Undoubtedly, festivals are grand celebrations in Kerala “God’s Own Country”.There is a large list of festivals that are celebrated in this diverse state of India. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fun. Classical, folk and ritual arts, tradition and culture of Kerala come alive during festivals.

Some of the major festivals in Kerala are :-

Onam

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala which is known as harvest festival.It falls during August – September. The celebration of this festival lasts for around 10 days and the true culture and tradition of Kerala come alive during Onam. Few of the most notable features of Onam include Ambrosial Onasadya, intricately decorated Pookalam, exotic Kaikottikali dance, Snake Boat Race, etc.

Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira is another major festival of Kerala which is celebrated during fifth month of Malayalam calendar. On the occasion of this festival,women worship Lord Shiva and pray for their marital bliss as well as Thiruvathirakkali dance is performed on this day.

Vishu

Vishu is a Hindu festival which is celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month of Medam. This is actually considered the AstronomicalNew Year festival in Kerala. People practice colorful rituals and customs with unlimited joy and mirth during this festival.

Thrissur Pooram

It isthe most prominent festival of Kerala which is called Pooram of all Pooramsand Pooram refers ‘the meeting point of all the arts’. It falls in the asterism Pooram in the month of Medamas perMalayalese calendar. Rich art and culture of Kerala, musical programmes and events, dazzling fireworks and procession of decorated elephants are some of the major attractions of this festival.

AttukalPongala

It is another grand celebration among the festivals in Kerala. AttukalPongala is a women’s festival that is celebrated in Bhagavathy temple located at Attukal in the Kaladi,Thiruvananthapuram. This is celebrated for 10 days from the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham tillKuruthitharpanamnight.

Apart from above mentioned festivals, some other festivals of Kerala include Theyyam Festival, Mandala Pooja, Makaravilakku at Sabarimala Festival, Kettukazcha, Puthari, Ashtami Rohini and so forth.