Festivals of Kerala – God’s Own Country
Disclaimer: In Kerala, festival dates are decided following the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. The festival dates given here are based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according to the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. So the dates given here are estimated and must be confirmed with the local authorities. If you are looking for specific festival dates, please write to us. We shall reconfirm the same closer to the festival day.
Edathua Perunnal
Venue: St. George's Church, Alappuzha District
Date: 27th April 2024 to 07th May 2024
The Edathua Church, located on the banks of the Pamba River in Alleppey, is known for its structural prowess and serves as a representation of God’s own architectural heritage. It was built in 1810 and is dedicated to St. George. The yearly Perunnal (feast) of St. George draws enormous numbers. A gold-plated figure of the saint leads a procession to the basilica.
Puthupally Perunnal
Venue: St. George Orthodox Church, Kottayam District
Date: 05th to 07th May 2024
The famed Puthuppally Perunnal (perunal meaning feast) is a two-day festival full of magnificence and majesty. It is celebrated in the St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally. The big holiday parade, or Raza, sees the holy golden cross from the church brought to the neighboring Puthuppally intersection. The procession is visually stunning, featuring brightly colored ceremonial umbrellas, an orchestra, and the Holy Cross in wood, silver, and gold.
Vaishaka Mahotsavam
Venue: Kottiyoor temple, Kannur District
Date: 20th May 2024
A 28-day event is held in a deep forest next to a roaring river. The Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam takes place in Kannur’s hills, and it is hosted by two temples: Akkara Kottiyoor and Ikkara Kottiyoor. It is one of Northern Kerala’s most popular festivities, taking place on the banks of the great River Baveli. The venue is the Akkara Kottiyoor Temple, which is only open on festival days each year. It begins with the transport of a sword from Muthirerikavu to Wayanad. Another fascinating spectacle is the Rohini Aaradhana, in which the priest embraces the swayambhoo Shiva linga as part of the rite.
Kannambra Vela
Venue: Sree Kurumba Temple, Palakkad District
Date: 24th May 2024
It is considered the main event in this region and goes by the intriguing nickname ‘Chakka Vela’, which refers to a story about the harvest of jackfruits and mangoes. The holiday is celebrated with a grand elephant ceremony. A prominent event is the Vaalum Chilambum Ezhunnallathu, a colorful procession from the Sree Kurumba Temple to R. Mangalam Mannam that marks the goddess’ arrival. The Eedu Vedi fireworks display starts at 12:00.
Ochira Kali
Venue: Ochira Parabrahma Temple, Kollam District
Date: 15th to 16th June 2024
The festival’s highlight is a pretend battle between the former Kayamkulam and Ambalapuzha kingdoms, accompanied by drums, in a swampy field known as Padanilam. The event comprises boys and men divided into two groups who jump into the field for a pretend fight. Sticks are used instead of swords in this pretend fight, and participants splash muddy water at one another.
Champakulam Boat Race:
Venue: Champakulam, Alappuzha
Date: 22nd June 2024
It is the state’s oldest snake boat race and marks the beginning of the boat racing season each year. This event takes place on the Pampa River in Champakulam, a village in the Alappuzha district. It draws tremendous crowds.
Palayur Church Festival:
Venue: St. Thomas Church, Thrissur District
Date: 13th to 14th July 2024
The St. Thomas Church in Palayur is believed to be one of seven churches founded by St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ. Thousands of people attend the church’s yearly festival, which lasts two days. The celebration is similar to Hindu festivities conducted in and around Thrissur, as it has lively pageants, an orchestra, and fireworks.
Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple
Venue: Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur District
Date: 16th July 2024
Elephants are brought inside the Vadakkumnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and lined up in a single row. Thousands of people would face them, enduring the occasional showers and excitedly awaiting their time to feed the elephants. The elephants’ unique diet consists primarily of sugarcane, rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery, and Ayurvedic medicines to improve their overall health. The event is also based on the notion that worshiping elephants and feeding them good and nutritious food is a method to honor Lord Ganesha, who removes barriers in one's life.
