Are you looking for a cultural experience unlike any other? Then you should consider visiting Kerala, India during one of its renowned festivals. Festivals in Kerala are an important part of Kerala culture and draw tourists from all over the world. From the elephant festival to Onam, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to learn more about some of the most popular festivals in Kerala.
A Checklist of Visual Treats to Participate In
Here’s a guide to some of the other renowned festivals in Kerala that you can experience on your next trip. Festivals are an integral part of Kerala’s culture and society. They provide a perfect opportunity to gather people from all walks of life and create a sense of camaraderie. From temple festivals to boat races, there’s something for everyone in Kerala. So, if you’re looking for a festive break, head to Kerala – the land of festivals!
Beemapally Uroos
The Beemapally Dargah Shareef in Thiruvananthapuram is recognized for its Beemapally Uroos or Chandanakkudam Mahotsavam, a celebration that takes place every year during the month of January. During the festival, devotees carry earthen pots covered in sandalwood.
Arthunkal Perunnal
Arthunkal Perunnal is the annual celebration observed at St Andrew’s Forane Church in Arthunkal, Alappuzha district. One of the main attractions is the ceremony during which devotees crawl on their hands and knees from the beach to the church. This is followed by a procession carrying St Sebastian’s statue.
Andalur Kavu Theyyam
At Andalur Kavu’s annual festival, the Andalur Kavu Theyyam is performed in Dharmadam village in Thalassery. The Theyyam enacted in the temple’s ancient building depicts events from the epic Ramayana. The Andalur Theyyam Festival is held in Andalur Kavu Temple District, Kannur every year inDharmadam village.
Aattukal Pongala
Aattukal Pongala, the popular festival of Kerala is a major event in Aattukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram district, with the greatest number of women congregating to worship Goddess Bhagavathy. The main ceremony is the sweet payasam prepared by the ladies as an offering to the Goddess, which takes place amid a huge throng around.
Chinakkathoor Pooram
The Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple in Palakkad district hosts the annual Chinakkathoor Pooram festival. The main features of the occasion are a procession of elephants, traditional music performances, and Pulikali. It also includes many cultural events such as the performance of folk art forms, traditional orchestra.
Lakshadeepam
Every six years, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram ignites one million oil lamps–both earthen and brass–all around its structure, as well as on the temple grounds, to provide a visual treat.
The Lakshadeepam ceremony, popular festival of Kerala marks the end of the 56-day Murajapam festival. This important festival of Kerala involves chanting the Vedas in seven sessions, each lasting eight days. The mantras from the three Vedas — Rig Veda, Sama Veda and Yajur Veda — are chanted as part of this ritual.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a beautiful sight to behold when it is illuminated by shimmering lamps. Thousands of devotees flock to the shrine to see the beautiful oil lamps at each entrance and the illuminations on the Gopuram and Shivelipura.
Machattu Mamangam
The Machattu Mamangam temple in Vadakkancherry is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The Kuthirakolams, massive decorated horse statues brought out for procession accompanied by percussion music, are the main attraction of the festival. Vadakkanchery Machattu Thiruvanikavu Temple.
Uthralikkavu Pooram
An annual and important festival of Kerala held at Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Vadakkanchery y is Uthralikkavu Pooram. It’s an eight-day celebration featuring elephant processions, traditional musical ensembles such as Panchavadyam, Pandimelam, and temple and rural art.
Chettikulangara Bharani
Chettikulangara Bharani is a very important festival in Kerala held at Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple in Alappuzha. The main event of this popular festival in Kerala is the Kettukazhcha, where massive decorated structures are carried through the temple streets as a procession. Chettikulangara Bharani is celebrated every year in Mavelikara Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple.
Ezhara Ponnana
Ettumanoor Ezhara Ponnana, the important festival in Kerala is a long ceremonial procession that takes place during the annual festival at Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam. Ezhara Ponnana means “seven-and-a-half golden elephants,” which are released once a year during a colourful procession with a traditional orchestra and caparisoned elephants.
Arattupuzha Pooram
The Sree Sastha Temple of Arattupuzha, in Kerala, is where the oldest Pooram festival, one of the famous festivals in Kerala is held. Some of the things that make the festival so special are folk art performances, traditional orchestras, grand processions of elephants, and huge crowds of people. Arattupuzha Pooram is a festival that happens in the district of Thrissur in the state of Kerala. It is held at the Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple.
Govindankulangara Padayani
The Sree Govindankulangara Devi Temple, in Thiruvalla, Kerala, that is celebrated the Padayani festival in the Malayalam months of Makaram (Makara Bharani) each year. Held as an offering to the goddess, the various kolams at Govindan Kulangara are Bhairavi, Marutha, Kaalan, Kuthira, Pakshi, Yakshi etc. After that, the festival concludes with the Pooppada and Mangala Bhairavi Kolam dance performances. The temple is situated in Pathanamthitta District.
Kottangkulangara Chamayavilakku
The Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku,one of the most famous festivals in Kerala is a one-of-a-kind festival celebrated in the temple of Kottankulangara. Men dress up as women in the most beautiful clothes and make-up and walk in procession to the temple, accompanied by a traditional orchestra. The Kottankulangara Devi Temple in Kollam hosts the Chamayavilakku festival in the Malayalam month of Meenam. The Kottankulangara Devi Temple District is located in Kollam.
Painkuni Festival
Painkuni is an annual festival celebrated at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram district. The main spectacle of the festival is the Pandavas (Mahabharata) figures on display at the temple’s eastern gate. Painkunis Thiruvananthapuram Location East Fort The Painkuni Festival Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple District takes place in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kadammanitta Padayani
On the seventh day of the ten-day annual Padayani festival at Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple, Valiya Padayani is performed as part of the event. The ceremonial processional of Padayani Kolams begins this day. The main excitement is the dance of the large Bhairavi kolam to Padayani songs, which is performed by the great Bhairavi kolam. Kadammanitta Valiya Padayani Kadammanitta Kannan Devasthan Pathanamthitta District. The temple is located in this district and this festival is one of the famous festivals in kerala.
