FESTIVALS IN KERALA

FESTIVALS IN KERALA

Kerala is famous for its culture and tradition. Festivals in Kerala speaks about history, culture, belief and are celebrated with passion. From dazzling views of nature to colourful festivals, Kerala is an ideal destination to explore. So if you want to explore every bit of the state, here are some of the festivals in Kerala.

#1. ONAM

Onam, a harvest festival of Kerala, which is the national festival of the state, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam. According to mythology, Onam is celebrated for the coming of King Mahabali, an Asura king, who brought peace and prosperity in the land. During Onam people clean their houses and decorate with florals for ten days. Onasadya or vegetarian feast is the best part of the festival which contains 10-16 separate dishes that are served in a plantain leaf.

When is Onam Celebrated: Between August and September
Onam 2020 dates: 22nd August to 2 September

#2. VISHU

Vishu falls in the Malayalam month of Medam is one of the important festivals of the state. During the night before Vishu, several auspicious items such as rice, coconut, jack fruit and other vegetables along with silver coins, vaalkannadi (metal mirror) and golden shower were placed in a  small vessel called Vishu Kani is prepared and people start there Vishu day by viewing this Vishu Kani. Usually, the elder family members give Vishukaineettam (money) to the younger ones during the Vishu day.

When is Vishu celebrated: Vishu usually falls in April
Vishu 2020 date: 14th April

#3. THRISSUR POORAM

It is one of the famous temple festivals in Kerala. It is held in Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur. The Thrissur Pooram is a competition festival between two temples named Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and is purely a visual treat as there are around more than 50 decorated elephants along with 100s of Panchavadhya Melam artists. Pooram is also called festivals of festivals. The most famous part of Pooram is the firework display. The interesting fact is, none of the fireworks is made up of modern technology.

Thrissur Pooram 2020 date: 3rd May

#4. SNAKE BOAT RACE

Snake Boat Race or Chundan Vallam Kali is the traditional boat race competition conducted during the harvest festival Onam, in the backwaters of Kerala. It is a perfect example of a team spirit. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Boat Race, President's Trophy Boat Race, Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race are some of the popular events.

Nehru Trophy 2020 date: 8th August
Venue: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha

Aranmula Uthrattadi Boat Race 2020 date: 4th September
Venue: River Pamba, Pathanamthitta

President's Trophy Boat Race 2020 date: 1st November
Venue: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam

Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race 2020 date: 4th July
Venue: River Pambha, Alappuzha

#5. THEYYAM

Theyyam is one of the spectacular ritual art forms of Northern Kerala. This 800 years old art form is purely a combination of devotion, dance, music and costumes. There are about 400 types of Theyyam and are mainly performed by males, except the Devakoothu Theyyam and are staged in various temples of Malabar during the months between December and May.

#6. ATTUKAL PONGALA

Pongala is the important festival of Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Pongala Mahotsavam is a 10 days festival in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham. Thousands of women gather around the temple and prepare Pongala (rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, coconut), which is a temple custom in some part of the state. Attukal Temple is known as the 'Sabarimala for Women' because of the presence of thousands of women during the Pongala day.  

Attukal Pongala 2020 date: 9th March

#7. CHRISTMAS

Christmas is celebrated in Kerala in a grand manner. The preparation begins at the starting of December. Most of the houses and churches are decorated with stars and lights, Christmas Carols can also be seen during this season. Special masses are conducted on Christmas Eve in all churches. During this season, people prepare different varieties of cakes and wines at their home.

Christmas 2020 date: 25th December

#8. MAKARAVILAKKU