5 Most Famous Festivals Of Kerala

Kerala is rightly called God’s own country, surrounded by serene beaches, beautiful coastline, green hill stations, tea and coffee plantations across the state. Kerala festivals are further celebrated in the same rich and grand manner, given their rich cultural heritage. The state earns a good amount of revenue through tourism. It is no wonder why tourists prefer the state, given its lush greenery, and peaceful environment. Know more about important festivals of Kerala and their significance in this article.

The pride of India, heaven on earth, as a personal opinion, there is no better place for a nice vacation other than Kerala and today we are going to delve into the golden culture of this very state and their festivals. Confined between the western ghats and the Arabian sea, Kerala is a land of awe with its sweet and sour spices and its natural greenery apart from being a religion-ethnicity tolerant state. Kerala state is also a hub for all tourist attractions and what is more compelling than experiencing one of their native festivals? See more on Kerala festivals information here.

Onam

This is the main festival of Kerala. If you are planning a mid year visit to Kerala,be sure to take part in the this famous festival of Kerala. The story behind the Onam festival is that being in exile, King Mahabali was allowed only once a year to return to his kingdom to check on his subjects and this once a year visit is celebrated as Onam. Even though the festivities are for 10 days, all these days are fun-packed and merry. Several cultural programs are held of dance and music along with fairs. People celebrate this festival with much gaiety and fervour. All kinds of delicious dishes are made with eye catching pookalams with flowers.

Thiruvathira

Another well-known festival celebrated in Kerala is Thiruvathira. This is celebrated in December. The festival Thiruvathira in Kerala is a celebration of devotion, love and dance. Special prayers are offered by women and young girls dressed in traditional attire.This festival relates to the birth of Lord Shiva. The thiruvathirkkali a dance form dedicated especially to this event is also an integral part of the festival.

Makaravilakku Festival

This annual festival takes place in January when people gather in Sabarimala to celebrate the Makaravillakku festival which is worship of Lord Ayyappa. A large number of devotees from all around the country especially southern regions flock to Sabarimala to witness and participate in this auspicious event.The very next month the Aluva Sivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of River Periyar. Mythology says that Lord Shiva once consumed a barrel full of poison to save the world from utter destruction and to celebrate this very day people crowd around the river banks, staying up the night to read holy books and once the vigil ends, the bali ritual is also performed at dawn.

Kerala Village Festival

The next in list of Kerala festivals is the village festival. In January Kerala witnesses the Kerala village festival on the sands of the Kovalam beach. This beach side fair is a great platform to showcase the local talent as handicrafts, handlooms and arts. The architectures depicting cultures of Kerala comes to life. All the crowds, the locals and the tourists gather together to celebrate this 10-day fair on the beach shores.

Thrissur Pooram Festival

During the months of April or May, the Thrissur Pooram festival takes place in Thrissur. The best elephants from all around Kerala are gathered and decorated with ornaments, and then these elephants are all led in a procession to Thrissur. The magnificence of all the elephants traveling to their destination is a sight worth seeing.