Fairs & Festivals of Kerala

Kerala is the land of year- round festivity. . Dozens of unique and vibrant festivals add on to magic of this destination. And further affirm that the season really never does end in Kerala. What's more the cultural mosaic of Kerala has no dearth of occasions to celebrate. If you visit during these festivals, it will be a added sparkle to your journey to Kerala. 

The fairs and festivals from an integral part of cultural heritage of the state. Small wonder that the prime fair and festivals are celebrated in grandiose manner. Observe the exotic rituals with fair and festivals tours of Kerala.

The Great Elephant March
Starting with grand welcome in Thrissur, the procession of 101 exquisitely decked elephants marches down the streets of Thrissur, Alappuzha and ends at Trivandrum. A display of culture and culinary are also the distinctive features of this event. The ceremonial feeding of elephants by visitors and riding of elephants make a delightful and unforgettable experience. Period: 9^th to 12^th January - every year.

Kerala Gramam - A Village Fair

Travel back in time to an age when Kerala was still in its infancy.  Visit an entire  ancient village recreated a hamlet near the enchanting beach resort of Kovalam.  Observe the traditional houses, attire, food, crafts and many more.
Period: 14^th to 23^rd January- every year.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival

'Nishagandhi', means the fragrance of the night. This annual celebration is an august gathering of the connoisseurs of find Indian classical dance forms including Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniyattam and Kathak. Do enjoy their performance at Nishagandhi open air auditorium at Trivandrum. Spread over 7 mesmerizing evenings this festival is grand treat for lovers of dance and tourists alike.
Period: 21^st to 27^th  February- every year.

Food Festival

Savour avail, pulli inji, moru curry, payasam and lot more. These tongue twisters are actually the mouthwatering delicacies of Kerala. The Flavors Food Festival held in Trivandrum gives you a rare opportunity to relish the traditional authentic cuisines of Kerala and India.
Period: 5^th to 11^th April - every year.

Thrissur Pooram

The Thrissur Pooram festival is mammoth spectacle with arrays of thirty caparisoned elephants. Bedecked with gold ornaments. Each elephant is ridden by three mahouts holding objects symbolizing royalty.  Accompanied by beats of drums and cymbals - Chenda melam - the quintessentially Kerala music. Every year lakhs of people crowd to watch this piece -de-resistance of a festival.
Period: April/May - every year.

Onam
During Onam all of Kerala has an aura of festivity and pomp. This harvest festival is celebrated to welcome the legendary king, Mahabali.  Intricate floral decorations are made on the courtyard to welcome this king on his visit to his beloved subjects. Onam Tourist Week presents a fascinating display of various art and dance forms at 20 venues in Trivandrum and other major districts.

Also thousands of people gather on the banks of the River Pamba to witness the exciting snake boat races.  The festival is marked with elephant processions, Kathakali dances, fireworks, water, carnivals etc., authentic traditional feasts prepared for Onam are gastronomic's delight.
Period: August/September - every year.

Boat Races

The backwaters of Alappuzha is the venue of the spectacular Nehru Trophy snake boat race. Excitement and enthusiasm fill the air. Magnificently decorated Chundan Vallams, with raised stems resembling the hood of a cobra slit the calm backwaters. Powered by more than 150 singing and shouting oarsmen.  Scores of boats take part and are cheered and jeered by thousands of enthusiastic spectators, Payippad and Aranmula villages too witness the strength and power of oarsmen who vie for a victorious finish.
Period: Oct/December - every year.

Navaratri

This festival is praise of mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and music.  A musical concert of reputed classical singers is held every evening for nine days at Navaratri Mandapam of Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum.
Period: October/December every year.

Cochin Carnival

Ring in the New Year with great festivity and cheer at the Cochin Carnival. This week-long extravaganza presents to you colourful parades, variety program and events to enjoy. And of course, cherish.
Period: 25^th to 31^st December- every year.