Festivals

Festivals are true celebrations in God's Own Country; occasions when grandeur prevails over the characteristic simplicity of the Kerala lifestyle. Be it the state festival of Onam or the one at a local place of worship, new attire and sumptuous feasts are a must for the celebrations.

Besides being occasions for merry-making, festivals of Kerala have traditionally been preservers of the art and culture of this land. Whether religious or social, traditional or modern, a festival here is never complete without an art event which would range from the 2000-year-old Kutiyattam to contemporary stage shows.


Major Festivals

Onam

Venue: The festival of Onam is celebrated throughout the State.

Kerala during Onam is a cauldron of happiness, excitement and enjoyment. Nature in full bloom, festivity in the air, happy people and lots of fun! This is the time of the Onam festival, the festival that Keralites call their own.

The celebrations for Onam are on for 10 days, beginning with the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls in August / September. This is a period when Kerala comes alive with elephant processions, classical and folk dance performances, music recitals, cultural pageants, boat races and much more!

Deepavali

Venue: Deepavali is celebrated all over Kerala

Deepavali, literally meaning the row of lights, is a fascinating festival of Kerala. Though the festival is celebrated all over India, Deepavali in Kerala has some rituals and festivities to claim as its own. It will be a remarkable experience for you to have a walk in the night of Deepavali, with the tranquil light of oil lamps embracing the land with a subtle charm, to be hindered by the occasional sounds of crackers.

It is celebrated in commemoration of the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.

Thrissur Pooram

Venue: Thekkinkadu Maidanam in the heart of Thrissur district.

The world-renowned Thrissur pooram, arguably the most famous festival of Kerala, is a heady mixture of pomp and pageantry. Thousands of people from all walks of life gather at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam at Thrissur to celebrate the pooram or festival. The festival is held in the premises of the Vadakkumnatha temple, a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The festival highlights include, among other things, a spectacular pageant of 30 caparisoned elephants and Kudamattom, a competition in the swift rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols. Chendamelam and Panchavadyam performances by magicians of music provide a supremely apt accompaniment to the visual treats. Dazzling fireworks light up the sky to provide a grand finale to two days of classic entertainment.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about a km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Venue: Punnamada Backwaters, Alappuzha district.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the greatest event on the backwaters of Kerala. The race is held on the second Saturday of August every year. Magnificent snakeboats compete for the prized trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Apart from the races of chundanvalloms (snakeboats) and of smaller country crafts, the event offers many fascinating sights such as ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 8 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha.