Kerala Culture and Festivals – Experience God’s Own Country

Kerala is blessed with a rich culture, diverse traditions, stunning scenic beauty, and a diverse biodiversity. You name it, Kerala has it! One of the most fascinating things that will capture your attention is their unbroken tradition, which dates back thousands of years. The people here are very warm, and their enthusiasm is visible in their festivals.

To truly experience the real Kerala, plan your visit during the festival season. In this blog, we delve into the details of Kerala’s culture and festivals that define the state.

Everything About Kerala Culture and Festivals

Every festival in Kerala is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor; all communities and religions come together. The festive spirit is well reflected in its traditional Kerala art forms, classical music, deep-rooted faith, and community. Let us delve into the heart of Kerala’s heritage and the warmth of its people.

Please note: The dates of the festivals depend upon the Malayalam Calendar. 

Onam

The Onam festival in Kerala is one of the most popular and prominent festivals celebrated across all communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike in the state. This festival is deeply ingrained in the state’s cultural identity and stands as a symbol of equality, prosperity, and togetherness. Every home turns into a shimmering scene of joy and nostalgia. The festival’s craze starts early, with people thoroughly cleaning their homes, beautifully decorating them, making beautiful floral designs called (Pookalam), and wearing stunning traditional attire.

When: August – September (Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar)

Special Highlights: 

• This festival marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. The ten-day celebration is the main event, where every home features vibrant Pookalam (flower carpets), a traditional Onasadya feast served on banana leaves, Pulikali (a tiger dance), Vallam Kali (boat races), Kaikottikali (folk dances), and incredible temple festivities. 

Vishu

This is one of the most famous festivals in Kerala, marking the Malayalam New Year and holding a special place in the hearts of the people of Kerala. This grand festival is celebrated with infinite zeal, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. The celebrations are primarily conducted by the Hindu community of Kerala, especially in regions such as Thrissur, Palakkad, and the northern districts of Kerala. The entire festival’s deep-rooted belief is that the person who sees the first sight on Vishu morning determines their fortune for the coming year.  

When: Mid-April (first day of Malayalam month Medam)

Special Highlights:

•  Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated with beautiful rituals, such as Vishukkani, an auspicious sight arrangement seen first thing in the morning. 
• People take part, wearing new clothes (Vishu Kodi), burst crackers as a symbol of happiness, and enjoy hearty feasts. The festival symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings.

Theyyam Festival

This festival is one of the most beautifully celebrated festivals in the state, reflecting authentic 

Kerala culture and traditions, particularly among the Malayan, Vannan, and Velan castes. “Theyyam” beautifully glorifies and depicts the connection between the divine and the people. A notable aspect of the festival is that the word “Theyyam” originates from the word “Daivam,” meaning “god” or “deity,” and the performers are believed to embody the deities they represent during the ritual.

When: December–April (varies across temples in North Kerala)

Special Highlights: 

• A beautiful ritual Kerala art form performed in temples across Kannur and Kasaragod. Talented artists, adorned with elaborate headgear, transform into divine spirits, putting on an excellent cultural show. 
• With over 400 variations of Theyyam, each performance narrates ancient myths, offering a mystical and spiritual experience.

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Thrissur Pooram

This festival is regarded as the grandest temple festival in Kerala, where enthusiastic people do an impeccable showcase of the state’s cultural pride. The Thrissur Pooram festival is hugely celebrated by the Hindu community of Kerala, where numerous religious practices are performed with utmost faith. 

Regarding the festival’s historical significance, Thrissur Pooram was established by the Maharaja of Cochin to unite various temples in and around the region under one grand celebration, thereby fostering a sense of harmony and collective devotion. The aesthetic expression and people’s sacred rituals are a must-see during this festival. 

When: April – May

Special Highlights: 

• This temple festival is often referred to as the “Mother of all Poorams,” which takes place at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. 
• It features caparisoned elephants, Kudamattam (umbrella exchanges), grand percussion performances like Panchavadyam and Melam, and breathtaking fireworks.

Attukal Pongala

This is one of the most revered festivals of Kerala, celebrated primarily by the women. This festival is a true showcase of the beautiful Kerala culture and traditions and is also known by the name “Women’s Sabarimala,”. Attukal Pongala is a spiritual event dedicated solely to the Goddess Kannaki, who is believed to be the divine embodiment of strength and virtue in the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. 

When: February–March

Special Highlights: 

• The divine festival is held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
• This is a women-only festival where millions gather to prepare pongala (a sweet offering) in earthen pots for the goddess. 
• It has earned a place in the Guinness World Records for mass participation.

Navratri

Navratri is a spiritually enriching festival dedicated to the divine feminine energy, and is celebrated across India with immense belief and fervor. This revered festival primarily honors the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the Kerala art forms. 

During the Navratri festival, Kerala takes on a distinctly serene and educational character by placing/offering books, musical instruments, and tools to the Goddess for Puja, signifying knowledge and skill. Hindu families, students, artists, and musicians celebrate the festival with glorious ancient traditions and rituals. 

When: September – October

Special Highlights: 

• Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Navaratri in Kerala is marked by setting up Bommai Kolu (doll displays), Ayudha Puja, and Vidyarambham, the initiation of children into learning. 
• Temples and cultural centers host classical music and dance programs.

