Each festival of Kerala is unique and is a reason to celebrate life. Every festival brings laughter, enthusiasm and excitement among the Keralites.

Vishu
The festivals of Kerala start with the occasion of Vishu. This is the first day of New Year according to the Malayalam calendar. It falls on first day of Medan that is some what between March and April. This festival is celebrated almost throughout India by different names like Bihu in Bihar, Baisakhi in Punjab and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. The main function occurs during morning which is marked by the preparation of kani. The women take a large dish made of bell-metal (urule) and arrange in it a palm-leaf manuscript, a gold ornament, some flowers from the Konna Tree, some coins in a silver cup, a split coconut and cucumber, some mangoes and a jack-fruit. The family members are blind folded and see the kani as the first thing in the morning. This is supposed to bring good luck throughout the year. The day is marked by heavy feasts.

Onam
Onam is the most famous amongst the festivals of Kerala. It is held during the end week of August or early September week. It is the celebration remembering the golden age rule of king Mahabali. The celebration lasts for 10 days with special rituals such as wearing new clothes; making traditional cuisine, with dance and music. At some places, a procession with caparisoned elephants is taken out, people gather to watch Kathakali performers enact scenes from epics and folk tales. At others, performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like udukku and thakil.

Onam is an attraction for thousands of people within and outside the state and is the most important harvest festival of kerala. During the week of Onam, water carnivals and snake boat races are also played in the back waters of Kerala. This is the most popular event of all the festivals of kerala. The snake boat race encourages sportsmanship and team spirit. The race attracts thousands of viewers along the lagoon banks cheering for their teams. Tourist week tour is resonated with this festival.

Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala festival is a religious celebration where women give offerings to the goddess in Attukal temple. The crowd accumulates in thousands at the temple where cooked pudding is taken back after the priest performs the ritual.

Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri meaning the Night of Shiva is celebrated every year in the month of Kumbam (Feb-March). Maha Shivratri is the day to rejoice and is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known by hundreds of names. In Kerala the celebration of Shivratri at the Siva temple which is on the sand bank of River Periyar is attended with great ceremonial elegance and splendor. Shows and dances are also organized for keeping the pilgrims awake throughout the night.

Makaravillakku festival
Makaravillakku festival is held at Sabarimala and includes the two ideological populations present in the subcontinent. Sabarimala is a pilgrim centre in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. Rituals are performed as respect to the Lord Ayyappa who is also known as Dharma Sastha. The festival has a community importance because the deity Lord Ayyappa is a symbol of unity between Vaishnavites (worshipers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshipers of Lord Shiva).

Thrikarthika
Thrikarthika is the festival of lights celebrated in the month of November – December. Thrikarthika festival is dedicated to Shakti, the energy source also known as Bhagavati in Kerala. On the Thrikarthika day, after sunset, houses, streets and temples are decorated with special oil lamps.

Theyyam
Theyyam is a popular ritual art and dance festival. The dancer is considered as the deity and is devoted to worship of Mother Goddess. The festival is held at the beginning of the season of Theyyam in the month of October-November. Theyyam dance is derived from the ancient tribal culture of Kerala.

Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is the spectacular festival of Kerala that cannot be missed. It was introduced by the Maharaja of Kochi state and is celebrated in April-May. Groups such as Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi display their artistic prowess. The temples organize processions, caparisoned elephants and the exchange of parasols for the festival.

INDIA IS A COUNTRY, WHICH HAS BEEN CREATED BY THE GOD GRACES AS IT HAS GOT ITS MULTIPLE HEART TOUCHING DIVERSITY ASSEMBLED AT SINGLE PLACE.You Must See................


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