onam Festival. Read More..X-Mas
X-Mas is the main festival for the Christian community in Kerala. But today, it has become like a national celebration as most Non-Christian people also eagerly wait for X-mas to arrive. It is celebrated on 25th December to commemorate the birth of Saint Jesus. Popular customs include decorating Christmas trees and cribs, exchanging gifts wrapped in colourful papers, visiting relatives and friends, making delicious cakes, hanging X-mas stars and singing hymns and carols in churches and cathedrals. Read More..New Year
New Year Eve celebrated on 31st December is a grandly celebrated festival in most parts of Kerala. Cochin Carnival at Kochi is the main highlight of this fest. It is grandly organised and right at midnight, people light effigy of Santa like figure called Papanai to bid goodbye to former year and welcome New Year. Next day, many loud parties are organised in many places especially in beaches. Many people also like to go for a picnic trip with family and friends to celebrate New Year. Read More..Vishu
This is celebrated in the month of April and according to the traditional Malayalam calendar, it is the 1stday of the New Year. Though this festival is not big as Onam, still it is of quite importance for the people of Kerala. Popular features of this festival are Vishu Sandhya (Vishu Feast), Kainettam (first gift by elders to the young ones on New Year), extensive shopping, etc. Read More..Boat Races
Vallamkali also well known as the Boat Races Festival is a typical festival of Kerala. These boat races also form a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people gather to witness these thrilling boat races. This festival is held in the month of August in the Punnamada Kayal and also at Aranmual and Champakulam. These boat races signify the team spirit, harmony and integration of the people of Kerala. Tourists really can’t afford to miss this unique festival of Kerala. Other such boat races are also organized at Alappuzha and Kumarakom backwaters. Read More..Apart from these, Navarathri, Bakrid, Thiruvathira Festival and Miladi Sharif are some of the popular festivals of Kerala.
