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Kerala Festivals
The
colourful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as diverse as the land, is
an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the
State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting
the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala
life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life.
Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties
of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with
fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to
get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.
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'.
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.
Onam
Onam, the harvest festival is the most popular festival of Kerala. A festival
that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural
repertoire of every Malayalee. It brings back nostalgic memories, carried on
the wings of folklore, of a bygone Utopian era of prosperity, equality and righteousness,
under the golden reign of Mahabali. Year after year, for centuries, the people
of Kerala, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, join together to welcome
back their vanquished king. The ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September,
coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This
annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on
the second Saturday of August. The event is a commemoration of the visit to
this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira
Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted
in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which
attracts travellers from all parts of the globe. The sixteen majestic snake
boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers
of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted
in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.
Thirunakara Festival
The Thirunakara Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam and dedicated to Lord
Siva is also famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture. The annual
festival of this temple falls in the months of March-April, when folk arts like
"Mayilattam' and 'Velakali' are presented in the temple grounds during
the evenings.
Oachirakkali
The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held
in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples,
there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from
Kollam. The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic Consciousness).
Rows of men dressed up in ancient soldier's constumes wave wooden swords and
shields and advance and retreat to the rhythm of traditional drums.
Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival
Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at
the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in Thiruvananthapuram city. Classical dances
of almost all the states of India are staged during the festival. Mohiniyattam
(Kerala), Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kutchippudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi
(Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur) and Kathak (a north Indian Classical Dance) are
the major dances performed.