Njangattiri Aanayoottu
Venue: Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple, Palakkaad District
Date: 19th July 2024
Elephants, too, benefit from the Ayurvedic rejuvenation traditions. During this celebration, elephants are lined up in a row on the temple grounds and served tasty and healthy food produced according to ayurvedic principles. People flock to the temple grounds to feed the elephants because it is auspicious.
Malabar River Festival:
Venue: Iruvanjhipuzha & Chalipuzha Rivers at Thusharagiri, Kozhikode
Date: 25th to 28th July 2024
The Malabar River Festival is a white water kayaking championship held in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Kerala Tourism is hosting the seventh edition of South India’s only extreme adventure competition, the Malabar River Festival (MRF), from July 25 to 28, 2024, in the Iruvanjhipuzha and Chalipuzha Rivers in Thusharagiri, Kozhikode district. This worldwide event will be organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. Kayakers from over 15 countries will take part in the event. This year’s International Race Series is set to feature some of the top whitewater athletes. The competition will be divided into three categories: extreme race, boater cross, and giant slalom. There will also be categories for intermediate and professional kayakers. Kayak Session Magazine, France, has named the Malabar River Festival (MRF) one of the world’s top five white-water kayak festivals. Winners in several categories each receive a cash prize of one million Indian rupees.
Karkidaka Vavu Bali
Venue: All over Kerala
Date: 04th August 2024
It is celebrated across Kerala. The Vavu Bali is a Hindu ritual that pleases ancestors. People execute specific rituals at home and in temples. Vavu Bali is celebrated as a mass event in select places of Kerala, the most significant of which take place on the banks of the Periyar at the Shiva temple in Aluva and on the Papanasam beach in Varkala.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Venue: Punnamada Lake, Alleppey
Date: 10th August 2024
It is one of Kerala’s premier snake boat races, and it is always a popular event during the Onam festival (the second Saturday in August). This magnificent race features giant 100-foot-long chundan valloms (snake boats) competing against one another to the music of traditional boat songs, accompanied by ceremonial water processions and stunning water floats.
Payippad Boat Race
Venue: Payippad Backwaters, Alleppey
Date: 21st August 2024
Payippad Boat Race is the most anticipated of the various boat races that grace the waters of God’s own nation. This festival takes place on the Payippad River in Alleppey and commemorates the installation of the idol at the Subramanya Swamy Temple. According to folklore, the residents of a secluded village were once advised to approach a whirlpool in a vision. When they arrived at Kayamkulam Lake, they spotted a lovely idol of Sree Subramanya, the Hindu deity. It is a truly delightful and exciting event, with the biggest number of boat races in the entire state.
Manarcad Perunnal or Ettunoyambu
Venue: St. Mary’s Church- Manarcaud, Kottayam
Date: 01st to 08th September 2024
The yearly feast of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Manarcaud in Kottayam is marked by eight days of devotion and festivities. Thousands of devotees gathered on church grounds from morning to night to demonstrate their faithfulness and fasting. The event culminates in a procession carrying the sacred golden cross, known as “Rassa,” on the last three days. Devotees holding muthukkuda (decorated parasols) join in the parade. It is also known as ettunoyambu (in Malayalam, ettu means eight, and noyambu means rapid).
Athachamayam:
Venue: Thripunithura, Ernakulam.
Date: 06th September 2024.
Athachamayam is a cultural fiesta that offers a rare opportunity to see almost all of Kerala’s traditional art forms. It is a grand celebration which marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam Festival. The district’s Onam celebrations begin with the ceremonial march of athachamayam. Thripunithura is renowned as the Land of Maharajas. Athachamayam was a successful march by the Maharaja of Kochi from Thripunithura to the Vamana temple at Thrikkakara. The procession features folk art forms such as Theyyam, Kummatti, Kolkali, Mayilattom, Karakattom, Kummi, Poykal, Ammankudam, Pulikali, Kathakali, Aatakavadi, Panjavadyam, Chendamelam, and more. Athagosham is widely accepted, as seen by floats depicting eternal moments from epics such as Mahabharatha and Ramayana, as well as the Bible and current societal issues. The parade was adorned with ancient myths and legends depicting gods and goddesses. There are also other competitions and various entertainment activities that takes place.
