43 Vibrant Festivals of Kerala: Celebrating the Traditions

Planning a Kerala tour? 

You’re in for a treat! Kerala is not just about serene backwaters and lush greenery; it’s also a land of vibrant festivals. The festivals of Kerala are a proof to its rich cultural heritage, celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm. 

From the grand Onam feast, one of the most famous food festivals of Kerala, to the spectacular Thrissur Pooram, there’s always a celebration to experience. The festivals of Kerala bring communities together, showcasing traditional music, dance, and delicious cuisine. Whether it’s the colourful Vishu or the lively Pulikali, each festival offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Kerala. 

So, immerse yourself in the joyous festivals of Kerala and make unforgettable memories.

1. Onam

Onam, one of the popular festivals of Kerala, celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali. This harvest festival in Kerala is marked by vibrant Pookalam (floral arrangements), thrilling Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and the grand Onasadya feast, featuring over 26 traditional dishes, making it a notable food festival of Kerala.

Visitors can also explore the rich Kerala cuisine that forms a significant part of the celebrations. Additionally, experiencing the backwaters of Kerala and other things to do in Kerala during Onam makes for an unforgettable journey.

• Month of Celebration: August-September
• Things to do: Create and admire Pookalam, watch Vallam Kali, enjoy Pulikali, and savour the Onasadya feast.

2. Vishu

Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, is a key harvest festival in Kerala. Celebrated with the viewing of Vishukkani, fireworks, new clothes, and Vishukkaineettam (money gifts), it highlights the rich customs of Kerala festival. Vishu signifies prosperity and is an important event among the festivals of Kerala.

Visitors can enhance their experience by exploring tourist places to visit in Wayanador thebest places to visit in Thrissur during this festive season. The vibrant celebrations of Vishu also make Kerala in April a delightful time to visit.

• Month of Celebration: April
• Things to do: Witness the Vishukkani, enjoy fireworks, and partake in Vishukkaineettam.

3. Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is one of the most famous temple festivals in Kerala. Celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, it features grand elephant processions, vibrant fireworks, and traditional percussion performances, emphasising the significance of Thrissur Pooram in Kerala and boosting Kerala festival tourism.During this festival, visitors can also explore other renowned temples in Kerala and indulge in shopping in Kerala, making the experience even more enriching and memorable.

• Month of Celebration: April-May
• Things to do: Watch the elephant processions, enjoy fireworks, and experience traditional percussion performances.

4. Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala, part of the festivals of Kerala, is a major women-centric event where millions cook Pongala (a sweet offering) for the goddess. Recognized as one of the largest traditional festival events of Kerala, it showcases the communal spirit and devotion of women participants.

Celebrated in Kerala in March, this festival also offers numerous things to do in Trivandrum, making it an ideal time to visit the city and immerse in its vibrant cultural atmosphere.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Participate in the cooking of Pongala, witness the massive gathering, and enjoy the communal atmosphere.

5. Makaravilakku

Makaravilakku is a significant seasonal festival in Kerala, celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple. It includes the sighting of Makarajyothi, a celestial light, and various rituals, making it a unique and spiritual event in the festivals of Kerala.

• Month of Celebration: January

Things to do: Participate in the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, witness the Makarajyothi, and enjoy the temple rituals.

6. Easter

Easter, a major Christian festival of Kerala, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It includes special church services, festive feasts, and cultural events, reflecting the rich customs of Kerala festival traditions and bringing communities together in celebration.

During Easter, visitors can explore churches you must visit in Kerala, which are beautifully decorated and host special services, adding to the festive spirit.

• Month of Celebration: March-April
• Things to do: Attend church services, partake in Easter feasts, and enjoy cultural programs.

7. Christmas

Christmas, celebrated as one of the popular festivals of Kerala, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival features decorating homes, attending midnight mass, and enjoying grand feasts, making it a joyful and integral part of the festival.

During this time, exploring the best places to visit in Kerala and staying in cosy holiday homes in Kerala can enhance the festive experience. Additionally, Kerala in December offers a pleasant climate and vibrant celebrations, making it an ideal destination for holiday travellers.

