Kerala is well known for its culture and tradition. This century-long tradition has made Kerala, a state of rich heritage. Here we are listing the popular Kerala festivals. 

Onam :

Onam is the national festival of Kerala. It is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, the great ruler of Kerala. The festival gives a message of Truth, Integrity, Peace and Honesty. As per Hindu mythology, the Asura King Mahabali was ruling over three worlds and Devas want to defeat him. King Mahabali was a good ruler to his subjects and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Upon on the request of Devas, Lord Vishnu took Vamana(dwarf boy) avatar asked for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed to his wish and Vamana covered the whole three worlds in just two paces. Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Lord Vishnu was pleased with devotion and grant a boon to visit his subjects once in every year. Onam is celebrated as King Mahabali’s forthcoming to Kerala. People of Kerala celebrate the festival with pomp and Onasadya, the delicious grant meal. Onam mostly falls in the month August or September and celebrations will start with the Atham asterism on the Malayalam month calendar Chingam.

Vishu :

Vishu is celebrated in the month April, it is celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month Medam. This auspicious festival is considered as the starting of the new year. The main ritual of this festival is Kani Kanal to bring a prosperous upcoming year. Elders give” Vishu Kaineetam” to younger ones.

Christmas:

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in Kerala in its traditional way. Celebrations start a week before Christmas, with shopping, decors, lights, etc. On Christmas Day, Christmas feast will be prepared on households.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is one of the popular Kerala festivals . It is held in Thekkinkadu Maithanam near Vadakunathan temple. Popularly known as “Poorams of all Poorams”, this festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam (April-May). Thrissur Pooram is known for its colourful fireworks that lit in the festival night.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the famous festival of Muslims to celebrate the arrival of the Holy Quran from Allah. It is a month-long festival with prayers and fasting of food to purify the soul and bring close to Allah. This season of fasting ends with Eid-Ul-Fitr and is celebrated for three days.

Easter

Easter is celebrated as the resurgence of Jesus Christ. Since Kerala has a high population of  Christians, so Easter is celebrated with much zeal as in other countries. It starts with lent, a fast kept by giving up your favourite food. People break the fast on Easter day and celebrate the whole day with fervour.