Deepavali,
Kerala
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is held throughout India but in
Kerala, this is celebrated only by Hindus. The word 'Deepavali' means
an array of lights. The people of Dwaraka greeted Lord Krishna with
illumination and rejoicing in honour of his victory over Narakasura
ONAM
The National Festival of Kerala, Kerala
Onam has been a grand national harvest festival for several centuries
in which all sections of the people participate on a grand scale.
Thrissur
Pooram, Thrissur
Thrissur is best known for its mammoth 'Pooram' festival held in the
Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). 'Thrissur Pooram', is the most
colourful and spectacular event in Kerala
Vishu,
Kerala
Malayalis believe that the fortunes for the year depend upon the nature
of the object one sees first in the morning of Vishu Day
Aattuvela
Elankavu Temple Vadayar Vaikom, Kottayam
The Goddess Bhagavathy is the presiding deity in this small temple. During
the two-day Attuvela, beautifully illuminated canoes, carrying a huge
replica of the temple, glide down the waters accompanied by hordes of
colourfully decorated small canoes and temple percussion music
Ambalapuzha
Arattu, Alapuzha
The Arattu festival of Sree Krishnaswamy temple at Ambalapuzha commences
with the flag hoisting ceremony on the Atham day in Meenam (March-April).
The important Arattu Utsavam, however, takes place on the Thiruvonam day
in Meenam. The famous Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (a milk pudding of exceptional
sweetness) is the important offering of this temple.
Aranmula
Uthrittathi, Alapuzha
On Thiruvonam day in Chingom when the national festival of Onam begins
in Kerala, Aranmula, a village in Chengannur taluk, is unusually cheerful
and celebratory. The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa held annually
at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi asterism in connection with the
Onam festival is to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna
on that day.
Aranmula
Vallomkali, Pathanamthitta
The Aranmula vallomkali in the Aranmula River in Pathanamthitta district,
is one of Kerala's most popular water fiestas. Conducted annually, the
Aranmula Vallomkali is part of the Onam celebrations
Arattupuzha
Pooram, Thrissur
Arattupuzha Temple, about 14 km from Thrissur in Central Kerala.In the
spectacular 'Arattupuzha Pooram' about sixty-one elephants take part in
the 'Pooram pageantry' accompanied by temple percussions
Arthunkal
Feast, Alapuzha
Arthunkal Feast also known as the "feast of St.Sebastian", this
is the annual ten day celebration at the St. Andrew's Forane Church, Alappuzha,
south Kerala
Ashtami at Vaikom, Kottayam
The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom is one of the most famous and oldest Siva
temples in Kerala. The utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve
days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, (November-December)
the Ashtami falling on the last day
Athachamayam,
Thrippunithura, Ernakulam
Athachamayam marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala.
Conducted on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (Leo),
the event commemorates a royal custom of the Maharajas of Kochi State.
In olden days, it was customary for the king to travel with his entire
entourage to the Thrippunithura fort.
Attukal
Ponkala, Thiruvanathapuram
Attukal Ponkala commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom February-March) and
continues for nine days in an ancient Bhagavathy temple (Mudipura) at
Attukal in the Kaladi ward of the Thiruvananthapuram
Bharani
Festival, Chettikulangara, Alapuzha
The one-day annual Bharani utsavam at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
is a very popular event. The day is marked by special rituals, Kuthiyottam
performances and Kettukazhcha processions
Chinakattoor
Pooram, Palakkad
The highlights of the Chinakathoor pooram is held annually at the Sree
Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, Palappuram in the district of Palakkad
in North Kerala festival include a grand procession of 33 tuskers in the
evening, and performances of the Panchavadyam or the traditional temple
orchestra and various art forms like Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothanum thirayum,
Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela, and so on
Ettumanoor
Temple Festival, Kottayam
Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at Ettumannor
temple. The arattu festival of this temple is celebrated on a grand scale
on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham (February-March) every year.