• Month of Celebration: December
• Things to do: Decorate Christmas trees, attend midnight mass, and enjoy festive feasts.

8. Ramadan

Ramadan, an important festival of Kerala, involves a month of fasting, prayers, and communal Iftar feasts. Culminating in Eid-ul-Fitr, it is a notable traditional festival event of Kerala, emphasising community, devotion, and charity.

• Month of Celebration: Varies (Islamic lunar calendar)
• Things to do: Participate in daily fasting, attend Iftar gatherings, and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

9. Navratri

Navratri, a significant festival of Kerala, is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. Celebrations include traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, cultural performances, and various rituals, making it a vibrant part of the festival.

• Month of Celebration: September-October
• Things to do: Participate in Garba and Dandiya dances, attend cultural events, and engage in traditional rituals.

10. Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is among the popular festivals of Kerala. It involves lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and making it a joyous part of the festival.

Experiencing Kerala in November during Diwali adds to the charm, as the state is beautifully illuminated and the festive spirit is at its peak, making it a perfect time to visit and enjoy the celebrations.

• Month of Celebration: October-November
• Things to do: Light oil lamps, enjoy fireworks, and share festive sweets.

11. Bakrid

Bakrid, or Eid-ul-Adha, is a prominent festival of Kerala commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It involves special prayers, communal feasts, and acts of charity, marking it as an important event in the festivals of Kerala.

• Month of Celebration: Varies (Islamic lunar calendar)
• Things to do: Attend special prayers, share festive meals, and participate in charitable activities.

12. Malayattoor Perunnal

Malayattoor Perunnal is one of the famous temple festivals in Kerala, celebrated at the St. Thomas Church. Pilgrims trek to the hilltop shrine, making it a unique and spiritual event in the festival.

This pilgrimage is also one of the notable treks in Kerala, offering both a spiritual journey and an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

• Month of Celebration: April
• Things to do: Participate in the pilgrimage, attend church services, and enjoy the scenic trek.

13. Aranmula Boat Race

The Aranmula Boat Race, an annual festival in Kerala, features traditional snake boats racing on the Pampa River. It is a key highlight of festival tours of Kerala, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.As a prominent snake boat race in Kerala, the event attracts large crowds and offers a vibrant display of tradition and excitement.

• Month of Celebration: August-September
• Things to do: Watch the snake boat race, explore Aranmula village, and enjoy traditional music and festivities.

14. Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, an annual festival in Kerala, is held on the Punnamada Lake. Featuring competitive snake boat races, it is a celebrated part of the festivals of Kerala, drawing large crowds and showcasing Kerala’s aquatic traditions.

For those planning to visit, the Alleppey Travel Guide provides detailed information on exploring this region. The race is one of the most exciting boat races in Kerala, making it a must-see event for both locals and tourists.

• Month of Celebration: August
• Things to do: Attend the boat race, explore Alappuzha, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

15. Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira, a traditional festival of Kerala, celebrates the birth of Lord Shiva. The festival includes Thiruvathirakali, a graceful dance performed by women, making it one of the prominent traditional festival events of Kerala.

• Month of Celebration: December-January
• Things to do: Watch Thiruvathirakali performances, participate in traditional rituals, and enjoy festive foods.

16. Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam, among the festivals of Kerala, is a grand chariot festival held at the Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy Temple. It features beautifully decorated chariots pulled through the streets by devotees, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Month of Celebration: November
• Things to do: Witness the chariot procession, explore Kalpathy village, and enjoy temple festivities.

17. Vettukadu Feast

The Vettukadu Feast, part of the festivals of Kerala, is celebrated at the Madre De Deus Church. It includes a grand procession, special masses, and various cultural events, drawing large crowds and showcasing the vibrant community spirit.

• Month of Celebration: November
• Things to do: Attend the grand procession, participate in masses, and enjoy cultural programs.

18. Chinakkathoor Pooram

Chinakkathoor Pooram, one of the festivals of Kerala, is celebrated at the Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple. The festival features traditional elephant processions, cultural performances, and fireworks, highlighting Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Watch the elephant processions, enjoy cultural performances, and witness fireworks.

19. Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha

Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha are significant festivals of Kerala celebrated at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. The festival includes ritualistic dances, chariot processions, and the display of large effigies, showcasing traditional art and devotion.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Witness the ritual dances, participate in chariot processions, and see the effigies.

20. Kottayam Cheriya Perunnal

Kottayam Cheriya Perunnal, part of the festivals of Kerala, is celebrated at the St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church. It includes special prayers, processions, and community feasts, reflecting the rich Christian traditions of Kerala.

• Month of Celebration: January
• Things to do: Attend special prayers, join in the processions, and enjoy community feasts.

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21. Aluva Sivarathri

Aluva Sivarathri, among the significant festivals of Kerala, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Celebrations include fasting, night-long prayers, and rituals performed on the banks of the Periyar River, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Participate in night-long prayers, observe fasting rituals, and visit the Periyar River banks for ceremonies.

22. Thirunelli Festival

Thirunelli Festival, celebrated at the Thirunelli Temple, is among the significant festivals of Kerala. The temple, located in Wayanad, draws pilgrims who participate in various rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Month of Celebration: April-May
• Things to do: Participate in temple rituals, explore the scenic Wayanad region, and enjoy local cultural events.

23. Parumala Perunnal

Parumala Perunnal is celebrated at the Parumala Church in honour of St. Gregorios. The festival includes special prayers, processions, and community feasts, attracting thousands of devotees.

• Month of Celebration: November
• Things to do: Attend special prayers, join processions, and enjoy community feasts.

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24. Adoor Gajamela

Adoor Gajamela, celebrated at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple,featuring a grand elephant procession. The festival is part of the larger 10-day annual celebration, drawing large crowds.

• Month of Celebration: January
• Things to do: Watch the grand elephant procession, participate in temple rituals, and enjoy cultural performances.

25. Ettumanoor Festival

The Ettumanoor Festival, held at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, is a prominent festival of Kerala. It includes the grand Ezharaponnana procession, showcasing seven and a half golden elephants, and various traditional rituals.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Witness the Ezharaponnana procession, participate in temple rituals, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

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26. Puthuppally Perunnal

Puthuppally Perunnal, celebrated at the St. George Orthodox Church, is an important festival of Kerala. The festival features special prayers, processions, and community feasts, highlighting the region’s Christian heritage.

• Month of Celebration: April-May
• Things to do: Attend special prayers, join processions, and enjoy community feasts.

27. St. George’s Church Festival

St. George’s Church Festival, held at the St. George’s Forane Church in Edathua, is a significant festival of Kerala. It includes special prayers, processions, and various cultural events, drawing large numbers of devotees.

• Month of Celebration: May
• Things to do: Participate in special prayers, enjoy processions, and engage in cultural activities.

28. Ambalapuzha Arattu

Ambalapuzha Arattu is celebrated at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. It features a grand procession to the temple pond for the ritualistic Arattu (holy bath), accompanied by traditional music and dance.

• Month of Celebration: March-April
• Things to do: Watch the Arattu procession, enjoy traditional music and dance, and explore the temple.

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29. Ochira Kali

Ochira Kali, a unique festival of Kerala, is celebrated at the Ochira Parabrahma Temple. It involves mock battles in a waterlogged field, symbolising ancient martial traditions and drawing large crowds.

• Month of Celebration: June
• Things to do: Witness the mock battles, participate in temple rituals, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

30. Sivagiri Pilgrimage

The Sivagiri Pilgrimage, held at the Sivagiri Mutt, is a major festival of Kerala. Devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the Mutt, following the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, promoting spiritual upliftment and social reform.

• Month of Celebration: December-January
• Things to do: Participate in the pilgrimage, attend spiritual discourses, and engage in community service.