Makaravilakku (Sabarimala Festival)

The Makaravilakku (Sabarimala Festival) is another most spiritually significant event, held in the state. This festival beautifully showcases Kerala’s culture and traditions, as well as a deep sense of devotion, discipline, and equality that unites people from all walks of life. The Makaravilakku festival is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who was born from the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu’s female form). 

When: January 14 (Makar Sankranti)

Special Highlights: 

• A sacred pilgrimage at Sabarimala, where millions of devotees witness the divine light (Makaravilakku) on the hilltop. 

Chandanakudam Festival

Chandnakudam is another one of the most revered festivals of Kerala, where the state’s true festive spirit can be observed in the form of religious harmony and shared cultural identity. The word Chandanakudam literally means “pot of sandalwood paste,” which plays a central role in the festival’s rituals. Locals carry beautifully decorated pots filled with sandalwood paste, coins, and flowers, joyfully parading through the streets accompanied by traditional music, colorful flags, and rhythmic chants.

When: December–February (dates vary by location)

Special Highlights: 

• Celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims, this festival involves carrying pots decorated with sandalwood paste and flowers in processions. 

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Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the most significant and enthusiastically celebrated festivals in Kerala. The race was first organized in 1952 to honor India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, after his memorable visit to Kerala. Held at the scenic Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, this iconic event showcases the state’s culture of camaraderie and water-bound traditions, celebrating unity, teamwork, and pride. 

When: Second Saturday of August (during Onam season)

Special Highlights: 

• The spectacle of Chundan Vallams (snake boats) racing to the beat of drums attracts thousands of spectators, blending sport with a festive atmosphere.

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Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Another deeply revered cultural festival of Kerala is the Kalpathi Ratholsavam, also locally known as the Kalpathi Chariot Festival. This is a grand temple festival celebrated at the Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathi, Palakkad. Kalpathi Ratholsavam is dedicated to Lord Viswanatha (Shiva) and Goddess Parvati, with a history spanning over 700 years. Regarding its history, the roots of this festival are linked to Tamil Brahmin traditions, where a striking blend of Kerala’s and Tamil Nadu’s traditions can be observed. 

When: November

Special Highlights: 

• Grand wooden chariots are beautifully decorated, pulled through the streets, accompanied by Vedic chants, music, and rituals.

Temple Festivals

The Kerala temple festivals, known as Utsavams, are an essential part of the state’s cultural heritage. They bring intense mythological and cultural significance. These incredible Temple celebrations are held annually, regardless of their size. Locals can be seen gathering and actively taking part in the rituals. The festivals are deeply honored by the Hindu community and are dedicated to its presiding deity, with a familiar spirit shared across the state. 

During the festivities, the temples come alive even more, with rhythmic Chendamelam (percussion orchestras), glowing parades, and beautifully adorned elephants, all of which signify the state’s true essence. 

When: Throughout the year, depending on temple calendars.

Special Highlights: 

• Traditional art forms, such as Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Koodiyattam, are often performed with great skill as offerings to the deity. 

Mahashivaratri

This is one of the most revered festivals of Kerala, which deeply honors Lord Shiva, the primary and majestic deity of Hinduism. Countless devotees gather, observing a day-long fast, performing prayers, and engaging in night-long vigils to honor the eternal power and grace of Lord Shiva. 

Grand gatherings and ceremonies can be witnessed on the banks of the Aluva Periyar River. During Mahashivratri, temples remain open to visitors, where devotees spend the night with loud chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” accompanied by the sounds of bells and the fragrance of flowers. 

When: February – March

Special Highlights: 

• Devotees observe rituals and traditions at major Shiva temples, such as Aluva Manappuram and Vadakkunnathan Temple, in Thrissur. 

Aranmula Boat Race (Vallam Kali)

The Aranmula Boat Race, locally known as Vallam Kali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala. During this time, the locals participate with full enthusiasm and passion. This event has been held for centuries, reflecting the state’s age-old traditions in boat-building and rowing. During the Aranmula Boat Race, the active participation of the Hindu community is evident, particularly those associated with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. 

When: August – September (during Onam)

Special Highlights: 

• You can witness beautifully decorated snake boats (Palliyodams), which are rowed by hundreds of oarsmen, move rhythmically to traditional songs, creating a mesmerizing sight. This highlights the fantastic team spirit of the participants. 

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Christmas

The heartfelt celebration of Christmas in Kerala, primarily by the Christian community, is observed with great devotion and grandeur. The best part of Christmas celebrations in Kerala is that people from other communities also participate in the celebrations, reflecting the state’s spirit of harmony and inclusivity. All the churches across the state light up beautifully, and the Midnight masses are filled with hymns, prayers, and peace-filled gatherings. 

When: December 25

Special Highlights: 

• Churches and homes are decorated beautifully, and traditional cakes and feasts spread festive cheer.

Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha

Mainly celebrated by the vast Muslim community in Kerala, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are observed with immense joy, devotion, and brotherhood. Eid-ul-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s will. The atmosphere of warmth and unity is evident throughout the state. 

When: Dates vary as per the Islamic lunar calendar

Special Highlights: 

• It is celebrated by Kerala’s large Muslim community with special prayers at mosques, feasts with delicacies like biriyani, and acts of charity. 

Plan your vacation during the festive season to witness the magical essence of Kerala culture and festivals in their most vibrant and authentic form. Each festival will take you on a soulful journey, leaving you eager to return next time! Book your personalized Kerala Tour Package now with JustWravel! 

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