5 Kerala festivals you must attend in 2022
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Kerala, rightly called God’s own country, is surrounded by peaceful beaches, beautiful coastlines, green hill stations, tea and coffee plantations all over the state. Given its rich cultural heritage, Kerala festivals are further celebrated in an equally rich and grand manner. The state earns significant revenue through tourism. No wonder tourists love this state for its lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. Learn more about important festivals in Kerala and their significance in this article.
Kerala Culture and Festivals:
The pride of India, paradise on earth, and personally, there is no better holiday destination than Kerala, and today we are going to delve into the country’s golden culture and its festivals. Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is an awe-inspiring land, with its sweet and sour spices and natural greenery besides being a religiously racially tolerant state. Kerala is also the hub of all tourist attractions and what could be more appealing than experiencing their native festivals? Check out more information on Kerala festival information here.
1. Outram:
Onam is the main festival of Kerala. If you are planning to visit Kerala mid-year, be sure to attend this famous Kerala festival. The story behind the Onam festival is that during his exile, King Mahabali was only allowed to return to his kingdom to check on his subjects once a year, and the annual visit was called Onam. Although the festivities lasted 10 days, all these days were full of fun and joy. Several cultural programs were held with dance and music in conjunction with the fair. The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. A variety of delicious dishes, eye-catching pookalams are made with flowers, petals and leaves.
- significance: This is one of the main festivals celebrated in Kerala when King Mahabari visits to check on the well-being of his subjects.
- Main Attractions: Boat races, jaw-dropping food, traditional costumes and floral arrangements
- when: Every year around September. Onam is also a state festival in Kerala.
- Where: whole kerala
- date: August 12-23, 2022
see more: Popular Onam Saree Collection
2. Thiruwatila
Another famous festival celebrated in Kerala is Thiruvathira or Arudhra Darisanam. This is celebrated in December. Thiruwatila in Kerala is a celebration of devotion, love and dance. Women and young girls in traditional clothing perform special prayers. This festival is associated with the birth of Lord Shiva. Thiruvathirakali, a dance form dedicated to the event, is also an integral part of the festival.
- significance: This festival is a festival for women in the state to celebrate the birth of Lord Shiva.
- Main Attractions: One must witness first-hand how women are celebrated in traditional costumes with prayers and offerings, as well as special dances.
- when: This famous Kerala festival takes place around December
- Where: Hindu women all over Kerala
- date: December 20, 2022
[See More: Most Famous Temples in Kerala]
3. Makaravilakku Festival:
This is an annual January festival where people gather in Sabarimara to celebrate the Makaravillakku festival, which is a worship of Lord Ayyappa. Large numbers of devotees from all over the country, especially the southern regions, flock to Sabari Mara to witness and participate in this auspicious event. The Aluva Sivarathri festival will be celebrated on the banks of the Periyar River next month. Mythology says that Lord Shiva once consumed a barrel of poison to save the world from total destruction, and it is celebrated on this day when people gather on the banks of the river, stay up late to read holy books, and once the vigil is over, the Balinese ritual is also performed at dawn.
- significance: Worship Lord Ayappa.
- Main Attractions: Great prayers and offerings, many people come to Sabari Mara to witness this sight every year
- when: Around January, this is one of the main festivals in Kerala
- Where: in Sabari Mara
- date: January 15, 2022
4. Kerala Village Festival:
Next on the Kerala festival list is the Village Festival. In January, Kerala witnessed the Kerala Village Festival on the sands of Kovalam Beach. This waterfront fair is a great platform to showcase local crafts, handlooms and artistic talent. Architecture depicting Kerala culture comes to life. All the crowds, locals and tourists come together to celebrate this 10-day fair at the beach.
- significance: The idea behind this Kerala Village Bazaar/Festival is not to let old traditions and customs be forgotten. So they recreated the idea of the village in traditional style during these 10 days.
- Main Attractions: Kerala culture and traditions, dances, songs and food
- when: around mid-January
- Where: Kovalam seaside
- date: Unannounced date
5. Thrissur Pooram Festival:
During April or May, the Thrissur Pooram festival is held in Thrissur. The best elephants from all over Kerala are gathered and decorated with ornaments, and these elephants are then led to the Trisur procession. The stunning view of all the elephants on their way to the destination is worth seeing.
- significance: The festivities start from the time of ancient Rajara Marwama with the unification of all 10 gods in the temple of Thrissur and prayers for Siva.
- Main Attractions: Elephant parades and rich customs and heavy and grand decorations
- when: Around April to May every year
- Where: in trisur
- date: April 23, 2022
[See More: Magical Temples In Kochi]
Then there are other celebrations such as Navaratri, Islamic Chandanakudam Mahotsavam and Pongal Festival. All are celebrated with the same enthusiasm and brilliance. The Vishu festival in Kerala also celebrates the arrival of the new year. Ao Nang in Kerala is considered a national festival and is important to all who celebrate this festival in peace and harmony, and it is celebrated by people of all religions in Kerala. The Kerala Elephant Festival is one of the most colourful temple festivals celebrated in the form of a parade. Traditional festivals in Kerala still adhere to ancient customs and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. What is the most important festival in Kerala?
Onam is the most important national festival of Kerala. All religions and communities celebrate it together in harmony and love. The time for worship by offering prayers, celebrations, games and competitions is around this time.
2. Why are elephant parades held at festivals in Kerala?
Elephant parades usually take place during Onam and Thrissur Pooram. About a hundred or more elephants were decorated and moved around in the procession. This is part of Kerala customs and traditions. They play an important role in Hindu temples and carry temple deities. There are music and dance shows throughout the country, and the elephants are adorned with gold ornaments, showcasing Kerala’s rich grandeur and cultural heritage.
3. What is the feast during the Onam celebration?
Onam Sadhya is a traditional dish served on banana leaves during Onam feasts and celebrations. They include Upperi, Sharkara Varatti, manga curry, naranga curry, ellisheri, pulissery, kaalan, olan, pachadi, inji curry, parippu curry, chor, sambar and other items.