Kerala Fairs and Festivals
Kerala is ideal for you if you are
embarking on a cultural tour as the state offers you a rich glimpse into the
dynamic culture of the place. Just take care that you are planning your tour
at the right time so that you can be there when you want to be. These fairs
and festivals are an expression of traditional and cultural roots as well as
religious beliefs of people of Kerala.
Whether it's the events, places or the life itself; Kerala celebrates it
all. It is the land where completion of one festival means preparation for
the next. The fairs and festivals in Kerala are magnificent, to say the
least; and the excitement is at its peak in the season of Onam. It is that
time when the boat races, which have become a part of the folklore, take
place and the festivities culminate with the week long celebrations.
Some of the prominent fairs and
festivals of Kerala are :
» Nehru Trophy Boat Race
It
is the annual water carnival of sorts which takes place at Punnamada Lake in
Alappuzha. It is the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful
event just before the boat race is an attraction and a feast for the eyes of
the audience. There are about 100 to 120 oarsmen in the which plough the
waters in a synchronized motion during the race.
» Attachamayam
This festival is held on the Atham day of Malyalam month of Chingam at
Tripunithura, near Kochi. The festival is celebrated to mark a legendary
victory of the King of Kochi. The attractions on display during the festival
are caparisoned elephants, folk art forms and floats among other things.
» Cochin Carnival
Celebrated in the last 10 days of December, all empty spaces are adorned
with white paper buntings giving a white look to entire Cochin.
Competitions, celebrations and contests abound in every available space of
the city. The revelry continues till midnight of 31st December and the
joyous celebrations end with spectacular fireworks display.
» Easter
Celebrated
in April, Easter is a major festival for the Christians of Kerala which is a
celebration of resurrection of Christ. Unlike Christmas which is more
festive, the celebration of Easter is more ritualistic in nature.
» Onam
Onam is an important harvest festival for the people of the state as well
as for the tourists who time their visits according to the festival calendar
of Kerala. The celebrations include worship, music, dance, sports, boat
races and definitely good food. Celebrated in the Malyalam month Chingam,
the festivities include elaborate procession of Trichur and the boat races
at river Pampa.
» Jagannatha Festival
It is a colourful eight day festival which takes place in the Malyalam
month of Kumbham at Jagannath Temple at Thalassery in Kannur. Out of these
eight days, the seventh day is considered most sacred of all.
