Fairs Festivals Kerala
The colorful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life.Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts. New attire, dance, music and ritual, all add to their joyful rhythm. It is a time for prayer, for pageantry and processions.....a time to rejoice.
Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100 men.
Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.It has evolved as an occasion for the youth to enjoy the party-like atmosphere. With unique games, competitions and illumination during these days, Fort Kochi puts on a festive look. The highlight of the Carnival is the massive procession on the New Year Day.
The procession is led by a caparisoned elephant accompanied by drums and music, spectacular floats, different folk art forms, Panchavadyam etc. north indian dances also figure in the festivities.
Muharram
Muharram is the opening month of the Hijra year. The 10th day of this month (May) is honoured by the Muslims of Kerala. As per belief, it was on this day that the Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his men were slain at Karbala.It is to bemoan the martyrdom of the Imam that the Muslims observe Muharram. Fasting is an important ritual of this day.
Onam
Onam, the harvest festival is the most popular festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.It brings back nostalgic memories, carried on the wings of folklore, of a bygone Utopian era of prosperity, equality and righteousness, under the golden reign of Mahabali. Year after year, for centuries, the people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, join together to welcome back their vanquished king. The ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September, coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season.
Sabarimala Festival
The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapa who is revered by all in India.Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January.
There are two main rituals called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which is celebrated from November to mid-January in Kerala during which time, the devotees perform austerities and penance.
Easter
Easter which falls in April is a major religious festival for the Christians in Kerala. This solemn celebration of the resurrection of Christ is undertaken with religious fervour by Christians of all sects. Unlike Christmas with its festive mood, Easter has a ritualistic sobriet.The abstinence period of 50 days preceding Easter known as 'Lent', the Pal Sunday celebrations, the Holy Week comprising Maundy Thursday, good Friday and Easter, are all part of the celebrations.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.
The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to a state of frenzy.
Thirunakara Festival
The Thirunakara Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam and dedicated to Lord Siva is also famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture.The annual festival of this temple falls in the months of March-April, when folk arts like "Mayilattam' and 'Velakali' are presented in the temple grounds during the evenings.
The fair, held in connection with the festival, features exhibitions of industrial and agricultural products, besides the usual fair ground stalls.
Oachirakkali
The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam.The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic Consciousness). Rows of men dressed up in ancient soldier's constumes wave wooden swords and shields and advance and retreat to the rhythm of traditional drums.
Nilamperoor Padayani
A festival that reflects the tradition and the culture of rural Kerala, Padayani is being held at Nilamperoor Bhagavathikkavu at Kuttanad in Alapuzha. Kolamkettu (making of effigies) and Kollamthullal (a ritual dance performed by carrying the effigies) are the main attractions of the festival. The chief kolams displayed are of Shiva, Bhima and Ravana. The 16-day festival begins on Thiruvonam day in Chingam (August-September) and ends on Pooram day, the main day in the festival. In Ezhunnellippu, a procession carrying the Kolams (deities)-another event of the festival- idols along with effigies of swans are being carried to the festival ground amid vociferous clamour and outcries from the throng. The tempo of the festival touches its peak with dazzling pyrotechnics. The kolams are brought before the Kavu and after some rites kept in its corner.Ramadan
Idul-Fitr, of late known by the misnomer 'Ramadan' is one of the two festivals of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast, giving up all kinds of food and drink during day time, and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer. Purification of the body and soul is the main aim of this observance.Recently in certain parts of Kerala new practices in connection with the celebration of this festival have been introduced.One of the novel features of the Id celebration is to invite members of the sister communities to participate in such functions.Malabar Mahotsavam
Malabar Mahotsavam is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the centuries old rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The event is at Mananchira maidan (ground) in the heart of Kozhikode town from 13th to 16th January every year.The festival highlights musical concerts, performances of various classical dances like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Ottanthullal etc and ritual artforms like Koothu, Thewam, Thira etc.
The festival is also an occasion to relish the native cuisines and enjoy mind blowing firework displays.
Makaravillakku at Sabarimala
The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapa who is revered by all in India.Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. There are two main rituals called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which is celebrated from November to mid-January in Kerala during which time, the devotees perform austerities and penance.
Swathi Festival
Swathi festival is a gala event of music organised by the Government of Kerala every year in the last week of January.The venue is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace. Thiruvananthapuram, where once upon a time the great poet-king of Travancore, Sri Swathi Thirunal, composed many of his verses.
An august gathering of great maestros from all over the country celebrate Indian classical music in all its variety and grandeur.
