India is regarded as a land of unity in diversity. An Indian state replicates the same truth. The picturesque state of Kerala is also inhabited by diverse groups of people. As the different groups celebrate their own festivals, the mood in Kerala always remains festive. The pomp and gaiety with which the festivals are celebrated further adds to the colourful atmosphere.

The Kerala Festivals
Onam: The 10 day Onam festival is the most important festival of the state. The festival honours the mythological King Mahabali. His rule is regarded as the golden period of Kerala's history. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with Chingam, the new year in Malayalam.

Thrissur Pooram

This spectacular festival is celebrated in the months of April and May. It was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Cochin state. Also known as the temple festival, a large number of devotees swarm the temples of the state to seek divine blessings.

Aranmula Uthrittathi

The famous snake boat festival of the state is witnessed by people from many different parts of the country. Very long boats with 120 competitors in each boat tire it out to win the top honours.The race held in connection with the Onam festival commemorates the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that very day.

Easter

Easter, the Christian festival regarded as old as Christianity itself, is celebrated widely in the state. The festival signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Thiruvathira Festival

The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Dhanu that falls in December-January. On Thiruvathira morning, devotees go to Shiva temples as worship of the deity is regarded as highly auspicious on that day. Some say that the festival celebrates the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of Love. Others believe that Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva.

Idul-Fitr

As Kerala has a large Muslim population, Idul-fitris celebrated in a large way in the State. One of the two festivals of Islam, the festival is celebrated in the lunar month of Ramadan. During this month, the Muslims observe fast during day time and spend the nights in devotion and prayer.

Makaravillakku at Sabarimala

This festival is regarded as a symbol of unity between the Vaishnavites and Saivites. Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharma Sastha, is the presiding deity.

Vishu

The Malayalam new year is celebrated with a lot of pomp and gaiety. Young ones burst crackers while older people prefer to visit temples.

Kerala is perhaps the only Indian state where there is an almost equivalent number of Hindus, Muslims and Christians. All the communities believe in celebrating the festivals with others which makes the various festivals of the state a symbols of communal harmony.