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Festivals in Kerala - Comprehensive List of Festivals Celebrated in Kerala Throughout the Year

Kerala has a variety of festivals celebrated throughout the year. Among the most popular festivals is Onam. This is a state festival and is usually held in the months of August / September. It is reckoned as a harvest festival and also celebrates the homecoming of the legendary mythical King Mahabali. Highlights of this festival are arranging floral carpets (pookkalam), enjoying sumptuous vegetarian feasts, and conducting boat races and a plethora of cultural performances and traditional games.

Thrissur Pooram is perhaps the most popular of festivals in Kerala. It is held in the months of April / May in the district of Thrissur in central Kerala. It is a grand colourful temple festival with processions and vibrant performances. The highlight of this festival is spectacular assemblage of caparisoned elephants and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums.

Vishu is yet another widely celebrated festival in Keral that falls in the month of April. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest calendar in Kerala. The main activity in households and temples during this time is the display called Vishu Kani and the exchange of Vishu Kaineettam (gifts in the form of money).

Attukal Pongala, noted for the largest gathering of women in the world for a festival, takes place in Kerala’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The festival takes place in the month of February / March and is noted for the pongala ritual, which is the preparation of a sweet porridge as an offering to the Goddess.

Theyyam festival season starts in December and goes up to March. This is a sacred dance and ritual performed by artistes in colorful costumes. Noted for intricate makeup, elaborate costumes and powerful performances, Theyyam is mostly seen in the northern districts of Kerala.

These are just a few of the many festivals celebrated in Kerala. Each festival has its own unique traditions, customs and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the state.