Logo

Discover your next holiday destination

Festivals of Kerala State with Dates and Images

Kerala, often called "God's Own Country," is a land rich in culture, traditions, and celebrations. The festivals celebrated in Kerala reflect its diverse cultural heritage, offering a vibrant mix of colors, music, and rituals. One of the most important festivals in Kerala is Onam, a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated enthusiastically, featuring elaborate feasts, traditional dances like Thiruvathira, and the iconic Vallamkali or snake boat races. Homes are adorned with intricate floral designs known as Pookkalam, and people dress in traditional attire, adding to the festive spirit that unites communities across the state.

Another significant festival Kerala is Vishu, which signifies the Malayalam New Year. Vishu is celebrated with a sense of renewal and hope, where families gather to view the "Vishukkani," a carefully arranged display of auspicious items, first thing in the morning. This ritual is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. The festival is also marked by the bursting of firecrackers and a traditional meal known as "Sadhya," a meal with family and friends. Kerala’s temple festivals are equally captivating, each one offering a unique experience. Thrissur Pooram, held in the city of Thrissur, is one of the most famous temple festivals of Kerala state. It is a grand spectacle that involves a magnificent parade of caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion music, and a fireworks display that lights up the night sky. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, making it a significant cultural event in the state.

The festivals celebrated in Kerala are not limited to just Hindu traditions. Christmas and Easter are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Christian community, with beautifully decorated churches, midnight masses, and festive meals. Similarly, Eid is celebrated by the Muslim community with prayers, feasts, and charity, reflecting the inclusive nature of Kerala’s society. What makes the festivals in Kerala so special is their ability to unite people, regardless of their religious or cultural background. Each festival is an opportunity to celebrate life, express gratitude, and enjoy the simple pleasures with loved ones. 

Destination Info
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Capital City Thiruvananthapuram
  • Best Time to Visit between September to March
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Attractions Kochi, kannur, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kollam
  • Airline Serving IndiGo Airlines, Air India, SpiceJet Airlines, Vistara Airlines, Go First Airlines

Best Selling Kerala Tour Packages

Important Festivals in Kerala

1
Ochira Kali

Ochira Kali is a unique festival celebrated in Kerala, blending tradition and martial arts. Held annually in the Ochira district, this event commemorates an ancient battle and involves mock fights performed in knee-deep water, symbolizing the historical conflicts of local warriors. Participants dressed in traditional attire showcase their skills in these mock battles, accompanied by drum beats and folk music. The festival also includes rituals and prayers dedicated to the Ochira Parabrahma temple. Ochira Kali not only celebrates Kerala’s martial traditions but also serves as a cultural spectacle that attracts visitors from across the state. This festival is a vibrant display of Kerala history, spirituality, and cultural pride.

onam
2
Onam

Onam is the most prominent festival in Kerala, celebrating the yield season and the mythical return of King Mahabali. This lively festival lasts ten days, with detailed feasts, artistic routines, and traditions. The centerpiece of Onam is the Onasadya, a great feast featuring various traditional dishes filled with a banana leaf. Festivals include the well-known Vallamkali or boat ethnicities, elaborate flower-patterned adornments known as Pookalam, and concerts of conventional skills such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Onam not only emphasizes the rich artistic legacy of Kerala but also symbolizes unity and the soul of togetherness. It is an important occasion in the festival list, recalling the state's farming prosperity and conventional values.

3
Njangattiri Aanayoottu

Njangattiri Aanayoottu is a grand festival celebrated in Kerala that showcases the deep reverence for elephants in the region. Held at the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple, the event centres around feeding elephants as a part of the ceremonial offerings to the temple deity. Devotees offer various nutritious food items, including rice, fruits, and sugarcane, to the elephants, symbolizing prosperity and well-being. The festival draws large crowds who gather to witness the grand procession of decorated elephants and participate in the feeding ritual. Njangattiri Aanayoottu is a unique blend of spirituality and tradition, highlighting Kerala’s cultural connection with elephants and temple rituals.

4
Vishu

Vishu is one of the major festivals in Kerala that glorifies the birth of the Malayalam New Year. Honored in April, Vishu is known for its dynamic and bright start to the new year. The Vishukkani represents the festival, the first view at dawn, set with rice, vegetables, fruits, and gold, symbolising wealth and good future. Families also glorify Vishu by lighting fireworks, wearing new clothes, and readying a special Vishu Sadya meal. The day is drenched in traditions and rites that emphasize the artistic nature of Kerala. As a mighty festival, Vishu showcases the state's commitment to maintaining its distinctive traditions and festivals.

