Kerala has many traditional festivals. Some of the festivals draws large tourism crowd. A typical list below, curated to savour the heritage and culture of Kerala.
[table caption=”Top Kerala festivals” ]
Festival , Location | Month | Description
Ernakulathappan Utsavam , Shiva Temple, Ernakulam, Kochi | Jan/Feb | The Ernakulathappan Utsavam is an annual event celebrated at the Shiva Temple in Ernakulam, Kochi. The 8 days festival culminates in a procession of 15 decorated elephants, accompanied by music and fireworks.
Thirunakkara Utsavam , Thirunakkara Shiva Temple, Kottayam | Mar | Ten-day festivities held at the Thirunakkara Shiva Temple in Kottayam. The centrepiece is the all-night Kathakali performances on the third and fourth nights. Also don’t miss the elephant procession on the last day.
Pooram Festival , Asraman Shri Krishna Swami Temple, Kollam | Apr | 10-day festival held at the Asramam Shri Krishna Swami Temple in Kollam. Features full-night Kathakali performances and a grand procession of 40 ornamented elephants on the final day.
Thrissur Pooram , Vadakkumnathan Kshetram Temple, Thrissur | Apr/May | Largest and most spectacular temple festival in Kerala. Celebrated at the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram Temple in Thrissur. It is renowned for the grand elephant procession.
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race , Alappuzha | 2nd Sat in Aug | Most popular of Kerala’s snake boat races.
Onam , Statewide | Aug/Sep | Kerala’s biggest 10-day festival, Onam, commemorates the golden age of the mythical King Mahabali.
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