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Fair and Festivals in Kerala
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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. |
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Aaranmula
Boat Race |
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Cochin Carnival |
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Muharram |
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Onam |
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Sabarimala Festival |
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Nehru Trophy Boat Race |
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Swathi Festival |
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Aarattu |
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Jagannatha Festival |
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Aattachamayam |
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Indira Gandhi Boat Race |
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Thirunakara Festival |
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Vettukadu Perunal |
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Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival |
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Oachirakkali |
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Easter |
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Jagannatha Festival |
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Jagannatha Festival is a colourful eight-day festival, which is held
in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/ March) at the
Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu, near Thalassery in Kannur.
The idol of Lord Siva, the presiding deity was installed here by the
famous social reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru on 13th
February, 1908. The seventh day of the festival is the most
auspicious. The event highlights religious conferences participated
by eminent scholars and social reformers, elephant processions,
fireworks display and cultural programmes. |
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Aattachamayam |
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The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the
Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical
town of Tripunithura, near Kochi. It is a celebration of a legendary
victory of the Raja of Kochi.
Pomp and colour mark the pageantry, which is replete with
caparisoned elephants, varieties of folk art forms, floats and
musical ensemble. This spectacular procession marks the beginning of
the Onam Festival. |
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Indira Gandhi Boat Race |
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Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of
Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting
finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts
of the globe.
The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and
competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique
sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of
Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India. |
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Thirunakara Festival |
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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. |
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Vettukadu Perunal |
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The Madre De Teus Church, popularly known as Vettukadu church, is
situated around 7 kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
The annual festival of the church is celebrated over the ten days
culminating in the last Sunday of the laturgical year. Various
religious rites are carried out during the festival days.
On the last Saturday, the image of Christ the king is taken out in a
big colorful procession. A solemn High Mass, sermons, Eucharistic
procession and benediction mark the final day. |
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Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival |
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Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers
perform at the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in
Thiruvananthapuram city.
Classical dances of almost all the states of India are staged during
the festival. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu),
Kutchippudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur)
and Kathak (a north Indian Classical Dance) are the major dances
performed. |
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Oachirakkali |
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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. |
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Easter |
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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. |
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