Feast
at Edathua Church, Alapuzha
The Edathua Church, a massive shrine on the banks of the River Pamba,
is dedicated to St. George. During the feast at Edathua Church , the statue
of St. George, decked in gold is carried out in procession and placed
on the dais at the centre of the Basilica
Feast
at Vallarpadom Church, Ernakulam
The historic Church of Our Lady of Ransom at Vallarpadom Island in Kochi
, was established by the Portuguese missionaries in 1524. The Old Church,
then known as the Church of Holy Spirit, is supposed to have been destroyed
in a flood in the late 17th century and a new church was built on the
same spot in 1676
Gajamela
(Elephant Pageantry) Parthasarathy temple, Adoor, Pathanamthitta
Gajamela, elephant processions on the concluding day is the highlight
of the ten-day annual festival at Sree Parthasarathy temple Adoor. Nine
majestically caparisoned elephants take part in this spectacular procession
which culminates at Chennapatti temple, 3 km away
Guruvayoor
Temple, Thrissur
One of the famous temples in India, Guruvayoor is situated in an out-of-the
way village in Chavakkad taluk, though it draws a vast concourse of pilgrims
from every part of the country.
Haripad Temple Festivals, Alapuzha
Annually three festivals are celebrated in Sree Subramannia Swamy temple,
at Haripad, one of the oldest and most important temples devoted to Lord
Subramannia
Kaalapoottu,
Palakkad
Kaalapoottu, the exciting ox race is an agrarian sport held in the Malayalam
month of Makaram (January).
Kadamanitta
Padayani, Pathanamthitta
The Padayani is a ritual art in keeping with the martial traditions and
is performed annually at the Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple, Pathanamthitta
on the first day of Medam (Aries) for ten days
Kalpathi
Ratholsavam, Palakkad
Kalpathi Ratholsavam is the annual chariot festival at Viswanatha Temple
(November )
Kanathoor
Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Theyyam festival, Kasaragod
Theyyam festival at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Festival highlight:
Variety of theyyams are presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam,
Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.
Kanathurkavu
Utsavam, Kannur
Kanathurkavu is an ancient Hindu temple in the heart of Kannur consecrated
to the Goddess Mahadevi and later to Sree Rama
Kanjiramattom
Mosque, Ernakulam
Kanjiramattom Mosque, 25 km from Kochi, is believed to have been built
as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin
Kanniyarkali,
Palakkad
Kanniyarkali is an art form exclusive to the Nair community of the district
of Palakkad. Kanniyarkali is performed in temples as well as Nair centres
(March/April)
Kettukazhcha
Malanada Temple Pooruvazhi, Adoor, Pathanamthitta
The temple is dedicated to Duryodhana, the antagonist in the epic the
Mahabharatham. Toddy (an alcoholic beverage extracted from the coconut
palm) is the ritual offering in this temple
Kodungalloor
Bharani, Thrissur
Bhadrakali born of the third eye of Samhara Rudra, killed the demon Darika.
It is to commemorate this event that the famous Bharani festival is celebrated
in the Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple
Konganpada of Chittur, Palakkad
Konganpada, the annual festival of ritual drama at the Chittur Kavu Bhagavathy
temple (February /March)
Koodalmanickam
Utsavam, Thrissur
Irinjalakuda Koodalmanickam temple is in the true architectural pattern
of Kerala temples. The festival here is held annually for all days in
Medom (April-May) from Utram to Thiruvonam asterisms
Koratty
Muthy's Feast, Thrissur
Orma Perunnal is the commemoration feast held at the church dedicated
to St. Mary's Forana Church in Koratty, Thrissur
Lokamalayarkavu
Utsavam, Kozhikode
Lokamalayarkavu, or Lokanarkavu Bhagvathi temple as is familiarly known,
is situated at Memunda, six kilometers east of Badagara in North Kerala
Machattu
Mamankom - Machattu Thiruvanikkavu Temple, Vadakkanchery, Thrissur
Machad Mamangham has its written history of more than 800 years. It is
one of the oldest religious, social and cultural festival of Kerala. The
location of the Mamangham is situated at Machattu Mamankom - Machattu
Thiruvanikkavu Temple, Vadakkanchery, Thrissur
Mahadeva
Temple Mahotsavam, Ernakulam
Mahadeva Temple Mahotsavam, Chengamanad, Aluva, Ernakulam highlights Deepakazhcha,
illumination by traditional lamps fixed on the outer walls of the temple,
every day of the festival Ottamthullal Chakyarkoothu Kurathiyattam on
the last two evenings
Manarcad
Perunal, Kottayam
Manarcad Perunal, is the annual feast at the St.Mary's Church at Manarcad,
Kottayam. Known as Ettunombu Perunal (literally the eight day prayer and
fasting), this is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the
Christian community of Kerala from 1st to 8th September
Mannarsala
Utsavam, Alapuzha
Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri.Subramanyaswamy temple,
Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of Serpents),
the largest of its kind in Kerala
Munnar
Tea Garden Trekking and Backwater Voyage, Idukki
The 'Second National level Munnar Tea Garden Trekking and Backwater Voyage
organized by Youth Hostels Association of India, would be held in February
Neelamperoor
Patayani, Kottayam
The Patayani festival at the Palli Bhagavathy Temple, Neelamperoor about
16 kms from Kottayam is characterized by 'Thothakali', a rhythmic dance
in accordance with songs from the folklore and the beating of the drums
Nenmara
Vallengy Vela, Palakkad
Nenmara Vallengy Vela is the annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple
at Nellikkulangara near Nenmara, on the Pooram day of the Malayalam month
of Meenam (February/March). Fireworks display is the highlight of this
festival.
