Kerala is a South Indian state that has embraced its traditions and cultures gracefully. Not just the state boasts the highest literacy rate compared to all other parts of the country, but it is equally rich in the context of spirituality and ethnicity. Kerala’s rich culture is exhibited through Kathakali, which is a 500-year-old dance form and is admired on a large scale around the world. Thousands of other spectacular aspects of Kerala fill the heart with enlightenment.
The state is continually hopped on cloud nine and spilling with ardor, but Kerala reaches a new level of happiness during its festivals. Listed below are the famous festivals in Kerala; have a look and be moved.
1. Onam Festival
This ten-day festival fills the state with stark vitality and is indeed the state festival of Kerala. It holds such a strong significance that the whole state gets a four-day holiday during the festival. Onam is a famous festival of Kerala and falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug- Sep). It is celebrated to hail the Vishnu avatar named Vamana. Also, a revered king, Mahabali, returned home during this time, which marks for celebration too.
The festival commenced with an energized parade on the first day called Atham. The most famous parade occurs in Thrikkakara Temple, which is believed to be King Mahabali’s kingdom. After that, and until the tenth and final day of the festival, people indulge in folk art (Pookkalam), Music, dance (like Thiruvathira Kali), special dishes, boat races, and everything that keep the festive mood high up.
2. Thrissur Pooram Festival
Thrissur Pooram Festival is a popular festival in the state of Kerala. This is a temple festival that flaunts the vibrant colors of the culture of Kerala. There are around 12 temples that group together and celebrate this eight-day festival. Thrissur Pooram is the conclusion of the whole festival and is celebrated with zeal on the last day. The festival falls in the Malayalam month of Medam (Apr-May).
During these eight days, there are flag hoisting, fireworks, elephant decorations, parade, music, and much more.
3. Kerala Boat Festival
Not only the state has a pristine coastline, but the legendary Kerala Backwater also makes the state glitter. Kerala backwater meanders through the state, fed by lakes, rivers, and the Arabian Sea. This proximity has led to the introduction of new games and festivals.
Kerala Boat Festival is the epitome of team spirit. There are different sizes of a boat that are pushed forward by many people simultaneously. Not just the sight of the race, but also far beyond the venues of races, you can see the enthusiasm in the people to attend it and cheer.
Some of the most famous boat races are Champakulam Moolam, Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey, Uthrattadi Vallom Kali Boat Race, and Payippad Jalotsavam.
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Attukal Pongala is a ten-day festival and takes place in February/March. During these ten days, an idol of the Goddess Attukal Devi is decorated and worshipped. This is a famous temple festival that takes place mainly in Trivandrum. And not just in Trivandrum, faith and enthusiasm are equally sprung across the state.
There is a massive gathering in Attukal Devi Temple. This festival holds a record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest annual gathering of women. Some people attend the festival irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed.
5. Vishu Festival
Vishu in Kerala is known as Bisu in Karnataka. This South Indian festival falls in April. A holy ritual of Vishukkani takes place on the morning of Vishu to ensure that on this day, the followers see things related to prosperity as soon as they wake up and wear new clothes. To signify wealth, metal mirrors, rice, yellow flowers, betel leaves, fruits, vegetables, holy books, etc., are placed in the prayer hall.
Devotees then visit temples; Sabarimala Ayyapan Temple and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple are the most popular in Vishu. While as the day goes on, people indulge in festive feasts and fireworks at night.
6. Makaravilakku at Sabarimala Festival
Makaravilaku is a seven-day festival that commences on 14 January yearly in Sabarimala. The temple is devoted to Lord Ayyappa, also known as “Hari Hara Putra.” Hari means Vishnu, Hara means Shiv, and Putra means son. Lord Ayyappa unites people who follow Lord Shiv (Saivites) and Lord Vishnu (Vaishnites).
A priest dances with a box of god’s jewelry on his head. Some chants are repeated to fill the aura and soul with sanctity. The festival is ended with a “Guruthi” ceremony, an offering to the Lord. After “Guruthi,” everyone empties the temple, and no one stays back.
7. Christmas Festival
Christmas is a very popular festival and holds major significance all around the world. Kerala is amongst the few states of India where Christmas is celebrated at a highly grand parameter. People exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees and visit churches to offer sincere prayers during this time.
Christmas falls on 25th December every year, and throughout the month, Kerala’s streets and houses are filled with vivacity. Here, Christmas is not merely a holiday; people celebrate this day with devotion by offering prayers and keeping Jesus Christ in their hearts all year round.
8. Theyyam Festival
Theyyam is a form of worship in Kerala, mainly popular in its North Malabar, Kudagu, and Kolathunadu regions. This is a cultural dance with about 400 types, in which a human disguises as a deity and dances on a stone platform. The one who performs the dance gets embellished with bountiful folk art. The performer of the dance passes through three stages.
First, one is adorned with flowers, colors, masks, etc. The second is self-torture, and the third is, being able to dance without getting off the rhythm.
Theyyam usually takes place in December every year, and its attendees attain a new level of contentment. This pageantry of ethnicity, penance, and flow, has been an essential facet of Kerala for ages.
Kerala has it all for you. The state offers visitors the above-mentioned popular festivals in Kerela for an unforgettable trip. In addition, it opens its arms to its beautiful hill stations, tranquil beaches, backwaters, vibrant culture, and verdant wildlife sanctuaries. Kerala is referred to as “God’s Own Country.” If you are worried about the language, don’t worry about the language; we have a multilingual team of travel experts preparing your customized tour itineraries. So, visit Kerala, lose yourself in the lap of nature, and gather many memorable moments. Book now!
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Bhavna Bura
Bhavna is a travel writer and travel photographer obsessed with different places around the world; a rather slow traveler who prefers to be solivagant to maintain inner peace. She loves to read travel articles which flows with beautiful rhythms and still well defines author’s experiences and the essence of the places.
Very nice post to aware people about the festivals in Kerala.. But, I would like to know why didn’t you mentioned Deepawali festival in this list.
Thanks Deepak for the compliment
This is the list of popular festivals in Kerala and Diwali is not a popular festival of Kerala. Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. Onam is equally important festival to Diwali for Kerala’s people who celebrate it with great pomp and show… 🙂
Kerala is a mix of cultural and natural beauty. Where one side Munnar and Wayand hill stations capture attention, other side festivals and culture are the things that grab people attention..