Feast of Holy Cross Shrine
Venue: Holy Cross Shrine – Mapranam, Thrissur.
Date: 14th September 2024
The Holy Cross Shrine at Mapranam in Thrissur is a popular pilgrimage destination in Central Kerala, known for its yearly Exaltation of the Cross celebration. The Exaltation of the Cross is celebrated with great pomp from September 12 to 15, with the octave (8th-day commemoration) taking place on September 21. The most fortunate day of the celebration is September 14. The historic occasion is commemorated with a variety of festivities. Among the primary events held here during the festival is the ‘Thiritheliyikkel’, which entails the burning of massive candles. On the same day, people around the world commemorate the feast.
Thiruvonam or Onam
Venue: All over Kerala
Date: 14th to 17th September 2024
Onam, popularly known as the National celebration of Kerala, is the largest celebration in Kerala, with state vacations lasting four days from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to Onam Day. Onam is Kerala’s major celebration, observed throughout the state without regard for caste or community. The Onam Carnival is a 10-day celebration of Kerala’s culture and traditions. It occurs in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and commemorates the return of a mythological, honourable king, King Mahabali, whom Keralites still regard as their King, and brings people from all over the state together in unified celebrations with a variety of colours and flavours. Onam’s Eve is referred to as Uthradom, and it is a day of great hurry. Onam’s Eve is known as Uthradom, and it is a day for a mad rush for final Onam shopping, which is referred to as Uthradom Pachil (Uthradom Rush) in practically every section of the state. Nowadays, it is regarded as the largest shopping event in urban areas, particularly in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. Homes are decorated with beautiful flower carpets (Pookkalam), and traditional arts and pastimes can be found everywhere. During this occasion, elaborate, beautiful feasts (Onasadya) can be prepared in any home, followed by scrumptious payasam (a Kerala dessert).
Pulikali
Venue: Swaraj Ground, Thrissur
Date: 15th September 2024
Pulikali also known as Kaduvakali, is a street performance done primarily in Thrissur on the afternoon of the Fourth Onam Day. It is a colourful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam. Pulikali is a folk art performed on the fourth day of Kerala’s Onam festival, and the carnival takes place at Swaraj Ground in Thrissur. The painters paint their bodies with oil paints (very difficult to remove) to resemble tigers with stripes of yellow, red, and black, portraying the roles of tiger and hunter. They dance to the beat of traditional beating instruments including thakil, udukku, and chenda, and a crowd gathered to watch this great occasion.
Feast of Vallarpadathamma
Venue: Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom – Vallarpadam, Ernakulam
Date: 16th to 24th September 2024
In 1524, Portuguese missionaries established the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom) in Vallarpadam, Ernakulam. They installed the Lady of Ransom artwork here, and the locals quickly attributed many miracles to it. The Feast of Vallarpadathamma is observed with great reverence from the 16th to the 24th of September. This week-long celebration is truly a feast for the eyes and souls of attendees.
Aranmula Boat Race
Venue: River Pampa, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta.
Date: 18th September 2024
The Aranmula Utthrittathi Vallamkali, also known as the Aranmula Boat Race, is Kerala’s most ancient and revered boat race. It is well-known for its magnificence and unique history, taking place on the day of the Uthrittathi asterism in the Malayalam month of Chingam (15 August and 20 September). Aranmula is a heritage village located on the banks of the Pampa River in Pathanamthitta District. According to legend, a faithful Brahmin pledged to furnish all the requirements for the Thiruvona Sadya (feast performed on the Thiruvonam asterism). These were to be carried to Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple by boat, the Thiruvona Thoni. During the cruise, opposing factions attacked the boat. However, snake boats from the surrounding area rescued it, and thus began the glorious tradition of the area’s particular snake boat racing. The snake boat race itself is a sacrifice to Lord Krishna at Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The snake boats used in this event are known as Palliyodams. The design is credited to Lord Krishna, the presiding deity at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple. He is claimed to have appeared on these shores in a raft composed of six bamboos, hence the village’s name, Aranmula, or Six Bamboos.
