 Festivals of
Kerala Kerala has its
own festivals and festivities which invest the state with a unique atmosphere of
charm and gaiety. And kerala has so many of them that no one can probably have
a better festive calender than Kerala. Some of the Kerala's innumerable festivals, however stand out because of their uniqueness.
Onam Kerala's most colourful
festival, Onam celebrates the home coming of King mahabali,the mythical
ruler of Kerala who was pushed down to the infernal region (pathal) by Vishnu in
the form of Vamana. Onam is celebrated in the month August-September which
coincides with the harvest season. Onam is a festival which is celebrated for ten
days. Houses are cleaned and floral decorations put up to welcome the beloved
ruler.  
The image of
Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vama) is installed in every
Hindu home during the Onam season. Children go around collecting flowers for the
decoration of front portion of their house in different designs and forms which
change from day to day. The most important days of the festival are
Uthradom Thiruvonam days. On the latter, a grand feast called
Onasadhya is held in every home. The ladies of the household are up early
that day to begin the preparation for this feast. The food is served in large
freshly plucked plantain leaves, each item in specified order. Kichadi,
pachadi, eliseri, puliseri, olan, aviyal, pappadam, banana chips, all these
make up the top half, from right to left. Pickles take up the bottom left
corner. But all these are just side dishes for the hot steaming puzhukkal ari
(boiled rice) to be eaten with sambar, kaalan, rasam and buttermilk. Onam
provides an occasion for family get-together for the Keralites. Everybody
celebrates it, irrespective of religion or caste.
Pooram (Thrissur Pooram)
In the hot months of April/May, attention
shifts to Thrissur for the Thrissur Pooram, where caparisoned elephants ,
glittering umbrellas, fire works and the rising sounds of the traditional
percussion ensemble combine in front of the vadakkunathan temple, offering a
treat for the senses. Chenda Melam and Kodamattam are other attractions, which
have gained national reputation. Thrissur Pooram is the harbinger of
‘Vedikkettu’ (fireworks). People throng in massive proportion to
experience the excitement of fireworks competition. Pooram is an expression of
aesthetic human minds and popular fascination for rhythm, sound and colour and
it does fascinate and thrill people of all tastes.
Vishu In April/May, Malayalees celebrate Vishu, The new year of
the Malayalam calendar. It is characterized in Malayali homes, by the ' first
sighting ' of auspicious articles ceremoniously placed before a lamp. Elders in
the family also gift token amounts of money to the younger members.
Eidul Azha & Eid-ul-Fitr
Eidul Azha & Eid-ul-Fitr are the major Muslim festivals. Muslims
enjoy a hearty feast on Eidul Azha day. Idul Azha is performed after
the famous Hajj. Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of Ramzan fast when Muslims give
up, all kinds of food and drinks during day and spend major part of the night in
prayers. Miladi Sherif (Nabi Dinam) commemorates the birth of Prophet.
Christmas Christmas and
Easter are the main festivals of Christians of Kerala. the illuminated star
hangs in front of most Malayali homes. Groups of youths, singing carols are also
a common sight. Christmas falls on December 25th and commemorates the birth of
Jesus Christ. Holy Mass is held in all churches in the state. The Christmas tree
is decorated in churches an homes. The appearance of Santa Claus and the
distribution of presents are highlights of the celebration. There is a feast in
every Christian home.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. The Maramon convention held every year in March on the river bed at
Maramon under the auspices of the Marthoma Church is the biggest gathering of
the Christians in Asia and the second biggest in the world.
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