5
Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is often hailed as the main festival of Kerala due to its grandeur and the massive scale of celebrations. Held annually in Thrissur, this festival typically takes place in April or May and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The highlight of Thrissur Pooram is the grand procession featuring elaborately decorated elephants, traditional percussion music, and vibrant fireworks. The festival is a convergence of various regional temples on the list of festivals, celebrating with elaborate rituals, cultural performances, and communal feasting. Thrissur Pooram's energetic and colourful festivities make it one of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated events in the festival calendar. 

6
Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala is a unique festival celebrated in Kerala at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This annual festival is renowned for its massive gathering of women who prepare a special dish called Pongala, made from rice, jaggery, and coconut, cooked over open flames. The festival, usually held in February or March, is celebrated to honour the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. The entire city of Thiruvananthapuram transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, with thousands of women participating in the preparation and offering of Pongala. This festival highlights Kerala's deep-rooted religious traditions and community spirit, making it a standout event on the list of festivals.

7
Makaravilakku

Makaravilakku is a significant festival in Kerala celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in the Western Ghats. This festival marks the end of the annual pilgrimage season and is observed in January. Devotees from all over the state and beyond undertake a challenging trek to the temple to witness the divine Makaravilakku, a celestial light that appears on the horizon, symbolising Lord Ayyappa's holy presence. The festival includes a series of rituals and processions, making it a significant event in the festival images with name. The atmosphere is filled with devotion as pilgrims gather to partake in the spiritual significance of this festival.

8
Aranmula Uthrattathi

Aranmula Uthrattathi is a unique and famous festival in Kerala celebrated in the town of Aranmula in the Pathanamthitta district. Held in August or September, this festival is renowned for its spectacular boat race, known as the Aranmula Boat Race, which features traditional snake boats gliding through the Pamba River. The festival commemorates the visit of the royal family of Travancore to the Parthasarathy Temple. The vibrant boat race, accompanied by traditional music and dance, draws enormous crowds and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Aranmula Uthrattathi stands out as a significant event on the list of festivals, blending spiritual significance with community celebration.

9
Kottiyoor Utsavam

Kottiyoor Utsavam is a significant festival celebrated in Kerala at the Kottiyoor Sree Bhagavathi Temple in the Kannur district. This unique festival takes place in May or June and is known for its distinctive rituals and the many devotees participating in the event. The festival is marked by a series of ceremonies and processions that honour the deity, and it involves a pilgrimage to the temple in a lush forest. Kottiyoor Utsavam is famous for its traditional practices and is a vital part of Kerala's cultural and religious landscape, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of the region.

10
Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira is a traditional festival in Kerala celebrated primarily by women in December or January. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with various cultural and religious activities. Women participate in this festival by performing the Thiruvathira Kali dance, a form of folk dance performed in circles, and they fast and pray for marital bliss and prosperity. The festival includes preparing traditional dishes and wearing new clothes. Thiruvathira reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and its dedication to preserving traditional customs, making it an important event and a famous festival.

11
Vallamkali

Vallamkali, commonly known as the famous Kerala festival for boat races, is celebrated enthusiastically in various parts of Kerala. The most notable races occur during Onam, including the Nehru Trophy and Aranmula Boat races. Vallamkali features large, ornately decorated snake boats racing along the backwaters and rivers of Kerala. The festival is accompanied by traditional music, dance, and communal feasting, showcasing Kerala's vibrant culture and team spirit. The excitement and spectacle of these boat races make Vallamkali a highlight of the festival calendar.

12
Chingam 1

Chingam 1 marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm as part of the Kerala state festival. In August or September, this festival signifies the start of the harvest season and is observed with various traditional rituals and celebrations. Today, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare festive meals. Prayers, traditional dances, and cultural programs accompany the celebrations. Chingam 1 is an essential event in the festivals list, reflecting the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region.

13
Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam is a prominent festival in Kerala celebrated in the village of Kalpathi in the Palakkad district. Held in November, this festival is known for its grand chariot procession, where devotees pull beautifully decorated chariots through the streets. The event commemorates the deity's visit to the village and is marked by various religious and cultural activities. The festival also features traditional music, dance, and communal feasting, making it a significant part of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Kalpathi Ratholsavam is a highlight in the festivals list, blending devotion with vibrant celebrations.