Othera Patayani
The Othera Padayani is held at the Othera Puthukulangara Devi Temple, where numerous customs and Kolam performances are performed. The main event of the festival is the Valiya Padayani, which takes place on the last day. The Chattathel Kolam is a giant drawing made of 1,001 sheaths of areca nut. It is a popular attraction at the festival. The Othera Padayani Othera Puthukulangara Devi Temple District Pathanamthitta Location Othera is also worth seeing.
Thrissur Pooram
The Thrissur Pooram festival is one of the most famous festivals in Kerala and is a yearly event that is celebrated at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur. This festival is considered to be the mother of all Pooram festivals in Kerala. The Pooram festival is a grand event, with the caparisoned elephant procession, percussion music, fireworks, and other cultural activities.
Vaishaka Mahotsavam
The Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam is an annual festival that is hosted by two temples, Akkara Kottiyoor and Ikkara Kottiyoor, in the Kannur district. This religious festival is celebrated with many rituals, including Neyyattam, Rohini Aaradhana, Elaneerattam and more. The Kottiyoor Festival is held at the Kottiyoor Temple in the Kannur District of Kerala.
Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple
The Anayoottu festival is celebrated at the Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, to worship and feed elephants as an offering to Lord Ganesha. In front of the temple, there is a large line of elephants. People are waiting to feed them food. The temple is in Thrissur District.
Champions Boat League
The Champions Boat League (CBL) is a highly-anticipated event that takes place in Kerala, India, and features snake boat races similar to the Indian Premier League. The legendary boat races will be held across Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram districts during the CBL. The Champions Boat League is held in the Backwaters of Kerala.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, another one of the famous festivals in Kerala and is one of Kerala’s most famous snake boat races, which is eagerly anticipated during the Onam festival. The race is held in Punnamada Lake, where magnificent nake boats compete to the sounds of traditional boat songs and ceremonial water processions. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala.
Neelamperoor Padayani
Neelamperoor Padayani is held at the Palli Bhagavathy Temple in Alappuzha, Kerala, which features one of the few Padayani performances in the state. Kettukazhcha is a fascinating location, where swans and mythical characters are taken out for procession in elaborate costumes. The Neelamperoor Padayani Palli Bhagavathy Temple is located in the district of Alappuzha in the state of Kerala.
Thrissur Pulikali
Pulikali,another important festival in Kerala is a traditional folk dance from Kerala, mostly seen during the Onam festival. On the fourth day of the Onam festival, the Swaraj ground in Thrissur comes alive with vibrant colours and festive celebrations. This is when the Pulikali artists perform, and the crowd gathers to watch.
Vettukadu Feast
Vettukadu Feast is another important festival in Kerala and a cultural event held in Thiruvananthapuram’s 500-year-old Madre-de-Deus Church. The annual celebration is observed by all communities and is highlighted by special religious services and grand ceremonial processions that bring the region to life in a joyous way. The annual Vettukadu Feast is celebrated in the village of Thirunavaya, where there is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary known as Madre-de-Deus in Thiruvananthapuram’s Vettukadu.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam
The Kalpathi Ratholsavam, another popular festival in Kerala is a chariot pilgrimage celebrated at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathi, Palakkad, during November. The most spectacular aspect of the 10-day yearly festival is the procession of enormous decorated carriages through town. The occasion is notable for attracting a large number of devotees to witness the parade.
Cochin Carnival
The year-round celebration of the Cochin Carnival starts at the Vasco da Gama plaza in Fort Kochi when the Carnival Flag is raised. The Cochin Carnival, another popular festival in Kerala is a festival that takes place in the Vasco da Gama Square District of Cochin. It is a celebration of the culture and heritage of the region. The carnival features various events and activities, including music concerts, food festivals, and parades.
Niranam Valiyapally Perunnal
The St Thomas’s Festival of Niranam is an 11-day event observed at the St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church in Niranam, Pathanamthitta district, in memory of St Thomas. The highlights of the event include Kodiyettu, Perunnal Vilambara Rally, holy mass, special prayers, Nerchavilambu and cultural events.
Beypore Waterfest
The Government of Kerala organizes the annual Dyipore Water festival to showcase local talent and attract tourists. The Chaliyar River will be the site of numerous water activities and entertainment events. An exciting variety of sports, both traditional and aquatic, will be hosted for the celebration, including boat races from Kerala and Olympic aquatic events. This is another important festival in Kerala.
Kochi Muziris Biennale
The Kochi Muziris Biennial is an annual international art exhibition held in Kochi, Kerala. The annual contemporary art show is an event that highlights the work of artists from all around the world and includes live artwork, painting, sculpture, installation, new media, performance art, and film.
Vaikathashtami
Vaikathashtami, most popular festival in Kerala is a magnificent annual occasion with great processions, cultural shows, and other joyous activities. At the famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Shiva temple renowned for its distinctive Kerala-style temple architecture, in the Kottayam district, Vaikathashtami is celebrated for twelve days. The ancient temple is located on the bank of Vembanad Lake, which is surrounded by peaceful water.
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting cultural experience, then be sure to check out the many festivals in Kerala. With something for everyone, these festivals are a great way to learn more about the culture of this amazing state. And if you want to see some truly incredible traditional dances, be sure to attend one of the dance festivals – you won’t regret it! If you want to know more about these festivals in Kerala or find out when they’re taking place, be sure to read our other posts on Kerala Festivals. We can’t wait to share even more with you!
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