Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition
behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out
because of their uniqueness.

Christian Festivals Christmas Pullichira Church Festivals Arathunkal Church Festivals Easter Malayatoor Church Festivals Edapally Church Festivals Edathua Church Festivals Manarcad Church Festivals Vettukadu Church Festivals

Bharanamganam Church Festivals Hindu Festivals Vishu Navarathri Thrikkuratti Mahadevar Temple Festivals Sivarathri Mahasivarathri Ashtami at Vaikom Thrissur Pooram Sabarimala Festivals

Muslim Festivals Bakrid Ramadan Kodikuthu Festival Idul Fitr Miladi Sharif Muharram Common Festivals Onam Boat Races Nishagandhi Dance Festival

Common Festivals
Onam
The most important festival of Kerala is Onam, which is celebrated by all the people in Kerala, irrespective of religion & cast. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). It is the harvest festival of Kerala.

Onam is the most famous festival of Kerala. All people in Kerala, irrespective of Religion & Cast celebrates Onam. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). It is the harvest festival of Kerala. Legend states that, Onam is celebrated as the home coming of Mahabali, the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down to the infernal regions (Patala) by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana.

Onam is celebrated as a national festival of Kerala. It synchronizes with the tourist week celebration, which starts formally on the day of Atham asterism. The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is installed in every Hindu home during the Onam season. Children go around collecting flowers and decorate them in the front portion of the house in various designs and patterns. The most important days of the Onam festival are Uthradom and Thiruvonam days. On the latter, a grand feast is held in every home. Onam also provides an occasion for family get-together among the Keralites. It's a perfect example for the religious harmony of the state.

Boat Races

This is a typical keralite festival of boat races. It is held in August in the Punnamada Kayal, which commemorates the visit of former Prime Minister, Late Jawaharlal Nehru to Alleppey. Similar boat races are held also at Aranmual and Champakulam, which has a religious significance. The later commemorates an episode involving the idol of Sri Krishna, which was lifted from Kurichi by the Chempakasseri Raja's men for consecration in the Ambalapuzha. The idol had to rest in the house of a Syrian Christian at Chempakulam. Therefore, even today the flag and coir rope required for the Chempakulam boat race is supplied from the local Kallurkad Church.

	Boat races and processions at Ambalapuzha,in July.
	Nehru Trophy boat race in the month of August.
	Boat races at Thalavady in Alappuzha, Kumarakom,Mannar, Aranmula, and Thiruvandoor near

Nishagandhi Dance Festival

Just north of the palace there’s the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, where from February 21-27 each year, there are free performances of Indian classical dance.

Kochi Carnival

Further north, in central Kerala, the Kochi Carnival, from December 25-31, offers a kaleidoscope of performing arts, including Kathakali, classical dance, martial arts, and boat races.

Christian Festivals

Christmas All Christians celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ on 25th Dec. Holy Mass is held in all the churches in the state. Carol singing, setting up of Christmas tree in all churches and homes, exchanges of cards and receiving gifts from Santa Claus are all integral part of the festivities associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. There is a feast in every Christian home with meat as a special item, and the celebrations of Christmas leave good memories in every heart.

Pullichira Church Festival - on the Sunday just before Christmas. December

Kollam Diocese in Kerala State, is famous for being the first Diocese in Asia. Pullichira Church, at Kollam District is one of the ancient Catholic Churches in Kerala State of South India. This Church is the first &  important Pilgrim Centre In Kollam Diocese and the Festival of Pullichira Church is one of the most popular festivals in Kerala State. All the people, who are belonging to different communities other than Christians, also consider this festival as a festival of the land, not as an ordinary Christian festival. This Church is a common place for all communities for worshiping God & a good example for the unity among the people who belong to different religions & cast.

