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The festivals and art forms of Kerala are complex but
fabulous. Every festival, though connected with religious
temples and shrines, is more of a socio cultural event in
which people from all walks of life participate. Today, these
festivals are perhaps the mere occasion when the classical,
folk and ritual arts of the state get a renewed spirit. In
temple festivals, Thrissur Pooram at Thrissur is at the top of
the chart in popularity. As many as 30 caparisoned elephants,
exhilarating percussion ensemble, colorful umbrellas atop
elephants, magnificent fireworks combine to create a virtual
feast for the spectators.
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Kerala has a number of colorful
festivals, which people celebrate with pomp and glory. All
through the year, the festivals keep the land of Kerala vibrant. Every season turns up new festivals, each a true
celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibit
an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement,
festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get
together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts. New
attire, dance, music and ritual, all add to their joyful
rhythm. It is a time for prayer, for pageantry and processions
and time to rejoice. The important fairs and festivals in the
state are: |
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Onam - This the major and most important 10 day festival of
Kerala. This is to honour King Mahabali, a mythological king
of ancient Kerala, whose period was marked as the golden age
in the history of the state. He was the embodiment of virtues,
goodness, so was his regime which was marked by equality and
harmony among people. People believe that during Tiruvonam day
Mahabali make a visit to Kerala |
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Thrissur Pooram - The most colourful and magnificent spectacle
in the state. This festival was a contribution of Sakthan
Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. Celebrated
in Medom (April-May) the festival parades a huge herd of
elephants. With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple
festival, lures large crowds. |
Aranmula Uthrittathi - This festival celebrated in connection
with the Onam festival symbolizes the crossing of the river by
Lord Krishna on that day. The famous snake boat carnival on
the Pampa is held annually at Aranmula on the day of
Uthrittathi asterism. The deity is supposed to be in all the
boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are
expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously.
Easter- Easter is the oldest Christian festival, as old as
Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not
the birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter is derived
from this paschal mystery and from the events of Good Friday.
Thiruvathira Festival - The festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu
(December-January). On Thiruvathira morning, devotees throng
Shiva temples for an early worship which is believed as highly
auspicious. Tradition says Thiruvathira is, celebrating the
death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of Love. But there is
another version that Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord
Shiva. The festival has similarities to adra darshan
celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Idul-Fitr, of late known by the misnomer 'Ramadan' is one of
the two festivals of Islam. Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth
month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe
fast, giving up all kinds of food and drink during day time.
They spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer.
Makaravillakku at Sabarimala - For centuries, Sabarimala in
Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting
lakhs of devotees from all over India. The presiding deity is
Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of
unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is
believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined
his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala. Makaravillakku is
the special day, when a mystical lamp appears from among the
forest, opposite to the temple. Devotees throng the temple to
see this lamp.
Vishu- Vishu is the festival of prosperity. This is celebrated
by bursting crackers and visiting temple. This comes in the
month of April. The great specialty of the festival is that
the children receive cash gifts from their elders.
Festival
Calendar
January
Makara Vilakku Festival at Sabarimala Temple
The Elephant march at Thrissur & Thiruvananthapuram
February
Utram festival at Tripunithura
Sivarathri Festival at Aluva Manappuram
March
Kodiyettu at Guruvayoor
Ashtami Festival & Elephant races at Krishna Temple at
Guruvayoor
April
Trissur Pooram at Trissur
Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha Temple near, Trissur
May
Sankaracharaya Jayanthy at Kalady
Festival at Edappally St. George Ferona Church
June
Prathishtadinam.at Sabarimala
Ochirakali - A festival of martial Arts at Ochira
July
Boat races and processions at AmbAlappuzha
August
Nehru Trophy boat race at Alappuzha
September
Onam festival celebrated on a grand scale throughout
Kerala
Tourism week
Boat races at Thalavady in Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Mannar,
Aranmula
and Thiruvandoor near Chengannur
October
Krishna Jayanthy at Guruvayoor
Mahanavami - Dance & Music Festival at Thiruvananthapuram
Deepavali - Celebrated all over the country
November
Madalam Festival at Sabarimala Temple
Ashtami at Vaikom
December
Christmas
Madala Pooja at Sabarimala Temple
Ekadasi festival at Guruvayoor
Sivagiri Festival at Varkala
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