Festivals of Kerala

Kerala is known for its colorful festivals. Every religion is present in Kerala and has its own distinct festivals. The main festival in Kerala is Onam which is the celebration of the return of the Hindu King Mahabali. The festival is celebrated in the month of August during the monsoons and signifies the equality of all men.

The most spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur Pooram. Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the one-time state of Kochi, initiated this festival. Celebrated in April and May every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and tourists to Kerala.

The Vallamkali or the boat races is another spectacular festival to behold. Held in August, it commemorates the visit of India�s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Allepay. The annual Sivarathri festival held on the banks of the River Periyar at Alwaye, is one of the most extravagant local festivals of Kerala, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the state.

Christmas and Id are also major festivals during which the festivities are intensified in the state. All this plus a number of local festivals and the celebration of the Malayali new year called �Vishu� truly make Kerala the land of festivals.