Festivals

Thiruvathira is a traditional festival of Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated mainly by women with deep devotion and cultural pride. It is observed on the Thiruvathira star in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January). The festival symbolizes marital harmony, long life of husbands, and spiritual well-being, making it especially significant for married women, while unmarried women observe it seeking a good life partner. A key highlight of the festival is Thiruvathira Kali, a graceful group dance performed by women dressed in traditional Kasavu sarees, moving rhythmically in a circle around a lamp while singing traditional folk songs. Women observe Thiruvathira Vratham (fasting), which includes special rituals, prayers, and offerings to Lord Shiva. Homes and temples are filled with a serene and festive atmosphere throughout the day. Food also plays an important role in the celebrations. A special dish called Thiruvathira Puzhukku, made with a variety of vegetables and tubers, is prepared along with traditional curries. Thiruvathira beautifully blends devotion, art, and community bonding, reflecting Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions passed down through generations.

Attukal Pongala is a famous and deeply spiritual festival held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, believed to be a powerful form of Kannaki. The festival usually takes place during February–March in the Malayalam month of Makaram–Kumbham and is renowned for its strong participation by women devotees from across Kerala and beyond. The main ritual, known as Pongala, involves women cooking a sacred offering made of rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee in earthen pots over open fires set along streets, courtyards, and public spaces surrounding the temple. At the auspicious moment, temple priests bless the offerings, and the entire city witnesses a remarkable spiritual atmosphere filled with devotion and unity. Due to the massive participation, Attukal Pongala has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women for a religious event. Apart from the Pongala ritual, the festival includes cultural programs, traditional music, dance performances, and religious ceremonies. The event highlights themes of faith, womanhood, equality, and collective strength. Attukal Pongala is not just a religious festival but a powerful symbol of devotion, social harmony, and Kerala’s rich spiritual heritage.

Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated in Kerala, usually on April 14th. It symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. The most important ritual of Vishu is Vishukkani, an auspicious arrangement of items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, gold ornaments, coins, mirror (valkannadi), and the yellow Konna flowers, which people view first thing in the morning for good luck throughout the year. Another key tradition is Vishukkaineettam, where elders give money to younger family members as a blessing for prosperity. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and people wear new clothes known as Vishukodi. Celebrations include bursting firecrackers, especially enjoyed by children, adding joy and excitement to the day. Food also plays an important role during Vishu. Families prepare a special Vishu Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a balance of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy flavors to represent the different experiences of life. Vishu is a festival that beautifully blends spirituality, tradition, and family bonding, reflecting Kerala’s cultural values and optimism for the year ahead.

Onam is the most important festival of Kerala and is celebrated with great joy to welcome the legendary King Mahabali, whose annual visit is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to the land. The festival usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for ten days, with each day having its own cultural and religious significance. Onam reflects the values of equality, harmony, and gratitude for nature’s bounty, making it a true celebration of Kerala’s spirit. Homes and public spaces are beautifully decorated with Pookalam, intricate floral designs made using fresh flowers arranged in circular patterns. One of the main highlights is the Onam Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, consisting of a variety of traditional dishes such as avial, sambar, olan, thoran, payasam, and more. People wear traditional attire—Kasavu sarees for women and mundu for men—adding elegance to the celebrations. Cultural programs play a major role during Onam, including Pulikali (tiger dance), Thiruvathira dance, folk songs, and classical performances. The festival is also renowned for Vallam Kali, the spectacular snake boat races held in rivers and backwaters, where teams row in perfect rhythm, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Overall, Onam is not just a festival but a symbol of Kerala’s rich history, cultural unity, and deep-rooted traditions celebrated by people of all communities.