The colorful land of Kerala, has many
festivals celebrated across Kerala with enthusiasm and gaiety. It has
festivals as diverse as the land, these festivals are an expression of the
spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. The festivals
of Kerala are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and
culture. All the year round the festivals keep Kerala life vibrant and
interesting in the everyday affairs of life.
Every season brings with itself new festivals, each one filled with
excitement and enthusiasm. These festivals display an eternal harmony of
spirit. Festivals in Kerala are occasions for people to clean and decorate
their houses and to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange
gifts.
It's time for new clothes, dance, music, rituals and for prayer, pageantry
and processions and of course the time to rejoice. All this adds to the
joyful rhythm in Kerala.
Some important festivals in Kerala are :
Onam Festival
Onam, a 10 day festival is Kerala's most important festival, celebrated in
the honour of King Mahabali. He was a mythological king of ancient Kerala
and it is believed that his period was the golden age in the history of the
state.
Thrissur Pooram
Introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state,
Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated in Medom (April-May). Every year
Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large number of devotees and
spectators.
Thiruvathira Festival
This festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of
Dhanu (December-January). On the day of the festival, in the morning,
devotees gather at Shiva temples for an early worship which is considered
highly auspicious. According to the legends Thiruvathira festival is
celebrated as the death of Kamdeva, the mythological God of Love. Some say
that Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva. The festival is similar to
Adra darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Vishu
This is considered as the Malyalam new year. It is celebrated by bursting
crackers and visiting the temple.
Easter
One of the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself, is
Easter. Easter celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection. This Festival is
celebrated by the Christian community in Kerala.
Id-ul-Fitr
Islamic festival Id-ul-Fitr is also known as the 'Ramadan'. Ramadan is the
ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast
during daytime and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer.
