| Kerala has numerous local festivals that are | | | | with dance and music. At others, performers painted |
| celebrated with great pump and sour, it is the most | | | | like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the |
| beautiful girl on earth, South west part of India, and a | | | | beats of instruments like udukku and thakil. |
| land of fairs and festivals. Kerala, God’s own | | | | Mahasivarathri |
| country is one of its many claims to fame. There are | | | | Maha Shivaratri is an important festival of Hindus and |
| certain festivities like the boat races, which originated | | | | is celebrated every year in the month of Kumbam |
| to commemorate religious events but subsequently | | | | (Feb-March). Maha Shivratri meaning the Night of |
| turned out to be events of social importance. Most | | | | Shiva who is known by hundreds of names. |
| of the festivals of Kerala are connected with local | | | | Mahasivarathri festival commemorates the day on |
| traditions and religions. | | | | which Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison |
| Vishu | | | | (Kalakuda visham) to save the world from |
| Kerala’s festivals start with the occasion of | | | | destruction. In Kerala the celebration of Shivratri at |
| Vishu. It is celebrated in the month of April. This is | | | | the Siva temple which is on the sand bank of River |
| the first day of New Year according to the | | | | Periyar is attended with great ceremonial elegance |
| Malayalam calendar. The main event of the Vishu | | | | and splendor. |
| celebration is the 'Kani- Kanal'. Coconuts, fruits, cereals | | | | Thrikarthiaka |
| and Konna flowers are kept in big pots to prepare | | | | Thrikarthika festival is dedicated to Shakti, the |
| Kani. The elders in the family give money to the | | | | energy source also known as Bhagavati in Kerala. It is |
| youngsters and bless them. This is supposed to bring | | | | the festival of lights celebrated in the month of |
| good luck throughout the year. The day is marked | | | | Vrischikam (November – December). On the |
| by heavy feasts. | | | | Thrikarthika day, after sunset, houses, streets and |
| Onam | | | | temples are decorated with special oil lamps. It is an |
| Onam is the most famous and popular festival of | | | | integral and unique part of the festival. |
| Kerala amongst the festivals of Kerala. Onam is | | | | Extend your tryst with this spectacular wonder called |
| celebrated with lots of fervor and gaiety. It is held | | | | Kerala and experience its rich cultural heritage and |
| during the end week of August or early September | | | | festivals, which adds vibrancy to its diverse and |
| week. . Onam festival is an example of religious | | | | bountiful natural wealth. |
| harmony and provides for family get-together. The | | | | Click here for detail about Kerala tour packages in |
| celebration lasts for 10 days with special rituals such | | | | India. |
| as wearing new clothes; making traditional cuisine, | | | | |