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Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is built on diverse traditions and a rich cultural heritage. This beautiful State of India lies in its southwestern part. It has gained worldwide fame for its beautiful backwaters, lush landscapes, golden beaches and variety of festivals that display its vibrant, harmonious essence. Consequently, Kerala festivals mirror the superb blend of its Indian ethos that pulls people from all walks of life to celebrate them together.
7 Religious Festivals Of Kerala
Here, we delve into seven famous religious festivals of Kerala, each unique in its essence and grandeur:
1. Onam
Photo Credit: Shyam S u b r a m a n i a n / Wikimedia Commons
Onam, celebrated in August–September, is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. It commemorates the periodic return of King Mahabali, a legendary king whose reign was characterised by prosperity and amity. The ten-day festival concludes when Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day, is celebrated. They decorate their houses with an intricate floral pattern called Pookalam, after which the family assembles a hearty meal on the floor and serves on banana leaves, comprising many traditional dishes. The events of Onam include the thrilling Vallam Kali, or the snake boat races, coupled with traditional dances like Kathakali and the tiger dance, Pulikali.
Month: Celebrated in the month of Chingam, which usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
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2. Vishu
Photo Credit: Aroonkalandy / Wikimedia Commons
Vishu, essentially the Malik New Year, is amongst the most important festivals of Kerala, as the day starts with the auspicious sight of Vishukkani. It contains an arrangement of rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, a mirror, and coins, to convey good luck at the arrival of the new year. Fireworks light up the sky, giving an added radiant touch to the festive fervour. The day ends with a shared grand feast called Sadhya, in which many dishes are served in banana leaves to enrich the day with more family bonding and culinary delight.
Month: Celebrated in the month of Medam, which corresponds to April in the Gregorian calendar.
3. Pooram
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This grand spectacle of a temple festival, reportedly the grandest in all of Kerala, is celebrated in the month of April-May. Inaugurated in the 18th century by the initiative of Raja Rama Varma, it unites ten temples in Thrissur to present a brilliant performance representing rich cultural heritage. The main attraction for Thrissur Pooram is majestically decorated elephants wearing gold caparisons, accompanied by the resounding beats of Panchavadyam and Pandimelam. Thrissur Pooram reflects rich temple traditions and the communal amity of Kerala.
Month:Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May).
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Munnar In May
4. Navaratri
Photo: Arghamallick5151 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Navaratri, celebrated in September-October, assumes great spiritual significance in Kerala as the nine nights are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga in all her different manifestations. Each day of Navratri is a day for special rituals and prayers and is a step closer to the final three-day celebration of Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami. Small and elaborately beautiful kolams, rangoli, and home designs are made with artistic floral decorations to cheer the faces. The last day, called Vidyarambham, stands for the child getting introduced to the world of learning. It is the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
Month: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kanni (September-October), corresponding to the Hindu calendar months of Ashwin.
5. Shivaratri
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Shivaratri is celebrated with great spiritual enthusiasm. This day is devoted to Lord Shiva and is generally observed by Hindus all over Kerala. Shivaratri is considered an important holy day by the devotees, who observe a day-long fast and night-long vigil known as ‘Jagaran’. Devotees start the auspicious day by visiting Shiva Temples. Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur and the city of Aluva are very famous for their pompous celebrations with pilgrims coming here from all parts of the State.
Month: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).
Suggested Read: Snake Temples In Kerala
6. Eid-Ul-Fitr
Photo: Barkave Balusamy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most joyous occasions celebrated by the Muslim community of Kerala is Eid-ul-Fitr. The day marks the culmination of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. A special prayer at mosques starts the festival, where one can get a feel of the community reaching out in large numbers. After the prayers, families and friends reunite after the prayers for merry-making meals, such as biryani, sewai, and other sweet foods. Colourful decorations are put up, and children are gifted with money that the elder ones provide by way of an ‘Eidi’, and this makes for a festive atmosphere.
Month: Celebrated in the Islamic month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan. The date varies each year based on the sighting of the moon.
7. Christmas
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Christmas is an exciting festival, and the celebration bears an imprint of traditional rituals in the local flavour. The congregation comes together in midnight mass on the eve of Christmas to participate in prayers, hymns, and the lighting of candles symbolically. Carol singing in the churches and going around the neighbourhoods (‘kolam’) infuses cheer into the air. Traditional Kerala Christmas feasts comprise mainly appam, a variety of rice pancakes, stew, roast duck, chicken curry, and rich plum cake. Families share these delicious meals and exchange gifts, extending warm hospitality to friends and neighbours.
Month: Celebrated on December 25th annually, marking the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition.
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3 Cultural Festivals Of Kerala
Here is a list of some famous cultural festivals of Kerala that are celebrated every year:
8. Theyyam
Photo Credit: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons
Theyyam is rooted in the northern parts of the state of Kerala, most specifically in Kannur and Kasaragod. It is a fusion of colour, dance, music, and worship in which the Theyyam artists dress up as different divine and heroic characters drawn from ancient texts and folk legends. Every performance of Theyyam is an affair of concerned preparation, with intricate makeup, elaborate costumes, and rhythmic dance flowing to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments like Chenda and Elathalam. Rituals are done in temples and ancestral homes as part of Theyyam worship, whereby devotees offer prayers to the gods. The festival lasts several months.
9. Kochi Muziris Biennale
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Kochi Muziris Biennale is a cultural festival held at Kochi in the state of Kerala. It is the largest art exhibition in India and easily ranks as one of the biggest in Asia. These exhibitions include national and international artists working across mediums such as installation, video art, and performance art. The Biennale itself consists of seminars, workshops, screenings, and performances other than art exhibitions, thus being a space for cultural exchange through creative dialogue. Art lovers, collectors, curators, and tourists are among the visitors to this mega event that reflects Kerala’s position in the global contemporary art world.
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10. Nishagandhi Dance And Music Festival
Photo Credit: Rakesh S / Wikimedia Commons
Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival is a cultural festival of Kerala held annually. It showcases one of India’s classical forms of dance and music performed by nation-renowned artists and performers. The week-long festival is a cultural extravaganza that is a veritable feast for culture lovers. Here each evening is devoted to different forms of classical art. This comprises workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions with the artists. Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival—owing to the huge masses of locals and international visitors coming for this event.
Kerala festivals offer a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness and spiritual fervour, reflecting the state’s deep-rooted traditions and communal harmony. From the grandeur of Onam and Thrissur Pooram to the spiritual solemnity of Maha Shivaratri and the joyous celebrations of Kochi Muziris Biennale and Theyyam. Where each festival holds a unique significance in Kerala’s cultural calendar. Explore our exhaustive tour packages for a carefree experience with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons
