| Celebrations of Kerala |
Kerala is the homeland of some of the most colourful and mosaic festivals in the world which transcend all regional and religious profiles. The trait that stands out through different ceremonies and rituals is the thread of harmony and oneness. Traditional practices live on with the same spirit to maintain the ethos of its people which is as distinct as the place itself. Celebrations here are not about the individual, it is about the land and the people and the society he/she is part of.
From August onwards 'God's Own Country' witnesses an astounding fusion of festivities that are matchless in their grandeur and unrivaled in their splendor. Here, each festival is a legend in itself. Behind all festivals, there are some mysterious myths or stories that capture the spiritual awareness of the natives and eventually became festive celebrations.
The festival has a deep relation with the geographical conditions of Kerala. As we know that 'Chingamasam' is the month of harvesting, we enjoy the happiness of this season by celebrating the Onam festival, which is regarded as Malayalam's Own Festival. From the lush paddy fields, serene backwaters, gushing rivers, sprawling coconut grooves, bucolic villages to the intricately built edifices of illustrious temples, Kerala is the right background for elaborate festivals that attracts millions of travelers from India as well as abroad. Let's have a sneak peak into the celebrations of Kerala:
 Onam (Aug-Sept)
Onam is the most spectacular festival of all, a celebration across the land which lasts for 10 days. A newfound enthusiasm and vigour for all activities defines the air during Onam. The festival celebrates the return of King Mahabali, the most beloved king of Kerala, who supposedly visits his subjects every year during the Onam festival. It is said that people decorate their houses and celebrate to the fullest to create the feeling of prosperity and thereby keep their beloved King happy.
Onam is marked by the joy of togetherness and songs (Onapattu), floral carpets on the courtyards (Pookalam), every family member dress in new traditional apparel (Onakodi) and a sumptuous elaborately prepared meal served on a banana leaf (OnaSadya). Onam is also celebrated with games and popular folk arts like Pulikkali
 Thrissur Pooram (Apr-May)
This 36 hour fiesta is considered is the mother of all festivals as few celebrations can match up to the splendor of the Thrissur Pooram. This festivity draws devotees and tourists alike. Pooram literally means a meeting in celebration. The idea is that all the gods in neighbouring provinces come to meet the Lord Vadakumnathan (Shiva) and this event is celebrated.
Picture this – Two lines of 13 elephants each decorated with umbrella holder, fans and yak-tail facing each other. In between thousands of men with percussion and wind instruments playing with ultimate vigour and enthusiasm to a crescendo (Pandimelam) while on the elephant a brilliant ceremonial display of umbrellas unfold (Kudamattom). Onlookers are spellbound by the colour and music that unravels before them. With the break of dusk a spell of awe-inspiring fireworks unfolds (Vedikettu) for over two hours. The festival draws to a close with the visit gods returning to their temples in a grand procession.
 Snake Boat Race (Aug-Sept)
The tranquil backwaters of Kerala turn into a visual extravaganza once a year during the Nehru Trophy boat race when black snake boats with 100-120 oarsmen battle fiercely for the top spot. Travelling to a major sporting event can rarely be as relaxed as a boat journey along the canals. Once you reach the venue the passion, the heightened emotion of the pride at stake in the race and competition totally fills the air. 25 men on a boat are present only to sing songs to transfer energy and passion to the oarsmen. The fierce determination of the competitors, the wholehearted participation of the spectators in a place blessed with such natural beauty makes snake boat races a genuinely thrilling experience. This race that attracts hordes of visitors from around the globe is another unique experience on offer only in 'God's Own Country.' Around 5 boat races including Champakulam, Aranmula, Indira Gandhi and Payippad boat races are conducted round the Onam time in Kerala.
 Christmas (December)
With the strong presence of ethnic Christians in Kerala's populace belonging to various sects like Catholic, Syrian, Orthodox, Protestant and so on, Christmas is celebrated with grandeur here. Much like other festivals over here Christmas celebrations also cuts across divisions of religion and sect. A star decorating houses, Christmas trees, Cribs, Cakes and huge statues of Santa Clause with gifts defines the air of celebration during
the second half of December. Carol fests and Christmas masses on x-mas eve across the churches and cathedrals here are also part of the joyous occasion.
 Kalpathi Ratholsavam (November)
Kalpathi is an ancient Brahmin village (Agraharam) in Palakkad, where the Kalpathi Ratholsavam – Chariot festival occurs. The Sree Viswanatha Swami temple lord is installed on an intricately carved chariot bedecked with flowers and flags through the street and thousands of devotees drag the chariot. The whole process is occurs while Vedic chants are recited continuously
 Attukal Pongala (Feb-Mar)
Pongala means to 'boil over.' This ceremony strictly restricted to women is an offering made by women to the Attukal Bhagavati where they make rice porridge with firewood, earthen pots, rice, jiggery and coconut. Lakhs of devotees throng around 5 km radius of the temple doing this offering across all streets and houses in the area. More than 3 million women gather here to participate in the event making it the largest gathering of women for a single event on earth.
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