"Our Lady of Immaculate Conception" is the "Patron Saint" of Pullichira Church. Around 650 years back to avoid a ship wreck followed by a storm, Portuguese sailors prayed and set afloat the holy Statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The ship and all its crew were saved miraculously. This Holy Statue floated to this shore. There was a small and old church at Pullichira, and the Portugal sailors constructed a new church in its place as a vote of thanks to Mother Mary. This church became famous and pilgrims floated to Pullichira Church. The new church was constructed by the parishioners during 1974.

The annual Festival of Pullichira Church will be celebrated every year on the Sunday just before Christmas. The festival of the year 2004 was on 8th  to 20th December. The peculiarity of this festival is that, a predetermined person among the members of the parish, who had already offered to host the festival, will be the President of the festival every year. All the festivals up to 2045 were booked by the members of the parish. It is believed that, to get a chance to host the festival once in his lifetime is a great blessing. The President of the festival for the year 2004 was Mr. Cleetus Lawrence, Susan Villa, Pullichira PO, Kollam, Keral.

 

Arathunkal Church Festivals - January- 20th January to 31st January St. Andrew's Forance Church at Arthunkal, one of the sacred churches in Kerala, attracts lakhs of devotees both Christians and non-Christians every year from all parts of the State. The feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated on a grand scale for eleven days in a year. Owing to the unmanageable crowding of pilgrims and the resultant confusion on January 20 the final day of the feast, the church authorities have instituted another minor feast on the 8th day after the principal feast. This is known as Ettam perunnal. Of late this feast also has attained as much importance as the principal feast.

	Easter This is another important festival of Christians, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter usually falls in March-April, after 40 days lent of fast and penance. Christians go for mid-night mass, as a memory of the resurrection of Jesus, 2000 years ago.
	St George's Church, Aruvithura - 22nd to 24th April

Malayatoor Church Festivals - Last week of March or first week of April St Thomas Shrine, Malayattur - Last week of March or first week of April. St. Thomas shrine at Malayattur a village about six miles to the north of Kaladi Ernakulam District is believed to be one of the ancient catholic shrines in the northern part of the state. The chief festival at the shrine is second Sunday, since the first moon, after the Vernal Equinox (March 21). The Feast, therefore, falls generally in the month of April or at times in the last week of March. The Octave is celebrated on the following Sunday. The pilgrims have to climb a hill nearly 2000 feet high and on top of it is the church.

Edapally Church Festivals - April/May St. George Ferona Church Festival at Edappally, in the month of May. Every year 'Forty hour devotion' marks the commencement of the festival. The festival begins on the 23rd of April with solemn High Mass and Litany. On the 25th flag is hoisted solemnly and ceremoniously.

Edathua Church Festivals - April/May St.George's Church, Edathwa - 27 April to 7th May.  The St. George's church at Edathua stands on the bank of the river Pampa, sixteen miles southeast Alappuzha. This church is famous for the feast of St. George celebrated every year in the month of Medom (April-May). It takes place from 27th April till 7th of May. Though the festival lasts for 11 days, only last couple of days carry all the aspects of a major festival. Hence calendars reckon the 6th of May as the feast day.

Manarcad Church Festivals - September St Mary's Orthodox Church, Manarcad - Sepember 1st to 9th

Vettukadu Church Festivals - October The most important feast celebrated in this church situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram is of Christ, the King. This feast is observed for eleven days ending with the last Sunday of October. On the tenth day, after the vespers in the church, there is a procession which goes round the parish lasting for about 1 ½ hours. On the final day there will be a solemn high mass, sermon, eucharistic procession and benediction. The attendance for this feast is well over 50,000.

Bharanamganam Church Festivals - November Bharanamganam, a small village town in Meenachal Taluk of Kottayam District, has been famous for long as one of the hallowed places in Kerala. It is about 14 miles from the Ettumannoor railway station. Bharabangaban has always been a refuge of the afflicted and the miserable as well as of the faithful. It is here that the famous St. Mary's Forance Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala dedicated to the Holy Mother, stands, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. The important annual festivals of this church are the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on the 9th of November, and the Feast of St. Sebastian on the 20th of January.

