Kerala Fairs and Festivals |
Kerala has a wide range of colorful festivals which are observed with great gaiety. There are festivals for the entire year, for each season. Festivals keep the people of Kerala vibrant. These festivals are usually signs of communal harmony. Its a time when relatives and friends even from distance places gather to make the time really enthralling. |
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Important fairs and festivals of Kerala |
The important fairs and festivals of Kerala are the following:
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Onam |
Onam is the state festival of Kerala. People of all the communities and religions celebrate this festival.Onam lasts for ten days. The main day is called Thiru Onam.Onam is celebrated in the memory of a legendary King-Mahabali. His period was believed to be the golden era in the state's history.People were treated equally. There were not any report of crime or hatred. Everyone was happy under his rule. He was later pushed into the underworld later by Vamana-another mythological character.
Onam is celebrated in the month of August-September. It is an occasion where the family members get together to celebrate this. The flower arrangement called "Athapoovu" is very famous. All the family members will make some flower arrangements in their courtyard. Competitions are also held for this event. |
Aranmula Uthrittathi |
| This is the famous snake boat festival held annually. It is celebrated in connection with Onam celebrations. Lord Krishna is believed to be in all the boats taking part and the rule is that all the boats should meet the finishing point at the same time. |
Thrissur Pooram |
| The most colorful as well as spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur .It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam-(April-May) .People from all over the world are visiting Thrissur ot view this festival of colors .The festival is noted for its fire works and the exchange of umbrellas by so many elephants decorated wonderfully. |
Easter |
| Easter, the main celebration of Christians all over the world is celebrated in Kerala also. It is celebrated in the memory of Jesus Christ's resurrection. The main events of this celebration in Kerala are the lent. the night mass and the grant feast. |
Thiruvathira |
| The festival falls the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).It is a festival of women of Kerala to mark the death of the God of Love-Kamadeva who was killed ny Lord Shiva. The dance form Thiruvathirakali is performed in accordance with this festival. |
Makaravillakku at Sabarimala |
| Sabarimala is the largest pilgrim center in Kerala attracting lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country mainly from the southern states. The deity here is Lord Ayyappa .Pilgrims travel through the forest bare footed and climb the 18 steps which are gold plated. |
Vishu |
Vishu festival falls in the month of April. The main events of this festival are Vishukani and Vishu Kaineettam.
Vishu Kani-People arrange special flowers, fruits, vegetables, ornaments and deity one day in advance. The custom is to view this arrangements-Kani-when they open their eyes after the sleep. This is believed to bring fortunes for the entire year.
Vishu Kaineetaam is offering money to dear ones. |
The Vallamkali or Boat Races |
| This is the boat race held in Punnamada Lake in Alapuzha in the month iof August.This is known as Nehru Trophy boat race (vallam kali) in memory of the visit of Pandit Nehru-the first prime minister to Alapuzha. |
Mahasivarathri |
Mahashivarathri is a main festival of Hindus all over the world.It is celebrated in the month of (Feb-March).This celebration remembers the day on which the deadly poison Kalakoodam was consumed by Lord Shiva to save the world.
In Kerala the main clebration is in Aluva on the banks of the Periyar River. Thousands of pilgrims gather there to celebrate the festival. |
Navarathri |
| The literal meaning if Nava rathri is nine days. It is celebrated in accordance with the Goddess of wisdom-Saraswathi Devi.This celebration is known in different names in different states of India. On the ninth laborers' surrender their tools before the goddess. Students surrender their books. |
Christmas |
| Christmas, the birth day of Jesus Christ is celebrated in Kerala also. The main attractions of this celebrations in Kerala are Carol singing, Christmas Tree and Crib arrangements, gift exchanging, Santa Claus visiting and giving gifts, exchanging Christmas Cards, Holy Mass ,lent and grant feast on Christmas day etc. |
Bakrid |
| This commemorated the offering of his only son as a sacrifice by Ibrahim Nabi. This festival is celebrated by sacrificing a goat or a bullock and distribute it among the needy poor ,friends and relatives |
Chandankudam at Beemapally |
| This is the most colorful Muslim festival of Kerala.It is celebrated as the death anniversary of Beema Beevi- a Pilgrim from Mecca who visited Kerala.This ten days festival begins on October .Thousands of pilgrims go around the mosque and the tomb of Beema Beevi in procession carrying earthen pots smeared with sandal wood paste. This pots with money are offered in the tomb after that. |
Attukal Pongala Festival |
Attukal is noted for its largest gathering of women. Last year almost 5 laks women gathered here in Trivandrum to celebrate the festival. It is celebrated by cooking pudding for the Goddess. When all the gathered women finish preparing the pudding the priest of the temple blesses the pudding. There is a great procession in the evening which marks the end of the festival.
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