Ayilyam Festival at Vettikode
Venue: Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple – Vettikode, Alleppey
Date: 28th September 2024
It is an annual celebration held at Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple, an old shrine in Vettikode, Alappuzha district, dedicated to serpent gods. The celebrations begin seven days before the Ayilyam asterism, with unique ceremonies taking place on these days, the climax being a ceremonial march from the temple to Meppallil Illam, a historic Brahmin residence. In the evenings, a ritual known as Sarpabali is performed to please the serpent gods. The festival comes to an end with the daily ceremonies.
Neelamperoor Padayani:
Venue: Palli Bhagavathi Temple, Neelamperoor, Alappuzha
Date: 29th and 30th September 2024
Padayani, which means ‘row of warriors’, is believed to have been created by Kalaripayattu-trained warriors to demonstrate their might and chivalry to intimidate their foes in Travancore’s south. Thus, this art style has its roots in the rich martial art history of Kalaripayattu. The annual Neelamperoor Padayani Festival, held at the Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathy Temple, is one of the most colorful events in the Alappuzha area. It happens during the Malayalam month of Chingam (typically in August or September) and is one of the most unusual Padayani presentations in all of God’s Own Country. Its distinctiveness stems from the Kettukazhcha custom, which involves the display of artistically adorned images. Massive images of swans and other mythical characters are brought in and erected locally using a process known as annamkettu. At night, a colorful procession carrying images of mythological characters like as Bhima, Ravana, and Yakshi sets the mood. The aura and magic surrounding this site and its traditions have captivated and inspired people for years, and it is without a doubt one of the most amazing events in the neighborhood.
Navarathri Sangeetholsavam
Venue: Navarathri Mandapam – East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
Date: 03rd to 13th October 2024
To celebrate the auspicious time of Navarathri, the lights shine brightest at Thiruvananthapuram’s historic Navarathri Mandapam in the Fort Palace complex. It holds the famed Navarathri Music Festival every year, a nine-day music extravaganza in which fans may see some of the classical music industry’s biggest names. The main attractions are the magnificent kritis (compositions) of Swathi Thirunal, a famed composer and former monarch of Travancore. Oil lamps adorn the stage, illuminating the acts in a blaze of glory.
Panachikkadu Festival in Kottayam
Venue: Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple – Kottayam
Date: 03rd to 13th October 2024
The Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple is one of the holiest venues for this ceremony, which takes place on the final day of the Navaratri Festival, Vijayadashami. The Dakshina Mookambika (Mookambika Temple of the South) honors Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. Vidyarambham, which literally means ‘beginning of education’, is one of the most important rituals for Hindus throughout the state. A sacred temple rite introduces young children to the mystical world of letters, which is widely regarded as a watershed moment in their lives.
Oachira Kalakettu Ochira:
Venue: Kollam
Date: 12th October 2024
It’s one of the most memorable moments in God’s Own Country. During the festival, decorated effigies of Nandi, the celestial bull, and Lord Shiva’s vehicle make a magnificent appearance at the Oachira Parabramha Temple. Each sub-division of the Onattukara region takes their effigies to the temple for the parade, with the best receiving a prize.
Koratty Muthy Feast
Venue: St. Mary’s Forane Church – Koratty, Thrissur
Date: 13th October 2024
It is hosted in Koratty, a picturesque village in the Thrissur district. The St. Mary’s Forane Church hosts a spectacular festival known as the Koratty Muthy Feast. The celebration honors the Virgin Mary, known locally as Koratty Muthy, and is highlighted by colorful spectacle and ceremonies. Poovan Kula (a type of plantain) is the primary dish here. The highlight here is the ‘Thulabharam’ with ‘Poovan Kula’ rite, in which devotees sacrifice their body weight in plantains. Koratty Muthy is also called Our Lady of the Poovan Bananas (Poovankula Matha).
Mannarasala Ayilyam
Venue: Sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala, Alappuzha District
Date: 26th October 2024
It is a remote shrine in a forest glade, with over 30,000 snake figures adorning the paths and among the trees. This is the only Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Alappuzha District. The temple, which is dedicated to the Serpent Gods, is particularly unique in that its priestess is a Brahmin woman. The Ayilyam Festival is the main event here, taking place on the Ayilyam asterism in the Malayalam month of Thulam, which roughly corresponds to October and November.