31. Pongal

Pongal, a harvest festival of Kerala, is primarily celebrated by the Tamil community. It involves cooking Pongal (a sweet dish) and offering it to the Sun God, reflecting gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

• Month of Celebration: January
• Things to do: Prepare and offer Pongal, participate in community feasts, and enjoy traditional music and dance.

32. Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, is also celebrated in parts of Kerala. It includes special masses, processions, and cultural events, honouring the saint’s contributions.

• Month of Celebration: December
• Things to do: Attend special masses, join processions, and participate in cultural programs.

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33. Ningal Oru Pennayi

Ningal Oru Pennayi, a cultural festival of Kerala, focuses on women’s empowerment. It includes various cultural performances, workshops, and discussions, highlighting the importance of women’s roles in society.

• Month of Celebration: March
• Things to do: Attend cultural performances, participate in workshops, and engage in discussions on women’s issues.

34. Vela Festival

Vela Festival, celebrated in various temples across Kerala,It features grand processions, traditional music, and fireworks, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Month of Celebration: March-April
• Things to do: Watch the grand processions, enjoy traditional music and fireworks, and participate in temple rituals.

35. Ulsavam

Ulsavam, meaning ‘festival,’ is celebrated in various temples across Kerala. It includes a series of rituals, cultural performances, and processions, making it an integral part of the festival.

• Month of Celebration: Varies
• Things to do: Participate in temple rituals, enjoy cultural performances, and witness processions.

36. Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram

Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram, celebrated at the Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, It features grand processions, traditional music, and dance performances, showcasing the temple’s rich traditions.

• Month of Celebration: April
• Things to do: Watch the processions, enjoy traditional music and dance, and participate in temple rituals.

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37. Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu

Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu is celebrated at the Kanjiramattom Mosque. It includes traditional Muslim rituals, processions, and cultural performances, reflecting the region’s diverse heritage.

• Month of Celebration: January
• Things to do: Attend mosque rituals, enjoy processions, and participate in cultural performances.

38. Pongala Festival

Pongala Festival, celebrated in various temples, is a unique festival of Kerala where women cook Pongala (a sweet offering) as part of their devotion. It highlights the communal spirit and cultural traditions of Kerala.

• Month of Celebration: February-March
• Things to do: Participate in cooking Pongala, witness the communal gathering, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

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39. Kollam Pooram

Kollam Pooram, celebrated at the Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple,It features grand elephant processions, traditional music, and fireworks, attracting large crowds.

• Month of Celebration: April
• Things to do: Watch the elephant processions, enjoy traditional music and fireworks, and participate in temple rituals.

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40. Adoor Padayani

Adoor Padayani, celebrated at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple, featuring vibrant mask dances, traditional music, and rituals. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Month of Celebration: March-April
• Things to do: Watch the mask dances, enjoy traditional music, and participate in temple rituals.

41. Manarcad Perunnal

Manarcad Perunnal is celebrated at the St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral. It includes special prayers, processions, and community feasts, drawing large numbers of devotees.

• Month of Celebration: September
• Things to do: Attend special prayers, join processions, and enjoy community feasts.

42. Kadammanitta Padayani

Kadammanitta Padayani, celebrated at the Kadammanitta Devi Temple,It features traditional mask dances, processions, and rituals, highlighting the region’s cultural heritage.

• Month of Celebration: April-May
• Things to do: Watch the mask dances, participate in processions, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

43. Vishu Kani

Vishu Kani, a key aspect of the Vishu festival,It involves arranging auspicious items in front of a deity and viewing them first thing in the morning to ensure prosperity for the coming year.

• Month of Celebration: April
• Things to do: Arrange and view the Vishu Kani, participate in traditional rituals, and enjoy the festive meals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kerala’s vibrant celebrations, from its music and dance festivals in Kerala to its food festivals of Kerala, offer a rich cultural experience. Whether you’re exploring the seasonal festivals in Kerala or embarking on festival tours of Kerala, each event provides a unique glimpse into the state’s traditions and communal spirit. Embrace the diversity and enjoy the unforgettable festivities that Kerala has to offer.