Kerela is a colorful land of fairs and festivals that are celebrated throughout the state with the utmost excitement and joy. These festivals are like gemstones that enhance the beauty of Kerala’s crown and tradition. Throughout the year, these vibrant festivals keep the lives of the people of Keralita happy.
Every season in Kerala has one or more festivals to celebrate. During these festivals, the natives of the state clean and decorate their houses and completely immerse themselves in the merry-go-round pool.
Some of Kerala’s vibrant festivals are as follows:
Onam Festival: Onam is the largest festival in Kerala celebrated in honor of the return of the spirit of King Mahabali, an asura king to his own kingdom. It is a ten-day festival that falls in the month of ‘Chingam’ (August-September) according to the Malayalam calendar. ‘The main festival of Onam begins with a colorful reception at’ Atham ‘. ‘Thiruvonam’ is the most important day which is regarded as the day when King Mahabali’s spirit returns to his homeland, which was taken from him by Lord Vishnu. People wear new dresses, visit temples, offer prayers, and decorate the front of their houses with flower rugs to welcome the king. On the occasion of ‘Thiruvonam’, a big ‘Onasadhya’ party is organized in every home. The snake boat races are the main attraction of the Onam festival.
Vishu Festival: Vishu, New Years Day is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Malayalam calendar known as ‘Medam’ (April). The main event of the Vishu festival is ‘Kani-Kanal’, which literally means first sight. With the beginning of a new day, the Keralites begin their first day of the year by waking up in front of Kani, who is a large pot filled with gold ornaments, white cloth, a measure of rice or rice, metal bell mirror, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jackfruits, halved coconuts, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps that cast bright light into your eyes. Another attraction of this festival is Kaayi neetal where the elders of the family give money to the young people and bless them.
Thrissur Pooram: As its name reflects, Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the temple city of Thrissur in Kerala. This Pooram festival is the largest of all the Pooram festivals. Every year in the month of Medam (mid-April – mid-March) according to the Malayalam calendar month, Thrissur Pooram is celebrated. The premise of the famous downtown Vadakkunnathan temple and the Thekkinkadu maidan surrounding the temple, is the site of the annual Thrissur Pooram festival. The highlights of this Pooram festival are the fabulous fireworks displays, umbrella displays, drum concert, colorful umbrella competitions, and the procession of 30 decorated elephants along with the percussion ensemble from various temples of Kerala, ending at the Vadakkunnathan temple.
To witness other colorful Kerala festivals, immediately plan a Kerala travel trip.