Alpasi Utsavam
Venue: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
Date: 31st October 2024 to 09th November 2024
One such fantastic festival is the Alpasi Festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, which takes place in October or November. The main attraction is the spectacular Aarattu ceremony, which involves the deities taking a holy bath in the sea. A massive procession begins at the temple and proceeds to Shanghumugham Beach, with the head of the Travancore Royal Family leading the way, sword in hand. Caparisoned elephants, mounted police, and columns of armed police can be seen as thousands of loyal followers crowd the streets to witness this one-of-a-kind and historic event.
Parumala Perunnal
Venue: Parumala Church, Pathanamthitta District
Date: 02nd November 2024
It is an annual feast commemorating the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala’s first canonized saint. Devotees from all around the state gather on the church grounds to commemorate this momentous occasion. The feast day is highlighted by special services and a vibrant parade. On the ormaperunnal (commemoration day), the church offers special prayers.
Revathi Pattathanam
Venue: Tali Mahadeva Temple, Kozhikode District.
Date: 13th November 2024
On the day of Revathi Pattathanam, the wisdom of the Vedas manifests itself abundantly. This ritual originated in the 14th century at the Thali Mahadeva temple, which is as old as the tale about Kerala’s formation. The famed Revathi Pattathanam used to be a seven-day annual gathering of scholars overseen by Zamorins. This is an outstanding annual cultural and intellectual event in Kerala.
Kalpathy Ratholsavam:
Venue: Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kalpathi, Palakkad
Dates: 13th to 15th November 2024
Kalpathi Ratholsavam (Kalpathi Chariot Festival) is a yearly Hindu festival held at Kalpathi, Palakkad district, at the Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple. The three-day festival conducted at Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple situated at Kalpathi near Palakkad, Kerala draws thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Kalpathi is known as a Traditional Brahmin settlement in Kerala. The epicentre of the entire three-day festival is Lord Vishwanatha housed as the presiding deity in this 700-year-old temple. The highlight of the festival is that the three chariots which are elaborately bedecked come on a procession around the village. On the first day of the festival, only one chariot is taken out and the number gets increased. On the third day, all three chariots are taken around with Vedic recitals and poojas everywhere. The temple is very near to the Palakkad Railway station.
Vettukadu Feast in Thiruvananthapuram
Venue: Madre-de-Deus Church, Thiruvananthapuram District
Date: 15th November to 24th November 2024
People from all walks of life flock to the 500-year-old Madre-de-Deus Church in Vettukadu, a coastal neighborhood of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital city, to worship and spend some quality time in solitude. The annual ‘Christ the King’ Festival, which is said to have been visited by the famed missionary St. Francis Xavier between C.E. 1543 and 1547, is a major event in the area.
Vaikathashtami
Venue: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam District
Date: 23rd November 2024
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple, located on the shores of the Vembanad Lake in Vaikom (Vaikkom) and featuring exquisite Kerala-style temple architecture, is a sight to behold. The temple is referred to as Dakshinakasi of the South. The temple and its surrounds will be especially beautiful in December, when Vaikathashtami, the twelve-day yearly festival, takes place.
Puthari Thiruvappana
Venue: Sri Muthappan Temple, Parassinikadavu, Kannur District
Date: 01st December 2024
The Muthappan Thiruvappana (Puthari Thiruvappana) Festival is celebrated annually. Sri Muthappan is always accompanied by a dog, and dogs are regarded sacred here. When the Prasadam (offerings to the god) is ready, it is first offered to a dog who is constantly present within the temple compound.
Guruvayur Ekadasi
Venue: Thrissur District
Date: 11th December 2024
Ekadasi, the eleventh day of a lunar fortnight, is considered auspicious in Hinduism. Of the 24 Ekadasis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November or December) is especially significant. The Ekadasi Vilakku (vilakku = lighted lamp) at the Guruvayur temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Krishna, begins one month before the Ekadasi day. This is done as an offering by devotees.
