Major Festivals of Kerala: Celebrations and Timings

onam

Onam is the most significant festival in Kerala, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. It marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival includes elaborate feasts (Onam Sadhya), Pookalam (floral decorations), boat races, traditional music and dance, and various games.

Season: August-September (Chingam month in the Malayalam calendar)

vishu

 Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated with the ritual of ‘Vishukkani’, which is the first thing people see on the day of Vishu. It includes a variety of items like rice, fruits, and flowers arranged in a special manner. Fireworks, new clothes, and a traditional feast are also part of the celebrations.

Season: April (Medam month in the Malayalam calendar)

Thrissur Pooram

Known as the ‘mother of all poorams’, Thrissur Pooram is a grand temple festival held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. It features a magnificent parade of caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion music (Panchavadyam), and a spectacular fireworks display.

Season: April-May (Medam month in the Malayalam calendar)

Navaratri

Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her various forms. In Kerala, the last three days of Navaratri – Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami – are particularly significant, marked by Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham (initiation of children into the world of letters).

Season: September-October (Kanni month in the Malayalam calendar)

 

Easter

Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is widely celebrated by the Christian community in Kerala. The celebrations include special church services, feasts, and various community activities.

Season: March-April (varies according to the Gregorian calendar)

Bakrid (Eid al-Adha)

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important festival for the Muslim community in Kerala. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival includes prayers, feasts, and the act of sacrificing an animal, which is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy.

Season: Varies according to the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah month)

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm by the Christian community in Kerala. The celebrations include midnight mass, carol singing, nativity plays, and feasting. Homes and churches are decorated with lights, stars, and Christmas trees.

Season: December 25 (winter season)

Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala is a unique festival dedicated to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. Women from across the state gather to prepare Pongala, a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, which is offered to the deity.

Season: February-March (Kumbham month in the Malayalam calendar)

These festivals not only showcase the cultural diversity and religious harmony in Kerala but also offer a glimpse into the traditional customs and practices that have been preserved for generations.