Fairs & Festivals of Kerala

Festivals of Kerala are full of colours. They brims with mirth and joy and unfold the rich and varied culture of the God's Own Country. Simplicity and inherent religious nature of the people of Kerala are also prominently represented as one makes a journey in the colourful world of Kerala festivals. In some festivals it appears that people of Kerala have adopted certain traditions from the cultures of other states. At the same time it is stunning to notice the way in which Kerala has transformed those customs and gifted them that unique and special flavour of Kerala. The tolerant state of Kerala, rejoices all round the year in the spectrum of customs and traditions of the numerous religions, castes and creed it houses. Vishu, ThiruOnam, Christmas, Easter, Thiruvathirai, Thirukarthika, Deepavali, Thiruvathira etc are some of the delightful festivals celebrated enthusiastically throughout Kerala. Nehru Boat Race is a snake boat race which fills the minds of all and it is celebrated every year in the month of August

Vishu

Vishu is one of the important festivals of Kerala. It comes in the month of April. According to the old traditional Malayalam calendar it is the 1st day of the New Year. 'Kani-Kanal' is the main event of the day. The night before Vishu, the mistress of the house prepare the Kani. In big pots, coconuts, fruits, cereals and Konna flower is kept. Behind the pot a mirror and the garlanded deity of Krishna is kept. Around the deity, lighted lamps will be arranged. Early morning on the Vishnu day, the master of the house sees the Kani and then the rest of the family follows. Children's are brought blind folded from their beds to where the Kani is kept. The elder in the family give money to the youngsters and bless them. It is believed that the Kani we see and its good tidings will stay with you till the year ends. In Kerala the Kani in the temples of Guruvayur, Ambalapuzha and Sabarimala are famous

Gift a Holiday

ThiruOnam (Onam)

Onam is the national festival of the people of Kerala. It is the festival of flowers, which falls in 'Chingam' or Bhadrapada usually in August or September. It is a harvest festival and goes for 4 colourful days with song and Kathakali dances, feasting and boat races.

The celebration of Onam is a tribute to Mahabali's sacrifice. Onam celebrations which last ten days begin with a colourful reception to King Mahabali. Mahabali is supposed to visit his kingdom on the 2nd day, which is the most important day of the festival. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards and beautifully decorated with flowers. The legend is believed to have happened at Trikkakara, a place 10km from Cochin on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road which according to mythology was the legendary capital of King Mahabali. The Vamanamoorthy temple here with the deity of 'Trikkakara Appan' or 'Vamanamurthy' is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise.

Deepavali

Deepavali is the festival of lights. The chief feature in the celebration of this festival, is that all bathe early in the morning rubbing their head and body with oil, though an oil bath is prohibited on the new-moon day on which the festival generally, falls. After bath they take sweets and enjoy themselves. The children fire off crackers. All this is done as a thanks offering for ridding the world of the oppression of the Naraka by the god Krishna.

Thirukarthika

It is celebrated in honour of Bhagvati. It falls on the day of 3^rdlunar asterism. It is the birthday of Bhagvati. The houses are all well lighted and lights are also left burning in the Verandah, front yard and at the gates. There is general illumination through out. Offering are made at the temple of the goddess and women turn out in the evening for worshipping the goddess.

Vallamkali or Boat Races

This is a typical keralite festival of boat races. It is held in August in the Punnamada Kayal, which commemorates the visit of former Prime Minister, Late Jawaharlal Nehru to Alleppey. Similar boat races are held also at Aranmual and Champakulam, which has a religious significance. The later commemorates an episode involving the idol of Sri Krishna, which was lifted by the Chempakasseri Raja's men for consecration in the Ambalapuzha. The idol had to rest in the house of a Syrian Christian at Chempakulam. Therefore, even today the flag and coir rope required for the Chempakulam boat race is supplied from the local Kallurkad Church.

- Boat races and processions at Ambalapuzha,in July
- Nehru Trophy boat race in the month of August

Christmas

All Christians 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 tree in all churches and homes, exchanges of cards and receiving gifts from Santa Claus are all integral part of the festivities associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. There is a feast in every Christian home with meat as a special item, and the celebrations of Christmas leave good memories in every heart.

Easter

This 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.

Other Christian Festivals
St.George's Church, Edathwa - 27 April to 7th May
St.Sebastian's Church, Arathungal - 20th January to 31st January
St George's Church, Aruvithura - 22nd to 24th April
St Thomas Shrine, Malayattur - Last week of March or first week of April
St Mary's Orthodox Church, Manarcad - Sepember 1st to 9th
Parumala, Mannar
Maramon Convention

Thiruvathira is celebrated on the asterism Thiruvathira in Dhanu, the fifth month of Malayalese calendar (Kolla Varsham). This corresponds to the month of December-January according to Gregorian calendar.

Thiruvathira is essentially women's festival. Ladies on this day worship Lord Shiva and pray for conjugal harmony and marital bliss. The other very interesting facet of the festival is the enchanting Thiruvathirakkali dance performed by women on this day.

Thrissur Pooram

This festival is held at Thekinkadu Maidan at Thrissur in the month of May. A pageant of 30 caparisoned elephants are assembled in the grounds of the vadakumnathan temple.The nearby paramekavu and thiruvambadi temples are also participants in the festival. The highlights of this festival are Kudamattam (changing of umbrella from hands to hands), Chendamelain ( kind of drums), Panchavadyam ( five typical instruments played), and magnificent fireworks display.