International Film Festival:
Venue: Trivandrum
Date: 13th to 20th December 2024
Every year, devoted IFFK fans travel to Thiruvananthapuram to celebrate the magic of movies. The festival, billed as one of the country’s largest cultural events, showcases the best films from modern international cinema, Indian cinema, and Malayalam cinema in venues throughout the city.
Niranam Valiyapally Perunnal
Venue: St. Mary’s Church, Pathanamthitta District
Date: 21st December 2024
The St. Mary’s Church at Niranam in Pathanamthitta (popularly known as Niranam Valiya Pally) is one of Kerala’s oldest churches, believed to have been founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The church is famous for its yearly feast, which is held on December 21st each year in remembrance of St. Thomas. The feast of the Assumption of St. Mary (Vaangipu Perunnaal) is observed on August 15, whereas the feasts of Mar Thoma II and Mar Thoma V are celebrated concurrently on May 10.
Beypore Waterfest
Venue: Chaliyar River, Kozhikode District
Date: 24th to 28th December 2024 (Tentative)
Beypore Waterfest is a one-of-a-kind water event held in Kerala that features a variety of interesting water sports and activities. The festival is primarily held along the Chaliyar River, also known as the Beypore River in Kozhikode. The water festival includes kayaking, paddle racing, parasailing, water skiing, boat races, rafting, canoeing, sailing, and a variety of other exciting water activities. It also features several specialties, such as Kerala’s traditional snake boat races and the aquatic activities featured in the Olympics.
Cochin Carnival:
Venue: Kochi, Ernakulam
Date: 25th December 2024 to 01st January 2025
The Cochin Carnival is a seven-day festival that begins around Christmas and concludes on New Year’s Eve with a magnificent procession through the city of Cochin. The Cochin Carnival is organized by the District Tourism Promotion Council. Throughout these seven days, a variety of events are held, including sports, cultural programs, treasure hunts, and so on. The Cochin Carnival reflects Fort Kochi’s mixed past. Its roots run deep in Portuguese and British rule. The Portuguese New Year celebrations during the colonial era laid the groundwork for the Cochin Carnival. The Carnival was created during the International Year of Youth with the themes of ‘Participation’, ‘Development’, ‘Peace’, ‘Adventure’, and ‘Environment’.
Kochi Muziris Biennale:
Venue: All across Kochi and its surrounding
Date: December 2024 to April 2025
The Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition that takes place in Kochi, Kerala. It is a celebration of the contemporary art scene across the globe with displays of artworks of both Indian and International artists through a wide variety of mediums. It is the largest art exhibition in the country and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia. The purpose of this Kochi Biennale is to conserve heritage properties and monuments and uplift traditional forms of art and culture. The exhibition is set in several locations throughout Kochi and the adjacent islands. The Kochi Muziris Biennale aims to evoke the global essence of Kochi’s present metropolis as well as its fabled heritage.
Arattupuzha Pooram:
Venue: Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple, Thrissur District
Date: March – April (exact dates are to be advised)
Every year for seven days, the Sree Sastha temple in Thrissur hosts the Arattupuzha Pooram (Mother of all Pooram festivals of Kerala), Kerala’s oldest pooram. According to believers, all gods and goddesses congregate at this ‘conclave’ during the Pooram season. As many as 23 deities from various temples in Thrissur are brought here and worshipped, creating a beautiful spectacle in and of itself. Mighty elephants and their mahouts wander through the streets to the beats of the chenda (drum) and Kuzhal (wind instrument), which govern the tempo of the throng. Wave after wave of people flows around the venue, with a variety of folk-art performances taking place at the same time.
Malabar Kite Festival:
Venue: Pallikkara Bekal Beach Park. Bekal, Kasargod.
Date: April – May (exact dates are to be advised)
The Malabar kite festival is a colorful event co-organized by the Kasargod District Tourism Promotion Council, Bekal Resort Development Corporation, and the Bakel Lions Club. Kite enthusiasts from all around the world and country demonstrate their skills by flying various types of kites. The lively celebration attracts hundreds of spectators and participants.
