A Guide to Kerala’s Unmissable Fairs and Festivals

Kerala is home to some of India’s most vibrant and thrilling fairs and festivals. From the spectacular Thrissur Pooram to the colorful boat races of Aranmula, these festivals are an integral part of the culture and traditions of the state. Here is a guide to some of the unmissable fairs and festivals that Kerala has to offer.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram, also known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’ is one of Kerala’s biggest and most spectacular festivals. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May, and sees the participation of around 50 elephants from various temples in the region. The procession of the elephants is accompanied by traditional drummers and chendas, who perform to the rhythm of Kerala’s folk music. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display, which is considered to be the biggest in Asia.

The Thrissur Pooram festival also includes various cultural events such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The festival is traditionally celebrated with great enthusiasm, and is considered to be the most important festival in the state.

The Thrissur Pooram is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. The festival is sure to leave you mesmerized with its grandeur and beauty.

Onam

Onam is a 10-day festival that is celebrated in the state of Kerala to celebrate the harvest season. Onam is considered to be the most important festival in the state, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival is celebrated in the month of August or September, and includes various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and boat races. The highlight of the festival is the grand feast, which includes an array of traditional dishes such as the sadya and payasam.

Onam is also celebrated with various rituals and customs, such as the making of an offering to the gods known as the ‘Ona-sadya’. The festival is also celebrated with traditional games such as the ‘Onam Kallu’ and ‘Kolam’, which involve the participation of the entire family. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

Onam is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of August or September to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Arattupuzha Pooram

Arattupuzha Pooram is another major festival celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May, and sees the participation of around 50 elephants from various temples in the region. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and is one of the most important festivals in the state. The festival includes a procession of caparisoned elephants, accompanied by traditional drummers and chendas.

The festival also includes various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display, which is considered to be the biggest in Asia. The festival is sure to leave you mesmerized with its grandeur and beauty.

Arattupuzha Pooram is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience the true spirit of this grand festival.

Aranmula Boat Race

The Aranmula Boat Race is one of Kerala’s most popular and colorful festivals. The boat race is held every year in the month of August or September, and sees the participation of traditional boats known as ‘chundan vallams’. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and flowers, and are paddled by a team of four to six oarsmen. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular view of the boats racing against each other, and the cheering of the crowds.

The Aranmula Boat Race is also accompanied by various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

The Aranmula Boat Race is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of August or September to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is another popular boat race celebrated in Kerala. The boat race is held every year in the month of August or September, and sees the participation of traditional boats known as ‘chundan vallams’. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and flowers, and are paddled by a team of four to six oarsmen. The race is accompanied by various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants.

The highlight of the festival is the spectacular view of the boats racing against each other, and the cheering of the crowds. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of August or September to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala, and is one of the most popular art forms in the state. The dance form is performed by a team of dancers who wear elaborate costumes and masks, and is accompanied by a traditional drum and cymbals. The dance form is known for its expressive gestures, and is sure to leave you mesmerized with its grandeur and beauty.

Kathakali is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Nenmara Vallangi Vela

Nenmara Vallangi Vela is a traditional festival celebrated in the Palakkad district of Kerala. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May, and sees the participation of around 50 elephants from various temples in the region. The procession of the elephants is accompanied by traditional drummers and chendas, who perform to the rhythm of Kerala’s folk music. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display, which is considered to be the biggest in Asia.

Nenmara Vallangi Vela is also celebrated with various rituals and customs, such as the making of an offering to the gods known as the ‘Kodiyettam’. The festival is also celebrated with traditional games such as the ‘Vellam Kallu’, which involve the participation of the entire family. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

Nenmara Vallangi Vela is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Thrissur Pooram Elephant Procession

The Thrissur Pooram Elephant Procession is another major attraction of the Thrissur Pooram festival. The procession includes around 50 caparisoned elephants, accompanied by traditional drummers and chendas. The highlight of the procession is the spectacular view of the elephants, which is sure to leave you mesmerized with its grandeur and beauty.

The Thrissur Pooram Elephant Procession is also accompanied by various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

The Thrissur Pooram Elephant Procession is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience the true spirit of this grand festival.

Kollam Pooram

Kollam Pooram is another major festival celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May, and sees the participation of around 50 elephants from various temples in the region. The procession of the elephants is accompanied by traditional drummers and chendas, who perform to the rhythm of Kerala’s folk music. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display, which is considered to be the biggest in Asia.

Kollam Pooram is also celebrated with various rituals and customs, such as the making of an offering to the gods known as the ‘Kaniyattam’. The festival is also celebrated with traditional games such as the ‘Kolam’, which involve the participation of the entire family. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

Kollam Pooram is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a contemporary art festival held in the city of Kochi, Kerala. The festival is held every two years, and showcases the works of over 100 artists from around the world. The festival includes a variety of art forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance art. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and art of Kerala.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kochi during the month of December to experience this vibrant and unique festival.

Vishu

Vishu is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May, and marks the beginning of the new year in the Malayalam calendar. The festival includes a variety of customs and rituals, such as the making of an offering to the gods known as the ‘Vishukkani’. The festival is also celebrated with the lighting of lamps, the lighting of fireworks, and the distribution of gifts among family and friends.

Vishu is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Kerala Village Fair

The Kerala Village Fair is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. The festival is held every year in the month of April or May, and includes a variety of activities such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular view of the elephants, which is sure to leave you mesmerized with its grandeur and beauty.

The Kerala Village Fair is also accompanied by various traditional art forms such as traditional dance performances, music performances, and a procession of caparisoned elephants. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala.

The Kerala Village Fair is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture and traditions. Visit Kerala during the month of April or May to experience this vibrant and festive season.

Conclusion

Kerala is home to some of India’s most vibrant and thrilling fairs and festivals. From the spectacular Thrissur Pooram to the colorful boat races of Aranmula, these festivals are an integral part of the culture and traditions of the state. Whether you are looking for a vibrant and festive experience or a traditional and cultural experience, Kerala has something for everyone. So, take a trip to Kerala and experience the true spirit of these spectacular festivals.