Kerala’s fairs and festivals are known for temple traditions, harvest celebrations, ritual arts, religious feasts and boat races. Onam is the state’s best-known festival, with pookalam flower arrangements, Onasadya, cultural performances and community celebrations. Thrissur Pooram is noted for temple processions and percussion, while Theyyam brings ritual performances to northern Kerala. Attukal Pongala, Vishu and Christian Perunnals reflect different religious traditions, and Alappuzha’s boat races add a major sporting-cultural experience. Festival dates follow religious and Malayalam calendars, so travellers should confirm the exact schedule before planning a trip.
Kerala Festivals at a Glance
| Festival / Fair | Key Highlight | Month / Time | Location | Best For | Main Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onam | Kerala’s major harvest celebration | August–September | Across Kerala | First-time cultural visitors | Pookalam, Onasadya, performances and community events |
| Thrissur Pooram | Major temple festival | April–May | Thrissur | Temple culture and percussion | Processions, melam, kudamattam and festival gatherings |
| Theyyam | Ritual performance tradition | Mainly winter festival season | Kannur and Kasaragod | Ritual arts and local culture | Elaborate costumes, makeup and shrine performances |
| Attukal Pongala | Large women-led religious gathering | February–March | Thiruvananthapuram | Religious and community traditions | Preparing Pongala as an offering |
| Nehru Trophy Boat Race | Major snake-boat competition | August | Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha | Boat-racing traditions | Chundan vallam races and waterside crowds |
| Vishu | Traditional Kerala celebration | April | Across Kerala | Household traditions | Vishukkani and Vishukaineettam |
| Edathua Perunnal | Major Christian feast | 27 April–7 May | Edathua, Alappuzha | Pilgrimage and Christian heritage | Masses, prayers and religious procession |
Major Temple Festivals (Poorams) of Kerala
1. Thrissur Pooram
- Date: May 7, 2026 (Main festival day)
- Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting): April 30, 2026
- Location: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Thrissur Pooram is Kerala’s most magnificent temple festival. This spectacular event brings together ten temples in a grand display of cultural splendor.
2. Arattupuzha Pooram
- Date: April 6, 2026
- Location: Sree Sastha Temple, Arattupuzha, Thrissur
Arattupuzha Pooram is one of the oldest temple festivals in Kerala, with origins dating back over 1,400 years. It features the largest gathering of elephants in any festival in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
3. Pariyanampatta Pooram
- Date: Typically held in February/March
- Location: Pariyanampatta Temple, Thrissur
This is a well-known festival in Kerala, celebrated in the Thrissur region. It showcases the traditional elements of Kerala’s temple celebrations, featuring elephant processions, percussion performances, and religious rituals.
4. Onam
- Onam Date: August 26 – September 5, 2026
- Location: Celebrated across Kerala
An annual festival honoring King Mahabali, the legendary ruler of Kerala. Onam Sadhya is a 10-day festival that involves dancing, snake boat races, and the weaving of floral carpets (Pookalam).
5. Vishu
- Date: April 14, 2026
- Location: Celebrated throughout Kerala
It is a traditional Malayalam New Year celebration, involving auspicious Vishu Kani arrangements and Vishu Kaineettam (New Year gifts).
6. Theyyam Festival
- Season: October to May
- Location: Northern Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod districts)
Theyyam is a ritualistic dance form characterized by elaborate costumes, makeup, and passionate performances representing various deities.
7. Thiruvathira
- Date: December-January (Thiruvathira star in Dhanu month)
- Location: Celebrated across Kerala
A festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly celebrated by women with traditional dances, fasting, and prayers for marital happiness.<.p>
8. Attukal Pongala
- Date: March 13, 2026
- Location: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
This religious event holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women, with millions of women performing Pongala (sweet porridge) as an offering to Goddess Bhagavathy.
9. Chinakkathoor Pooram
- Program List: Usually conducted in April-May
- Location: Chinakkathoor, Palakkad
The festival typically includes decorated elephants, traditional music, and community participation.
10. Nenmara Vela
- Date: Typically held in February-March
- Location: Nenmara, Palakkad
The Nenmara Vela festival is known for its display of decorated elephants and vibrant cultural performances.
11. Parippally Gajamela
- Location: Parippally, Kollam
- Date: Usually held in March
The Kollam region holds an elephant festival with magnificent elephant pageantry, traditional percussion and cultural displays.
12. Edathua Perunnal
- Date: April 27 – May 7, 2026
- Location: St. George’s Church, Edathua, Alappuzha
Edathua Perunnal is one of South India’s most renowned church festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. The 18-day celebration honors St. George and is characterized by its intense religious fervor and strong community involvement.
Spectacular Boat Races and Water Festivals
1. Champakulam Boat Race
Date: July 9, 2026 (tentative) Location: River Pampa, Champakulam, AlappuzhaThe Champakulam Boat Race, Kerala’s oldest snake boat race, marks the beginning of the boat racing season. This centuries-old tradition celebrates the installation of Lord Krishna’s idol at the Ambalappuzha Temple. If you want to experience something unique, make sure to attend the boat race festival in Kerala.
2. Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Date: August 9, 2026 Location: Punnamada Lake, AlappuzhaKerala’s most famous and competitive boat race, named after India’s first prime minister who visited the event in 1952.
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Essential Tips for Festival Visitors
- Book accommodations well in advance during major festivals
- Consider homestays for authentic local experiences
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides special services during festivals
- Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are widely available
- Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
- Remove footwear before entering temples and churches
In addition to these major festivals, the people of Kerala celebrate many other joyous occasions. You can experience these celebrations by planning your holiday during the festival season. For more detailed information about the fairs and festivals in Kerala, please don’t hesitate to contact our tour experts.
Pariyanampetta Pooram
Guruvayur Festival
Champakulam Boat Race
International Paragliding Festival
Malayattoor Perunnal
Kadammanitta Padayani