The colorful land of Kerala, has many festivals celebrated across Kerala with enthusiasm and gaiety. It has festivals as diverse as the land, these festivals are an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. The festivals of Kerala are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. All the year round the festivals keep Kerala life vibrant and interesting in the everyday affairs of life.

Every season brings with itself new festivals, each one filled with excitement and enthusiasm. These festivals display an eternal harmony of spirit. Festivals in Kerala are occasions for people to clean and decorate their houses and to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.

It's time for new clothes, dance, music, rituals and for prayer, pageantry and processions and of course the time to rejoice. All this adds to the joyful rhythm in Kerala.

Some important festivals in Kerala

Onam Festival
Onam, a 10 day festival is Kerala's most important festival, celebrated in the honour of King Mahabali. He was a mythological king of ancient Kerala and it is believed that his period was the golden age in the history of the state.

Thrissur Pooram
Introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state, Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated in Medom (April-May). Every year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large number of devotees and spectators.

Thiruvathira Festival
This festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). On the day of the festival, in the morning, devotees gather at Shiva temples for an early worship which is considered highly auspicious. According to the legends Thiruvathira festival is celebrated as the death of Kamdeva, the mythological God of Love. Some say that Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva. The festival is similar to Adra darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

Vishu
This is considered as the Malyalam new year. It is celebrated by bursting crackers and visiting the temple.

Easter
One of the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself, is Easter. Easter celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection. This Festival is celebrated by the Christian community in Kerala.

Id-ul-Fitr
Islamic festival Id-ul-Fitr is also known as the 'Ramadan'. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast during daytime and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer.