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Highlight :
The colorful 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. |
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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'. Each
boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of
craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood
of a snake and a tampering bow.
Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats
are manned by a crew of more than 100 men. |
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Cochin Carnival
The people of Kerala celebrate all its festivals with
a great deal of joyous enthusiasm. The Cochin Carnival
brings a lot of joy and delight to the people of Kerala.
Kochi Fort is the center of all the merriment that takes
place at the time of the Cochin Carnival.
The history of this grand feast dates back to the colonial
era. The Portuguese welcomed the New Year with a lot of
gaiety and fervor. Even though the tradition of partying
and merry making has been continuing ever since, the year
1984 witnessed a revival in the festivities. It heralded
the beginning of celebrations on a grander scale. |
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Muharram
Muharram is the opening month of the Hijra year. The
10th day of this month (May) is honoured by the Muslims of
Kerala. As per belief, it was on this day that the Imam
Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his men
were slain at Karbala.
It is to bemoan the martyrdom of the Imam that the Muslims
observe Muharram. Fasting is an important ritual of this
day.
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Onam
The Harvest Festival - Onam
Of all the festivals that are celebrated in the state of
Kerala, it is Onam which is marked by the greatest
of ostentation and ceremony. The ambience is colored with
the same cheer that fills the people's hearts.
After three months of heavy rains, the sky becomes a clear
blue and the forests a deep green. The brooks and streams
come alive, spitting forth-gentle white foam, the lakes
and rivers overflow and lotuses and lilies are in full
bloom. It is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to
rejoice. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with the
Malayalam New Year, Chingam.
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Sabarimala Festival
The Sabarimala festival is celebrated during
the months of November-January. The Sabarimala temple
festival of Kerala is celebrated in the honor of Lord
Ayappa. Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrimage in Kerala and
is famous all over the world. In Kerala, Sabarimala
festival is attended by thousands of devotees who
cover huge distances to reach the holy shrine. The
Sabarimala temple is located atop a rugged hill in the
Western Ghats.
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Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at
Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest
snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat
pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a marvelous
treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120
oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the legendary
songs. Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm
and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru
Trophy.
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Malabar Mahotsavam
Malabar Mahotsavam is held during the middle of
January every year and the people of the region celebrate
the same with elaborate fanfare. The festival in Kerala
beautifully showcases the cultural richness of the
region. The region of Kerala has an unmatched richness.
Performing arts has developed in Kerala over the ages and
has reached an acme. A variety of Indian classical dances
have originated from the soil of Kerala. |
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Swathi Festival
Swathi festival
is a gala event of music organised by the Government
of Kerala every year in the last week of January.The venue
is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace. Thiruvananthapuram,
where once upon a time the great poet-king of Travancore,
Sri Swathi Thirunal, composed many of his verses.
An august gathering of great maestros from all over the
country celebrate Indian classical music in all its
variety and grandeur. |
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Aarattu
The unique feature of the Aarattu Festival as
celebrated at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in
Thiruvananthapuram is that when the idols are taken for
the holy bath, the head of the royal family of the
erstwhile state of Travancore accompanies the procession.
It is indeed a very grand procession that is sure to
impress one with its magnificence. The idols are taken to
the Shankumugham Beach and then given the purifying bath
in the sea.
Luxury Holiday India offers information on Kerala Fair
& Festival in India and online Booking facility of
Kerala Fair & Festival in India.
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