14
Chettikulangara Bharani

Chettikulangara Bharani is a vibrant festival celebrated in Kerala at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple in Mavelikara. Held in February or March, this festival is renowned for its colourful processions, traditional dances, and ceremonial rituals. Devotees participate in various activities, including the Kuthiyottam and Velakali performances, which are traditional folk dances and concerts. The festival, dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, highlights Kerala’s rich cultural traditions and religious fervour. Chettikulangara is a significant event on the list of festivals, celebrating the region's local culture and spiritual practices.

15
Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a spectacular main festival in Kerala held annually in August on the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. This festival is one of Kerala's most famous and eagerly awaited boat races, featuring a thrilling competition among large, traditional snake boats. Vibrant celebrations accompany the race, including traditional music, dance, and festivities. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race highlights Kerala’s rich aquatic traditions and attracts numerous tourists and locals, making it a standout event in the festivals list.

16
Vettukadu Feast

The Vettukadu Feast is a prominent festival celebrated in Kerala at the St. Mary's Church in Vettukadu, Thiruvananthapuram. This annual festival celebrated in January, is a significant event for the Christian community and features a grand feast and various religious activities. The feast includes traditional meals, cultural programs, and processions, reflecting the deep spiritual devotion of the community. The Vettukadu Feast is an integral part of a famous festival name that showcases Kerala's rich cultural and religious traditions.

17
Pattambi Nercha

Pattambi Nercha is a notable festival celebrated in Kerala at the Pattambi Mosque in Palakkad district. Celebrated in May, this festival is marked by a grand procession, traditional performances, and community feasting. The Nercha is a religious event that honours the mosque’s patron saint and involves a series of rituals and ceremonies, including distributing food to devotees. Pattambi Nercha reflects Kerala's Muslim community's rich cultural and religious heritage and is an essential event on the list of festivals.

FAQs About Festivals in Kerala

  1. Q1.
    What are some unique aspects of Onam?

    Onam is a vibrant festival of Kerala that showcases the state’s rich cultural traditions. Unique aspects include the Onasadya, a grand feast with various dishes served on a banana leaf, and the Pookalam, which has intricate floral designs created to welcome King Mahabali. The festival also features traditional dances like Thiruvathira and Vallamkali (boat races), making it a colourful and inclusive celebration of Kerala's heritage.

  2. Q2.
    Which festival in Kerala is known for its grand elephant processions?

    The Thrissur Pooram is renowned for its elaborate elephant processions, making it one of the most significant Kerala festivals. This event at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur features richly decorated elephants parading through the streets, accompanied by traditional percussion music and spectacular fireworks. The grandeur of the processions and the festive atmosphere draw numerous visitors and showcase Kerala’s vibrant cultural traditions.

  3. Q3.
    What is the significance of Vishu in Kerala?

    Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and is a crucial Kerala festival. It is celebrated with the Vishu Kani, a ritual where auspicious items are arranged and displayed for the first sight of the day. This festival symbolises new beginnings and prosperity. Additionally, Vishu is associated with special rituals, feasts, and fireworks, reflecting the joyful spirit of Kerala’s cultural celebrations.

  4. Q4.
    What are the traditional dishes served during Onam?

    During Onam, the Onasadya is a highlight of the Kerala festival. This elaborate feast features a wide array of traditional dishes served on a banana leaf. Typical items include rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam, each prepared with local ingredients and following traditional recipes. The Onasadya is a culinary delight and a representation of the festival’s cultural richness and communal spirit.

  5. Q5.
    What role does Attukal Pongala play in Kerala's cultural landscape?

    Attukal Pongala is a prominent Kerala festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. It is notable for its large-scale participation, where thousands of women gather to prepare Pongala, a sweet rice dish, as an offering to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. This festival is significant for its expression of devotion and community involvement and its role in highlighting Kerala’s unique temple traditions and female solidarity.

  6. Q6.
    Which festival in Kerala involves traditional boat races?

    The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a major Kerala festival known for its traditional snake boat races. Held annually on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, this event features long, ornately decorated boats racing each other in a thrilling competition. The race, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, is a celebrated part of Kerala's cultural heritage, drawing spectators who enjoy the excitement and communal spirit of the event.

Call us at +91 1204985705

Fill Enquiry Form

Where do you want to go?

or
Adults
Children
Loading