Kerala festivals are the festivals of your life. They are inherited from an ancient tradition that exudes the essence of Kerala. Visiting kerala or God’s own land is a traveler’s paradise. Enjoy the magical colors of Pooram, Vela, Thalappoli and Utsavam.
Pooram is a notable event when the gods and goddess arrive on lavishly adorned fangs for a celebration. The festival is a spectacle of magnificence and majesty. Ten to a hundred harnessed tusks stand in front of the temple premises with the mahouts on top holding ornate silk umbrellas, white tufts, and peacock feather fans, all swaying to the beat of the music.
Thrissur Pooram is the ceremonial procession of two appointments (goddesses) on harnessed elephants to the Vadakunnathan temple. The umbrellas placed over the elephants are changed in an exciting synchronized ritual, accompanied by chendamelan, an orchestra of percussion instruments. A fireworks display marks the climax.
The annual snake boat races are generally held during the second week of August. While this is a highly publicized event, there are other festivals where boats are used. In the second week of September, in Aranmula, 128 km from Thiruvananthapuram, a procession of boats and races takes place as part of the Parthasarthy Temple Festival.
Typically, a snake ship is manned by four helmsmen, followed by twenty-five singers and more than a hundred rowers who row together to the rapid beat of the vanchipattu. Thousands of people crowd the water’s edge to cheer on the huge black boats as they plow through the waters to a spectacular finish.
Vishu is the first day of the Malayali New Year. Viewing a group of auspicious objects at sunrise is believed to ensure a year of peace and prosperity. Utsavam is the annual celebration or festival in a temple.
Candle is a ritual martial arts performance by local people to appease the other goddess also known as Durga or Kali. The ritual is performed in Devi temples and is part of the other Pooram festivals.
Thalappoli is a beautiful parade of native girls and women in traditional lures with thalam in their hands. The thalam is a brass or silver plate containing rice, flowers, fruits, and a lighted lamp, all symbolizing prosperity.
Onam is the most popular of Kerala festivals. Honor Mahabali, a selfish ruler whose subjects are so overjoyed that envious gods tricked him into losing his life and kingdom. His last wish was to visit his people once a year to make sure they were happy. During Onam, an aura of abundance is created to gladden the heart of Mahabali. Big parties are prepared, new clothes are worn and patios are decorated with floral motifs. The famous Nehru Trophy boat race is taking place right now.