Ochirakali,
Kollam
The unique feature of Ochira, one of the famous pilgrim centres of Kerala,
is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated
to the Universal Consciousness
Paripally
Gajamela, Thiruvanathapuram
The festival at the Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Templeis noted for the
Gajamela or elephant pageant . Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual
procession on the tenth day of the festival
Pariyanampetta
Pooram, Palakkad
Annual seven day Pooram at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam
40 km from Palakkad.
Parumala
Perunal, Pathanamthitta
Parumala Perunal is held at the St. Peters & St. Paul's Orthodox Church
in Parumala, Thiruvalla where His Holiness Mar Gregorios Metropolitan,
the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala takes his
eternal rest
Pattambi
Nercha, Palakkad
Pattambi Nercha is a festival held at Pattambi Mosque Palakkad in memory
of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar
Pavakkoothu
(shadow play), Palakkad
Pavakkoothu (shadow play) is performed at the Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad
(March/April)
Sabarimala
Temple, Pathanamthitta
For many centuries Sabarimala in the south has been an important pilgrim
centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, especially from
the southern states
Sarkara
Bharani and Kaliyoottu, Thiruvanathapuram
The famed Sarkara Bhagvathi temple is situated at Sarkara village, near
Chirayinkeezhu celebrated two festivals Kaliyoottu in Kumbham and Bharani
in Meenam
Sivagiri
Mutt, Thiruvanathapuram
Sree Narayana Guru was the Kingpin of a social revolution which transformed
the caste-ridden society of Kerala. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday
of the Guru, and the Samadhi day are befittingly celebrated in August
and September respectively every year
Sree
Padmanabha Temple Arattu, Thiruvanathapuram
Arattu festival is the closing ceremony of the ten day festival in the
Lord Padmanabha temple at Thiruvananthapuram
Sree
Vallabha Temple Uthra Seeveli, Alapuzha
Sree Vallabha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The large tank near
the temple is believed to have formed naturally. Five other deities have
also been installed here. The flag-staff of the temple, about 50 feet
tall, is made of granite
Sundareswara
Temple Festival, Kannur
Sundareswara Temple was founded in 1916 by Sree Narayana Guru, Lord Siva
is the deity consecrated in the temple which has since been opened to
all irrespective of caste or creed
Thaipooya
Mahotsavam Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Harippad, Alapuzha
Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Harippad, Alappuzha dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya
is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Kerala. The temple premise
covers over a hectare of land, the shrine is a fine example of the Kerala's
temple architecture
Thirunakkara
Utsavam, Kottayam
Arattu Utsavam is the grandest festival of Kottayam Thirunakkara Mahadeva
Temple lasting for ten days from the 1st Meenam (March-April), which is
attended by hundreds of thousands of people, irrespective of caste or
creed
Thiruvathira,
Kerala
Kerala women celebrate this festival with age-old tradition and they do
it with great joy and respect for the past.Thiruvathira festival is celebrated
in commemoration of the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of love
Thyppooyam
Sree Maheswara Temple Koorkancheri, Thrissur
Thaippooyam Mahotsavam is a one-day festival dedicated to Lord Subramanya,
the eldest son of Lord Siva and goddess Parvathi and is celebrated in
most temples in Kerala
Uthralikavu
Pooram, Thrissur
The Uthralikkavu Pooram, is one of the most important festivals of central
Kerala. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and is celebrated
at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Vadakkancherry in the district
of Thrissur, usually sometime in February
Varkala
Janardhanaswamy Temple Arattu, Thiruvanathapuram
The Arattu festival at Janardhanaswamy Temple at Varkala is celebrated
every year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting)
of Karthika day ending with Arattu on Uthram day
Vela
at Manappulli Kavu, Palakkad
Vela at Manappulli Kavu is the annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple
(March)
