Festivals of Events in Kerala

Kerala is a land of colorful festivals, each standing out for its uniqueness.

Onam is the most famous festival in Kerala celebrated as a national festival. The uniqueness of this festival is that Malayali's irrespective of religion celebrates it. It is the harvest festival of Kerala and it falls in August - September.

Hindu Religious Festivals

The first day of the first month of Malayalam Calendar Medam, falling in April-May is celebrated as Vishu, the Malayalam New Years day. It is believed that the fortune of the New Year depends on the first day of the year.

Mahasivarathri celebrated by Hindus all over the world falls in Kumbam, Feb-March. It commemorates the day on which Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison to save the world from destruction. Special poojas, abhishekhams, and the presentation of cultural programmes in all the Shiva temples celebrate the day. The annual Sivarathri festival held on the banks of River Periyar at Alwaye, is one of the spectacular local festivals of Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the state.

Navarathri meaning Nine nights is celebrated for Navagraha Naayagi, the nine nymphs. It is called by different names in different parts of India, Dasara in Karnataka, Kali Pooja in Bengal and Saraswathy Pooja in Kerala. Saraswathy is known as goddess of Knowledge and on this day all tools and books are kept for Pooja with Children who are yet to begin schooling are made to write their first alphabet in rice using their finger.

Asthami Rohini the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great importance in the month of Chingam, August- September with devotees visiting the Krishna temples where special Pooja and cultural programs are held.

Thrikarthiaka is a festival of lights celebrated in the month of Vrischikam, November -December. Displayed lighted lamps on the porch and garden of homes in the evening, is the specialty of this festival.

Thiruvathira falling on the month of Dhanu, December-January is a women's festival. The dance form Thiruvathirkkali is associated with this celebration.

Pooram Festival falling in Meenum, March-April, Sabarimala Festival falling in Vrishikam, November-December, Ashtami at Vaikom falling in Kumbham, February-March, Thrissur Pooram falling in Medam, April-May are some of the other important Hindu festivals in Kerala.

Christian Religious Festival

All Christians in Kerala celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ on 25th Dec. Holy Mass is held in all the churches in the state. Carol singing, setting up of Christmas trees, exchanges of cards and gifts, Santa are all integral part of the festivities associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. There is a feast in every Christian home and the festivities of Christmas leave good memories in every heart.

Easter is another important festival of Christians, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter usually falls in March-April, after 40 days lent of fast and penance. Christians go for mid-night mass, as a memory of the resurrection of Jesus, 2000 years ago.

St.George's Church festival, Edathwa during 27 April to 7th May, St. Sebastian's Church festival, Arathungal during 20th January to 31st January, St George's Church festival, Aruvithura during 22nd to 24th April, St Thomas Shrine festival, Malayattur during Last week of March or first week of April, St Mary's Orthodox Church festival, Manarcad during Sepember 1st to 9th , Parumala, Mannar Maramon Convention are some of the other Christian festivals in Kerala.


Muslim Religious festivals

Bakrid commemorates Ibrahim's offering of his only son as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command. The Muslims enjoy hearty feasts on Bakrid day. The famous Haj is performed after the celebration of Idul Azha.

Idul Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of the Ramzan fast when Muslims give up all kinds of food and drink during the day and spend the major part of the night in prayer.

Miladi Sharif commemorating the birth of the prophet is celebrated on a large scale in April. This celebration has acquired its present dimensions only in recent times. Previously the day was observed by the Muslims by reading what is commonly known as Maulud which is a short treatise in Arabic celebrating the birth, life, work and sayings of the prophet.

Muharram is celebrated by Muslims on the 10th day of Muharram the forbidden month, which marks the beginning of the Hijra year.

Chandanakudam at Beemapally near Trivandrum is one of the most colorful of Muslim festival in Kerala said to be the death anniversary of Beema Beeevi, a devout pilgrim lady who came to Kerala from Mecca. The festival begins on the 1st of Jamadul Akhar of the Hijira Era, October and lasts for ten days.

Jarram Nercha at Thervath Mosque, Pallanchathanur, Nercha Festival in Ottapalam Mosque, Malappuram Nercha in Malappuram Mosque, Kodikuthu Festival in Kanjiramattom Mosque are some of the other Muslim festivals in Kerala.

For more details on the various Festivals and Events in Kerala, please contact us….