The God’s own country is also referred as the land of festivals. The entire year is filled with numerous festival occasions and holidays. Tourists from different corners of the world come especially during the festive season to imbibe and embrace the true culture of the place.
Kerala Festivals are exclusive of their kind - colorful!
ONAM
Among festivals, the most famous and biggest Kerala festival is ‘Onam’. Onam is the national festival of Kerala which starts from the day of Onam Eve (Uthradom) and extends for ten days. All Keralites irrespective of any religion or community celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Onam commences during the Malayalam month of Chingam (between August and September) which marks the return of Mahabali, their mythical king.
This is also known as harvest festival which depicts the culture and tradition of this state. Onam brings out the exclusive talent of Kerala people in decorating their house with Pookolam, Onasadya, Snake Boat Race and Kaikottikali dance.
VISHU
The 2nd important festival of Kerala is ‘Vishu’. This occasion falls on the Malayalam month of 1st Medam. They consider this day as the most auspicious day to start anything new. The characteristic feature of Vishu is Vishu Sadhya, Kainettam and shopping for something new.
CHRISTMAS
Kerala consists of strong Christian population and hence ‘Christmas’ is one among their biggest festival. The festive mood starts from December 23rd and extends till January 2nd. This festival is characterized by extensive shopping, parties, parades. The Parades are observed in all the main churches during Christmas Eve, special masses and special feast are worth enjoying.
NEW YEAR’s EVE
‘New Year’s Eve’ is also another festival which is celebrated in a grand manner at Kochi. New Year is marked by the popular Cochin Carnival and also the Lighting of Papanai (a procedure introduced by Portuguese).
EID AL ADHA
Muslim festivals like ‘Eid Al Adha’ (Otherwise known as Valiya Perunal) and ‘Eid Al Fithur’ (also referred as Cheriya Perunal) are celebrated with public holidays and special Id public prayers. One can witness major celebration especially at Malabar region, particularly Kozhikode. This region is well known for Muslim festivals where people enjoy with sweets and Malabar special cuisines like Malabar Biryani and various other specialties mostly are made using mutton and chicken.
All these festivals at Kerala gained major importance because of their famous Temple festivals. Most of Kerala temples celebrate annual festival which usually starts from the end of November and extends till the mid of May. Among them, the most famous temple festivals are ‘Thrissur Pooram’, ‘Navarathiri’ and ‘Padmanabha’s Arattu’.
MUSIC – Adding soul to festivals!
One of the essential ingredients in any festival is their traditional music. The Kerala music comes with a rich and long history which has major influence of Carnatic music. Malayalam songs are mostly derived from early Malayalam literature that dates back to 9th century CE.
Kerala Festivals are exclusive of their kind - colorful!
ONAM
Among festivals, the most famous and biggest Kerala festival is ‘Onam’. Onam is the national festival of Kerala which starts from the day of Onam Eve (Uthradom) and extends for ten days. All Keralites irrespective of any religion or community celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Onam commences during the Malayalam month of Chingam (between August and September) which marks the return of Mahabali, their mythical king.
This is also known as harvest festival which depicts the culture and tradition of this state. Onam brings out the exclusive talent of Kerala people in decorating their house with Pookolam, Onasadya, Snake Boat Race and Kaikottikali dance.
 |
| Kerala Festivals |
VISHU
The 2nd important festival of Kerala is ‘Vishu’. This occasion falls on the Malayalam month of 1st Medam. They consider this day as the most auspicious day to start anything new. The characteristic feature of Vishu is Vishu Sadhya, Kainettam and shopping for something new.
CHRISTMAS
Kerala consists of strong Christian population and hence ‘Christmas’ is one among their biggest festival. The festive mood starts from December 23rd and extends till January 2nd. This festival is characterized by extensive shopping, parties, parades. The Parades are observed in all the main churches during Christmas Eve, special masses and special feast are worth enjoying.
NEW YEAR’s EVE
‘New Year’s Eve’ is also another festival which is celebrated in a grand manner at Kochi. New Year is marked by the popular Cochin Carnival and also the Lighting of Papanai (a procedure introduced by Portuguese).
EID AL ADHA
Muslim festivals like ‘Eid Al Adha’ (Otherwise known as Valiya Perunal) and ‘Eid Al Fithur’ (also referred as Cheriya Perunal) are celebrated with public holidays and special Id public prayers. One can witness major celebration especially at Malabar region, particularly Kozhikode. This region is well known for Muslim festivals where people enjoy with sweets and Malabar special cuisines like Malabar Biryani and various other specialties mostly are made using mutton and chicken.
All these festivals at Kerala gained major importance because of their famous Temple festivals. Most of Kerala temples celebrate annual festival which usually starts from the end of November and extends till the mid of May. Among them, the most famous temple festivals are ‘Thrissur Pooram’, ‘Navarathiri’ and ‘Padmanabha’s Arattu’.
MUSIC – Adding soul to festivals!
One of the essential ingredients in any festival is their traditional music. The Kerala music comes with a rich and long history which has major influence of Carnatic music. Malayalam songs are mostly derived from early Malayalam literature that dates back to 9th century CE.
No comments:
Post a Comment