Most Popular Festivals of Kerala

Onam is the most celebrated festival in Kerala, marking the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It's a ten-day event that showcases Kerala's rich culture and heritage, replete with intricate flower arrangements, sumptuous feasts, and traditional boat races. The festivities culminate in Thiruvonam, the most important day, which celebrates the mythical king's annual visit to see his subjects.

Onam 2024: Onam is based on the Malayalam calendar and is celebrated in the month of Chingam. In 2024, Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, is expected to fall on September 15th.

Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and is a significant festival celebrated with zeal in Kerala. The day starts with "Vishu Kani," where people view a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items and seasonal fruits as the first thing in the morning. This tradition is believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year.

Vishu 2024: Vishu is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. In 2024, Vishu is expected to fall on April 14th.

Thrissur Pooram, celebrated in Thrissur's Vadakkunnathan Temple in Kerala, is renowned as the "Festival of Festivals." Characterized by the grand assembly of caparisoned elephants, resounding drum performances, and the dazzling display of fireworks, it's a cultural spectacle drawing tourists and devotees alike. The festivities symbolize the religious harmony of the region, as people of all faiths participate and revel in the celebrations.

Thrissur Pooram 2024: Thrissur Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Medam. In 2024, Thrissur Pooram is expected to fall on April 19th.

Thiruvathira, also known as Thiruvathirai or Arudra Darshan, is a unique festival of Kerala celebrated by Hindu women. It commemorates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. On this day, women observe fasting, perform traditional dances, and partake in various rituals praying for marital bliss and the well-being of their spouses.

Thiruvathira 2024: Thiruvathira is observed on the full moon day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. In 2024, Thiruvathira is expected to fall on January 6th.

Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic dance form native to Kerala that symbolizes the age-old customs, traditions, and beliefs of the region. Performed predominantly in the northern districts, Theyyam artists embody various deities and deliver performances that are a blend of dance, music, and passionate devotion. 

Note: Theyyam doesn't have a specific fixed date, as it is a seasonal festival observed from October to May. It's advisable to check with local sources or temple schedules in Kerala, especially in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts, to get precise dates for Theyyam performances.

Attukal Pongala is a renowned religious festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Devotees, especially women, gather in large numbers to offer "pongala" – a sweet dish – to the goddess, turning the region into a sea of devotees. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest gathering of women for a religious activity, the festival showcases the deep faith and cultural richness of the region.

Attukal Pongala 2024: 25th February

Christmas in Kerala is a vibrant celebration, marking the birth of Jesus Christ and reflecting the state's rich Christian heritage. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the midnight mass is a significant event attended by Christian families, adorned in new clothes. The festivities are complemented by the preparation of traditional Kerala Christmas delicacies and the harmonious carols echoing throughout neighborhoods

Christmas 2024: 25th December

Makaravilakku Festival is an annual event celebrated at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, marking the appearance of the celestial star, Makara Jyothi. The festival symbolizes the end of the pilgrimage season to Sabarimala and is associated with the legend of Lord Ayyappa asserting his divinity by revealing the Makara Jyothi to his devotees. The festival attracts millions of devotees, culminating in the deeparadhana (aarthi) in the evening when the deity is bathed in a resplendent glow.

Makaravilakku 2024: 15th January

Arattu at Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram Arattu, is a significant ritual associated with the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It marks the culmination of a festival, where idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in a grand procession to the Shankumugham Beach for a ceremonial bath. The event is a blend of royal customs and temple traditions, given the historical connection of the Travancore royal family with the temple.

Arattu 2024: 25th March

Ambalapuzha Arattu is a distinguished religious festival held at the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala. It is famed for the ceremonial procession of the deity, Lord Krishna, accompanied by traditional music, to the nearby Pampa River for a holy bath. This festival is a vibrant blend of spirituality and cultural artistry, drawing devotees and tourists alike.

Ambalapuzha Arattu 2024: to be announced

Aranmula Uthrattathi is a renowned water carnival held in Aranmula, Kerala, which celebrates the day Lord Krishna crossed the river Pampa. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of ornately decorated snake boats, known as "Palliyodams," on the Pampa River. Accompanied by traditional music and Vanchipattu (boat songs), the boat race is a spectacle of vibrant colors, fervor, and cultural heritage.

Aranmula Uthrattathi 2024: 18th September

Adoor Gajamela is a vibrant elephant procession held at the Parthasarathy Temple in Adoor, Kerala. Celebrated as part of the ten-day annual festival at the temple, it showcases richly adorned elephants marching to the rhythm of traditional music. The festival draws a large number of spectators and is a significant representation of Kerala's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Adoor Gajamela 2024: Adoor Gajamela typically takes place in late January or early February, marking the conclusion of the ten-day temple festivity. This year it is on 21st January.

The Kodungalloor Bharani festival in Kerala is a vibrant and unique celebration held at the ancient Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Marked by ritualistic song and dance performances, the festival is famous for its "Oracles" or "Velichappadus", devotees who dance in a trance-like state, invoking the goddess's spirit.

Kodungalloor Bharani 2024: April 10th