Festivals of Kerala
Kerala is the southernmost state of the Indian mainland along with Tamil Nadu. It has a long coastline of the Indian Malabar coast surrounded by the Arabian Sea. It is best known for its natural habitat and spice and tea plantations. Onam is the state festival of Kerala and is celebrated with the most enthusiasm and joy. It is celebrated to mark the coming of King Mahabali. People decorate their houses for ten days before the actual festival day. On this day people meet their relatives, exchange presents and feast on plantain leaves. Another important festival is Vishu which marks the Malayali new year day. It is believed that the whole year of Malayalis depend on the things they see on the morning of Vishu. On this day, fireworks are burned, elders give the younger daily members gifts and blessings.
Thrissur Pooram is the most famous temple festival in Kerela. It is celebrated in Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. People sit on huge elephants that are fully dressed for the occasion outside the temple. It requires a continuous dedication of 3 days which is almost 36 hours in which time people do their traditional pujas. Other festivals of this state are Thisruvathira, Holi, Dushhera, etc.
Dates of festivals that follow the lunar calendar can shift by a day depending on the moon and on official notifications. Please confirm with your state government or employer before planning.