Parumala, Mannar

Maramon Convention Maramon and Kozhencherry , on the banks of the river Pampa, 16 kilometers east of Tiruvalla, have for centuries been recognized as centres of Christian culture and influence. Maramon is also famous as the birth place of Palakkunnathu Abraham Maplah, leader of the reformation in the Syrian Church of Malabar in the 19th century. This village which developed into a town has the added distinction of being the venue of a religious gathering known as Maramon convention, said to be the largest Christian gathering in Asia. It is during the month of February on the vast sand-bed of the river Pampa below the Kozhencherry bridge that the Maramon Convention is held every year. The Maramon Convention displays co-operation and union between different sections of Church in Kerala. It fosters ecumenical outlook. It is also a source of spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands.

Thrikkuratti Mahadevar Temple is one among 108 sivalayas built by Lord Parasurama, situated in Mannar is a major business town, also known as Bell Metal Town,   mid way between Mavelikara and Tiruvalla, in Alappuzha District of Kerala state, India, on State highway 6 (kayamkulam – Thiruvalla Road). It is believed that the mammoth thrikkuratti mahadeva temple compound wall was built by Bhootangal of Lord Paramasiva in one night. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham) attracts lot of pilgrims.

The antique wooden carving of Thrikkuratti mahadeva temple sricovil came to lime light recently through visual media, attracting lot of art lovers including foreginers. At a special Nada (gate) on east side of the Thrikkuratti temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings daily basis. This practice is believed to be centuries old and this is considered to be a true embodiment of religious harmony.

The Thrikkuratti Mahasivarathri Festival, only next to Aluva sivarathri in terms of mass congregation, attracts thousands of devotees. The West Nada (Parvathi) will be open for ten minutes during Sivarathri Nritham on Sivarathri day only. All other days during the year it remains closed. The Srikovil of Thrikkuratti Mahavishnu temple is built on North indian Architecture.

The Mahasivrathri festival at Thrikkuratti Mahadeva temple is different from other temples due to its unique festivities. Though the spectacular and colourful cultural programs are performed by renowned artists during these eleven days, the main emphasis is for Sahasrakalasabishekam, Sivarathri Nrutham and Mahasivarathri Procession.

 Sahasrakalasabishekam:  This is a very special and rare puja conducted during 10 days of Mahasivarathri festival. It is well known that Lord Siva is abhishekapriya (lover of ablutions). Lord Parasurama and Kroshta muni, during their worship of the lord here, are believed to have bathed the deity with Sahasrakalasam or a thousand pots of holy water according to Vedic rites. Now during Mahasivarathri festival days the Head Priest (Thanthri) and his team perform this puja. It is a ten day function, each day an offering of 101 Kalasam or pots of holy water being made 100 pots of Silver and one of Gold at do centre all filled with water and surcharged with mantras recited by learned Brahmins seated on the Mukhamantapam. These are emptied on the deity, the golden pot Brahmakalasam being the last one. A magnificent light is the indication or identity of Lord Shiva and the Shiva Lingam is considered to be the symbol of it. Hence, the formal worship on Maha Shivaratri consists of bathing the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva is said to be burning with the fire of austerity and so only those items are offered to Him that have a cooling effect. A cool water bath is believed to propitiate him best. There is a belief among devotees that participation in Sahasrakalam and offering holy worship materials, will lead to blessings with prosperity and peaceful life. Hundreds of devotees thronging the shrine with chants of “Namasivaya”, “Hara hara mahadeva”, and “Sambho Mahadeva”. 

Sivarathri Nrutham:  Sivarathri Nrutham at Thrikkuratti temple, according to religious scholars, resembles with, the cosmic dance of Shiva, called ‘Anandatandava,' meaning, ‘the Dance of Bliss’ symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy - creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion.

