Festivals

Kerala is a land of colourful festivals; many of which are celebrated without distinction of caste or community. While basic rituals and customs are practiced by those belonging to a particular religion, it is not surprising to find people from other faiths taking part in the celebrations and sharing their happiness.

The major festival of Hindu origin are Onam, Vishu, Navarathri, Diwali, and Thiruvarhira. Christians and Muslims in Kerala join their brethren throughout the world in celebrating festivals.

Christmas and Easter are the most important Christian festivals, while the Muslim celebrates Bakrid, Ramzan and Muharram with fervour. In addition, there are innumerable other local festivals associated with the temples, churches or mosques. They are unique in the sense that they are not observed elsewhere.

Among the typical festivals of Kerala the boat regatta (vallamkali) has a place of honour. So does the Thrissur pooram, a festival of the Gods. Caparisoned elephants litter of gold and blazing colour, throbbing percussion beats, quintessential Kerala music and spectacular fireworks.