Festivals of Kerala

Kerala is one of the best examples of religious harmony where all the religions stay happily together without getting involved in any unwanted conflicts or arguments. All the religious respect each other and they also respect each others’ tradition and culture. Apart from being a major travel destination in South India, Kerala is also blessed with a number of unique and interesting festivals which are worth enjoying.

The Hindus, Christians and Muslims have their own festivals which is taken part by all irrespective of caste and creed, which makes Kerala a role model for other States in India. The festival seasons are capable of attracting a large number of tourists, as majority of the festivals in Kerala are famous and people from different parts of the world visit Kerala during the period of major festivals.

If you would like to have a feel of the unique festivals and fairs of Kerala, then it is better for you to plan your travel trip during the major festival seasons. This will help you to make your travel a memorable experience that you will never dare to forget during your life time. You will also get an opportunity to enjoy the unique and special mouthwatering festival cuisines, which are mainly available during the festival seasons in Kerala.

Here are some of the major festivals in Kerala that are worth attending while on your travel trip to this place.

1) Onam
2) Vishu
3) Navaratri
4) Christmas
5) Muharram
6) Maha Shivratri
7) Thrikarthika
8) Easter
9) Bakrid
10) Eid ul-Fitr
11)Miladi Sharif

Other localized festivals and celebrations of Kerala are given below.

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

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)