Festivals of Kerala

The beautiful state of Kerala is situated at the south-western part of India, bordering the Malabar Coast. It’s the 12th biggest state in the country surrounded by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Lakshadweep Sea. The idyllic landscape of Kerala presents a true picturesque scenario which has earned it the name of “God’s own country.” One of the best part about this Malabar state is the assimilation of all the major religions- Hindu, Muslim and Christian- who are all staying harmoniously within a true secular ambience. Malaylam is the official language of Kerala.

Kerala is a state of many festivals. The festivals are mostly religious while some of them also celebrate the Kerala culture and livelihood. As mentioned earlier, its secular culture enables all the residing religious communities to practice their festivities at their best. The Keralites love to celebrate their fiestas with grandeur and versatile interesting arrangements. The traditional Kaikottikali dance is a significant aspect of the popular festivals here- Kerela is famous for its rich culture of song and dance which is very much reflected in the festive celebrations. The festivities are often enjoyed with grand fireworks, parties, shopping as well as different competitions. Moreover, the exotic Kerala platter is always assured a major place in all of the festival celebrations here.

Major Festivals of Kerala

Onam

Onam is the most important festival of Kerala which is celebrated by all the residing religious communities of the region with equal fervor and enthusiasm. The secular festival runs for 4 days and falls on August/September- the Chingam month as per Malaylam calendar. It’s basically a harvest festival that reminisces the return of the noble King Mahabali who brought much prosperity to the region through his able rule. Kerala celebrates Onam with huge glitz & glamour. The entire state gets decked up colorfully and the Keralites are seen enjoying themselves on special Onam buffets. Traditional Kaikottikali song and dance programs as well as the thrilling Snake-boat race are vital features of Onam festivities.

Vishu

It’s another major festival of Kerala that comes on Medam month (mid-April) every year. Vishu marks the beginning of new Malaylam Year in the state when Sun is seen entering Tropic of Cancer. The Vishu day is seen as the most sacred & auspicious day for the Keralites and hence is celebrated with new gifts or offerings to young generation- it’s considered as the day to ensure a fresh beginning to anything. Vishu festivities are celebrated with grand feast parties called Vishu Sadhya and elaborate shopping activities given the Kainettam (1st gift giving) program of the Malaylam New Year celebration.

Christmas

Kerala covers a considerable Christian community which assures a grand Christmas celebration every year. The Christmas fervor in the state commences from 23rd of December and the festivities continue till January 2nd. X’mas Eve parades are a major aspect of Christmas celebrations in the state and so are the masses and fun packed Christmas shopping and parties. Besides, the festival is enjoyed with lip-smacking feasts, you will find many state hotels offering special buffets for the occasion. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the famous Kerala Nasarani food specialties. The best part is that Christmas in Kerala is not only confined to Christians but is equally enjoyed by other religious communities as well.

New Year Eve

31st December is celebrated in Kerala in a great festive spirit in all the major cities of the state. Kochi is the most spectacular when it comes to 31st December celebrations given the very popular Cochin Carnival & the Portuguese tradition of Papanai Lighting where a grand Santa-akin effigy known as Papanai is lighted at the midnight hour to welcome the New Year, bidding farewell to the former one. It’s followed by thrilling gala parties buzzing with exciting tracks, grooves, wining and gourmet spread. Beach parties are a major attraction for the 31st December celebrations in Kerala.

Cheriya Perunal

It’s the Muslim festival which is commonly termed as Eid Al Fithur across India. The festival is celebrated hugely especially in the Kozhikode region where you have the maxium Muslim settlements of the state. Eid in Kerala commences with special religious prayers which are followed by grand public fests- the exotic Malabar biriyani is a staple platter during the festival and so the other Malabar mutton & chicken delicacies. Sweets are an important aspect of Id parties in Kerala and so is gift-giving. Besides, you will have the special evening bazaars open at this time of the year in sync with the Eid shopping spree.

Thissur Pooram

Kerala is renowned for its Temple Festivals of which the most significant is the Thrissur Pooram which is held at Thrissur city between April & mid-May. It’s called “Festival of Festivals” and involves competition of the festivities in between 2 temples. Thrissur Pooram celebrations present an awesome visual spectacle with grandly decorated elephant parades (with 30-50 elephants) amidst illustrious temple orchestration involving up till 150-200 musicians. Moreover, magnificent fireworks too form a significant aspect of Thrissur Pooram that goes on for 4-5 hours at a stretch till morning. Thrissur Pooram celebrations in Kerala are followed by a huge rush of spectators from all across the state.

Lord Padmanabhu Arattu

This is another major Temple festival of Kerala which is celebrated in the state once in twelve years- one during November-December and another in March-April. It’s celebrated by Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram. The celebration is a part of colonial British rule in Kerala and is carried on this day with equal devotion by the Indian Army, Indian Air-Force and Kerala Police. The celebrations commences with a procession led by Travancore Maharaja who is followed by the Palace Guards and police force carrying the temple idols across the city to Shanumugham beach where they are given the Royal Bath. The festival is marked by twenty-one gun salutes till the colonial regime.