✨ What makes Kerala festivals unique
Kerala, a state in southwestern India, has many Hindu temples. Many of the temples have unique traditions and most hold festivals on specific days of the year. Temple festivals usually continue for a number of days. A common characteristic of these festivals is the hoisting of a holy flag which is then brought down only on the final day of the festival.
The largest festival in Kerala in Pooram category is Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha temple, and in Ulsavam category is Vrishchikolsavam of Thripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. Some festivals include the most famous of these being the Thrissur Pooram. Temples that can afford it will usually involve at least one richly caparisoned elephant as part of the festivities. The idol of the God in the temple is taken out on a procession around the countryside atop this elephant. When the procession visits homes, people present rice, coconuts and other offerings. Processions often include traditional music such as Panchari melam or Panchavadyam. The festivals of Kerala are famous around the globe due to its diversity of experience.
Common religio-cultural festivals (all over Kerala)
*Dates follow Malayalam calendar & local traditions
Three unique temple traditions you won't see elsewhere
Aanayoottu (Elephant feast)
Feeding of caparisoned elephants with special rice and jaggery at Vadakkumnathan Temple
Kettukazhcha
Giant wooden structures depicting mythological figures paraded during Cheriyanad and Malanada festivals
Vellattam & Thidambu Nrittam
Temple dance rituals where priests carry decorated replicas of deities in rhythmic steps
