God’s own country Kerala is a colorful land with people of all caste and religion. With it comes different festivals that reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the region. Festivals of Kerala are spread throughout the year and each of these festivals are celebrated with great zeal. These festivals make the state come alive with celebrations, it brings people closer and this in turn plays a very important role in making Kerala one of the most loved tourist destinations.
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10 Popular Festivals Of Kerala
There is a long list of festivals that are celebrated all-round the year in Kerala, however listed below are ten popular ones that draw visitors from all corners of the world.
1. Onam – Harvest Festival
Onam, the harvest festivals of Kerala is one of the biggest and most popular festivals of Kerala. This festival lasts about 10 days with the first day (Atham) and last day (Thiruonam) being very important. It marks the homecoming of the mythological King Mahabali to meet his people and spread prosperity and happiness. People of Kerala come together and celebrate the festival with immense enthusiasm.
When: August – September
Highlights: Onasadya (elaborate feast served on banana leaves), Pookalam (colorful flower rangoli), Vallamkali (traditional snake boat race) and song and dance performances.
2. Vishu – New Year
Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, hence this famous festival of Kerala state is celebrated with much zeal. The day starts with “Vishu Kani,” an arrangement of lamps, fruits, vegetables, gold, money, mirror and new clothes in front of Lord Krishna. It’s believed that the first sight of the New Year has a great influence on what can presume in the coming year. Hence everyone starts the day in devotion and cheer making it one of the main festivals of Kerala.
When: April
Highlights: Vishu Kani viewing in the morning, fireworks, Vishukkaineetam (gifting of money), Vishu Sadya (a special veg or non-veg meal).
3. Attukal Pongala – Women-led Celebration
Attukal Pongala is one of the popular festivals of Kerala that brings women of all castes and religions together. This annual festival is celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Trivandrum for 10 days. Women dressed in traditional attire prepare pongala (a sweet dish made of rice and jiggery) in earthen pots along the streets. Millions of women gather to make parashad for goddess Bhagavathy during this day. So large that the gathering of women has been appreciated in the Guinness Book of World Records.
When: February – March
Highlights: Sea of devotees preparing pongala on the streets, convoys of multi-colored hovers.
4. Christmas And Easter – Birth And Death Of Christ
Christmas and Easter are festivals that are vibrantly celebrated throughout Kerala. Places like Kochi, Kottayam, and Thrissur have a significant number of Christian population, hence celebrations here are top notch. From beautifully decorated churches to carols echoing throughout the neighborhood, this time of the year reflects the rich Christian heritage in Kerala. Without a doubt Christmas and Easter are definitely some of the most celebrated Kerala festivals.
When: Christmas in December and Easter in March/April
Highlights: Decorated churches and streets, Christmas tree, midnight masses, and Christmas delicacies.
5. Vallamkali – Boat Festivals
With boat race being the integral part of Kerala, one can expect many boat festivals in Kerala. Popular races like, Nehru Trophy, Champakulam Moolam, and Aranmula Boat Race are a must attend. Ornately decorated snake boats are rowed by over 100 oarsmen on the Pampa River in perfect sync. Traditional music, Vanchipattu (boat songs), decorative umbrellas and golden laces add more effect to the grand procession. One of the must attend important festivals in Kerala.
When: August – September
Highlights: Boat rowing competitions, cultural performances
6. Thrissur Pooram – Elephants And Fireworks
The festival of all festivals is the Thrissur Pooram which is held at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. People of all faiths participate in this festival which happens once a year. Thrissur Pooram features a grand procession of around 50 elephants, Panchavadyam (orchestra with five musical instruments) and spectacular fireworks display. This cultural spectacle draws tourists from all over the world to witness this vibrant cultural spectacle.
When: April – May
Highlights: Procession of Elephants, umbrella exchange ritual and spectacular fireworks
7. Makaravilakku – Sacred Flame
The Makaravilakku is an annual event celebrated at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala during the month of January. A divine phenomena, the appearance of a sacred flame on a hilltop between the woods is what makes it even mode divine. It’s believed that Lord Ayyappa asserted his divinity by revealing the Makara Jyothi (sacred flame), hence attracting millions of devotees to the temple during this time. Special rituals are held and the deity is bathed and dressed up before the appearance of the sacred flame.
When: January 14
Highlights: Makaravilakku, grand procession of the deity’s jewelry, Deeparadhana
8. Eid Celebrations – Cheriya Perunnal
Eid also called as Cheriya Perunnal, is celebrated by Muslims a day after Arafah Day. Around 26% of the population in Kerala are Muslims, hence it is celebrated with religious fervor and festivities. Places like Kozhikode and Malappuram have a large number of Muslim communities, hence the festival is celebrated in a big way. Devotees gather at mosques for morning prayers and then heed back home to exchange gifts and enjoy some traditional delicacies.
When: As per Islamic lunar calendar
Highlights: Prayer gatherings, delicious street food, greetings and gifts.
9. Theyyam – Gods On Earth
Among the many famous festivals of Kerala, Theyyam stands out as it is a ceremonious dance performance held in places like Kannur and Kasaragod. This is an 800 year old ritualistic art form used to tell stories of ancient legends and myths. Men get dressed in fierce costumes, with facial art, enormous headgear and ornaments that will leave viewers in awe. All of the above with great music and choreography bring deities to life.
When: December – April
Highlights: Dance rituals, traditional art, Spiritual connect
10. Thiruvathira – Women Centric Festival
Thiruvathira is a unique festival of Kerala as it is celebrated only by the women. On the day of the festival, women dress up in traditional attire and visit temples of Lord Shiva. They perform the beautiful Thiruvathiakali dance in a circle which symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. They also partake in various rituals such as fasting and prayers for the well-being of their spouses. This is one such festival in Kerala that promotes happiness and harmony.
When: December-January
Highlights: women’s only festival, traditional dances, various rituals for marital bliss
Suggested Reads: Travel Guide to the Beautiful Places to Visit in Kerala
Conclusion
Each of these festivals has a story to tell and is celebrated with a lot of fun and enthusiasm. So, if you are planning a visit to Kerala, make sure to be a part of these joyous celebrations. Do check for dates of festivals as most of them are celebrated as per the Malayalam calendar, hence dates of festivals can change every year.
FAQs
The festival of Onam is considered as the most colorful festival in Kerala. From the flower decorations to traditional attire, from Pulikali to the Onasadya, everything around is very colorful.
Yes, generally tourists are allowed to participate in Kerala’s temple festivals, however restrictions may be there on entering the inner sanctums. Make sure to follow the dress code and respect their customs and traditions.
Notable temple festivals of Kerala are Guruvayur Utsavam, Chettikulangara Bharani, Ettumanoor Festival and Arattu at Sree Padhmanabha Swami Temple.
Festivals in Kerala are spread out throughout the year, so any time is a good time. However, keeping the heat in mind, it is advisable to visit during the winter months between September to February.
