The mush famous festivals of Kerala are like jewels in its crown that stand out for their beauty and uniqueness. Celebrated all year round, the people of Fascinating Kerala come together on every occasion to enjoy the spirit of their state with fun, frolic and entertainment gaining paramount importance. This festivity keeps the spirits and mood of the people high and vibrant with each season boosting of a different festival

The most famous and awaited event of Fascinating Kerala is the Onam festival. Falling in the month of September, the harvest season of Kerala, this festival is celebrated as the national festival of Kerala and is a perfect time for family get-together and fun. Onam is celebrated as the homecoming of Mahabali, the virtuous king of Kerala who was pushed down by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana.

Kerala with its beautiful landscapes has more than enough reason to celebrate. And the varied culture of the state has given expression to a colorful mosaic of festivals and fairs. The spirit of celebration is very much a part of the ethos of the state and visitors who have not witnessed any festival are missing out a lifetime's experience. The festivities, which go on throughout the year, make Kerala more vibrant than any other tourist destination around the world. Every season ushers in new festivals, each one a true celebration of the bounties of nature

New attire, dance, music and ritual, all add to their joyful rhythm. It is a time for prayer, for pageantry and processions and time to rejoice. The important fairs and festivals in the state are:

Onam Festival - The 10 day Onam festival is kerala's most important festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as the golden age in the history of the state. He was the embodiment of virtues, goodness, so was his regime which was marked by equality and harmony among people.

Thrissur Pooram - The most spectacular spectacle in the state. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) the festival parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Tthrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators. 

Aarattupuzha Pooram
The famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms from Thrissur, and celebrates its annual pooram festival during March.The final pooram is conducted with sixty one caparisoned elephants bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols, presenting an unparalleled spectacle. The temple ensemble lends a majestic tenor to the extravaganza.

Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'

Aranmula Uthrittathi - The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa, held annually at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi asterism, in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed to be in all the boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected to arrive a t their destination simultaneously.

Easter is the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not the birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter is derived from this paschal mystery and from the events of Good Friday.

Thiruvathira Festival - The festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). On thiruvathira morning, devotees throng Shiva temples for an early worship which is reckoned as highly auspicious.

Tradition says thiruvathira is celebrating the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of Love. According to another version, Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva. The festival has similarities to adra darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days. It has evolved as an occasion for the youth to enjoy the party-like atmosphere with unique games, competitions and illumination during these days, Fort Kochi puts on a festive look. The highlight of the Carnival is the massive procession on the New Year Day.

Organising For The Celebration
The procession is led by a caparisoned elephant accompanied by drums and music, spectacular floats, different folk art forms, Panchavadyam etc. north indian dances also figure in the festivities.

Idul-Fitr, of late known by the misnomer 'Ramadan' is one of the two festivals of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast, giving up all kinds of food and drink during day time, and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer.

Makaravillakku at Sabarimala - For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala.

Vishu - The Malayalam new year is celebrated by bursting crackers and going to temple.