 The Priest keeps sheeveli vigraha (idol) fixed on decorated frame on his head. He makes seven rounds on pradakshina vazhi (Holi walkway made of granite around Sanctum Santorum). When fifth round reaches at west nada (Parvathi nada), the door opens for just 10 minutes. This is an annual ceremony. Thousands of Pilgims rush to have a glance of this auspicious moment. At this time all the pradakshina vazhi will be lighted with Camphor and Brass temple lamps by thousands of devotes who spent a sleepless night with chants of “Namasivaya”, “Hara Hara Mahadeva” and “Sambho Mahadeva”. Old people sing “Hara sankara siva sankara duritham kala sivane”.  In this enlightened serene mood, the Priest performs Nrutham and runs along pradakshina vazhi towards east nada. Next two rounds he accepts “Valiya kanikka”. The Sivarathri Nrutham is followed by the well known magnificent display of fire woks. 

Mahasivarathri Kumbam (Feb-March)

Hindus celebrate Mahasivarathri, all over the world in Kumbam (Feb-March). It commemorates the day on which Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Kalakuda visham) to save the world from destruction. The offering of special pooja and abhishekhams, and the presentation of cultural programmes in all the Shiva temples celebrate the day. The annual Sivarathri festival held on the banks of River Periyar at Alwaye, is one of the most spectacular local festivals of Kerala, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the state. It has been compared to the Kumbamela at Prayag.

Asthami Rohini
The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great importance on this day. It is held in the month of Chingam (Aug- Sept). Devotees visit the Krishna temples where special Pooja and cultural programmes are held.
Ashtami at Vaikom - Kumbham (February-March)

Thrissur Pooram - Medam (April-May)

     Thrissur Poorum, north of Kochi, held April-May, displays more elephants, color, and fireworks than any other festival. Lavish celebrations involve processions of decorated elephants, musicians, and dancers, all illuminated by a backdrop of fireworks.

Sabarimala Festivals - Vrichikam (November-December)

     Sabrimala, in Kerala’s south, welcomes thousands of pilgrims December-January, who come to honor their deity, Ayappan, esteemed for his power to conquer evil. People of all faiths are welcome at the temple except women of menstruating age. If you miss the temple, just follow the black robed pilgrims meandering along the roads leading to it.

Bakrid
     The Bakrid commemorates Ibrahim's (Abhraham) offering of his only son as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command. The Muslims enjoy hearty feasts on Bakrid day. The rich may sacrifice a he goat or a bullock and distribute it among Frieds, relatives and the poor. The famous Haj is performed after the celebration of Idul Azha.

Ramadan

    Ramadan known locally as Cheria Perunnal, marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting. It’s a happy time, with many local festivals involving family reunions and picnics. It’s a great time to sample a biryani—fragrant rice with meat or vegetables.

Kodikuthu Festival

Kodikuthu Festival at Kanjiramattom Mosque 25 km from Kochi

Idul Fitr
Idul Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of the Ramzan fast when Muslims give up all kind of food and drink during the day and spend the major part of the night prayer.

Miladi Sharif

Miladi Sharif, celebrated on a large scale in April, Commemorates the birth of the prophet. This celebration has acquired its present dimensions only in recent times. Previously the day was observed by the Muslims by reading what is commonly known as Maulud which is a short treatise in Arabic celebrating the birth, life, work and sayings of the prophet or some saint.

Chandankudam at Beemapally

The Chandankudam at Beemapally near Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most colourful of Muslim festival in Kerala. It is said to be the death anniversary of Beema Beeevi, a devout pilgrim lady who came to Kerala from Mecca. The festival begins on the 1st of Jamadul Akhar of the Hijira Era (October) and lasts ten days. Carrying earthen posts smeared with sandal wood paste and the mouth of the pot tightly closed with a Jasmine garland around the edges, thousands of pilgrims go around the mosque and the hallowed tomb of the devout lady in procession. Then the earthen port with money is placed at the tomb as an offering.

Muharram
Muharram is another festival celebrated by Muslims on the 10th day of Muharram the forbidden month, which marks the beginning of the Hijra year.

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