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10 Colorful Festivals of Kerala
Kerala is a land of unmatched beauty and exciting festivals. Make sure you plan the visit accordingly. Here a few festivals you wouldn`t want to miss.
Onam
Onam is the most widely celebrated festival in Kerala. It marks the harvest season and is a ten-day festival featuring beautiful floral decorations called Pookalam, traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Pulikali, boat races, and the grand Onam sadya (feast). People adorn themselves in traditional attire, adding a dash of colour to the festivities.
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is one of the most awaited temple festivals in Kerala. It is celebrated in Thrissur with a display of colours, fireworks and caparisoned elephants. The participating temples showcase elaborate processions, performance of percussion instruments, traditional music and a breathtaking fireworks competition, creating a visually stunning spectacle.
Vishu
Vishu heralds the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated with much fervour. The festival is marked by the Vishu Kani, an arrangement of auspicious items, and the giving of Vishukkaineetam (gifts). Vibrant fireworks, traditional feasts, and cultural performances add to the festive charm.
Theyyam
Although not a single festival, Theyyam is a vibrant ritualistic performance art form celebrated in the northern part of Kerala. The colourful costumes, elaborate makeup and distinctive dance moves make it a unique and visually striking cultural experience.
Pongala at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
The Pongala festival at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is a unique celebration where thousands of women come together to prepare pongala, a special dish as an offering to the goddess. All the streets in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram are lined with pongala pots and the festival comes across as a celebration of unity and communal harmony. Women arrive in traditional attire and brave extreme heat to cook the offering for the deity.
Arattupuzha Pooram
Arattupuzha Pooram is one of the oldest and most colourful temple festivals in Kerala. The grand procession of caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles and the final Arattupuzha Pooram ceremony create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam
The Kalpathi Ratholsavam in Palakkad is a colourful chariot festival celebrated annually. The highlight is the procession of intricately decorated chariots accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Kadammanitta Padayani
Kadammanitta Padayani is a unique folk festival celebrated in Pathanamthitta. The participants don colourful costumes and vibrant masks to represent various deities. The rhythmic beats of traditional instruments and the vivid visuals make it a captivating spectacle.
Cochin Carnival
The Cochin Carnival is a lively celebration that takes place in the last week of December. The city comes alive with colourful processions, cultural programmes and various competitions, culminating in a grand New Year's Eve celebration. The streets are adorned with decorations, adding to the festive spirit.
Kerala School Kalolsavam
While not a traditional festival, the Kerala School Kalolsavam is a massive cultural event that showcases the talents of state government school students in various art forms. The vibrant performances in dance, music and other cultural activities contribute to a lively and colorful atmosphere.
