Festivals of Kerala

Kerala is famous for its various festivals. Natives of the state celebrate every festive season together since most of the festivals focus on their traditions. 

Onam is a famous festival in Kerala that is celebrated all around the world. Some religious festivals such as Vishu, Attukal Pongala, Karthigai, Eid-Ul-Fitr, and Christmas are celebrated with joy and excitement. Though rooted in religion, festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Pattambi Nercha, and Guruvayoor Anayottam are celebrated by people of all faiths.

Although there are numerous festivals of the different communities that call Kerala home, the state mainly focuses on festivals celebrated as main events. For example, Onam, Sabarimala Temple festival, Thrissur Pooram and Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

The Famous Festivals of Kerala

Kerala has a never-ending list of festivals and rich traditions. Of all the religious festivals, a few such as Onam, Vishu and Nehru Trophy Boat Race represent Kerala globally. Here is a detailed note on some of these festivals.

• Onam: This harvest festival celebrates the return of the mythical ruler, King Mahabali. The festival starts in the first month as per the Malayalam calendar. Every family decorates their house with floral floor art known as Pookkalam. Onam is celebrated by preparing Ona sadya, a traditional food platter. Both adults and children dress up in traditional attires throughout the state. The festive season starts with the first day, called Atham. The tenth day, or Thiruvonam, represents the main event. One of the beautiful events associated with Onam is Pulikali. Trained artists dressed as tigers perform this dance which is almost 200 years old.
• Vishu: This festival marks the New Year for the people of Kerala. They set up a statue of Lord Krishna with yellow cucumber, white cloth, ornaments, fruits, and kanikonna flowers. This practice is known as Kani Kanal. They believe in waking up and seeing this statue before anything else to invite good fortune into their lives. On this day, the people of Kerala practice something called Vishu Kaineettam, where the children of the family get money from the elders.
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race: This festival was started when former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Alappuzha in 1952. Giant boats with 100 rowers participate in the race. It is usually conducted on the second Saturday of August. However, to attract tourists, Kerala organises this race in January as well.
• Thrissur Pooram: Thrissur Pooram is the mother of all festivals. It is a mix of music and visuals. Elephants are decorated with beautiful ornaments and displayed at the Vadakkunnathan temple. Panchavadyam is one of the main attractions of the festival. You will also be able to see breathtaking fireworks at night.
• Cochin Carnival: This carnival takes place in Cochin during the New Year. District Tourism Promotion Council of Ernakulam conducts the festival. At night, a giant bearded model called Papanji is set on fire to bid goodbye to the previous year. 
• Navaratri: It is a nine-day-long festival to worship the Goddess. Of these nine days, Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami are to worship the Goddess of Wisdom. On these days, everyone places an item representing their education or employment in the temple for a ritual known as Ayudha Pooja. On Vijayadashami, kids are made to write their first letters as it is considered a good start for education and personal development.

Other famous festivals of Kerala include the Sabarimala Temple festival, Kodungallur Bharani, and Vetta and Arattu.

Religious Festivals of Kerala

• Hindu Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Sabarimala Temple festival, Kodungallur Bharani, Vetta and Arattu, Navratri, Shivratri, Makara Vilakku and Deepavali are some common Hindu festivals.
• Islamic Festivals: Bakri-eid, Eid, Beemapally Uroos, Ramadan, Muharram and Pattambi Nercha are some common Islamic festivals.
• Christian Festivals: Easter, Christmas, Good Friday and annual church feasts are a few common Christian festivals celebrated in Kerala.

Conclusion

Kerala, India’s southern state, is rich in traditions and culture. The state is home to various celebrations and festivals such as Onam, Christmas, Eid, etc.

Natives celebrate every festival together and with equal excitement. These celebrations bring the community together and help them share their blessings and good fortune with everyone.