Kerala Festival Calendar
Celebrate Kerala, where every season tells a story and every festival brings communities together in color, rhythm, and spirit
From the mystical rituals of Malabar to the grand Poorams of Central Kerala and the vibrant traditions of the Palakkad plains, Kerala’s festivals bring together faith, folklore, and community spirit. Here’s your month-by-month guide to the state’s major cultural and spiritual events.
January
• Makaravilakku (Sabarimala)
Pilgrimage to Lord Ayyappa’s hill shrine, culminating in the divine sighting of the Makara Jyothi.
• Thaipooyam
Devotional festival with Kavadiattam dances in honor of Lord Murugan.
• Theyyam Season (North Kerala, Dec–April)
A powerful ritual dance form where performers embody deities. Prominent in Kannur and Kasaragod, with major Theyyams like Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Raktha Chamundi, and Gulikan performed in Kavu temples.
February
• Attukal Pongala (Thiruvananthapuram)
Millions of women gather to offer sweet Pongala to Goddess Attukal, forming the largest women-only religious gathering.
• Malanada Kettukazcha (Kollam)
Procession of gigantic decorated effigies, mixing Dravidian folk culture with Hindu temple tradition.
March
• Paripally Gajamela
Majestic elephant procession at Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple near Kollam.
• Chittur Konganpada (Palakkad)
A martial-themed festival reenacting the legendary battle between the Kongu army and Chittur Nairs. Features symbolic warfare and community rituals.
April
• Vishu
Malayalam New Year, marked by Vishukkani, fireworks, gifting, and traditional Sadya meals.
• Thrissur Pooram
Kerala’s most iconic temple festival with 30+ elephants, Panchavadyam ensembles, and night-long fireworks.
• Kodungallur Bharani (Thrissur)
A fierce and energetic festival at Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, known for trance-like devotion and symbolic rituals.
May
• Edathua Perunnal (Alappuzha)
Christian festival with processions and prayers at the St. George Church on the banks of the Pamba River.
• Kottiyoor Vaisakha Festival (Kannur)
A sacred 28-day pilgrimage in a forest shrine, with Vedic-style rituals dating back centuries.
June
• Ochira Kali (Kollam)
Ritualistic mock battle in muddy fields commemorating ancient martial traditions.
July
• Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race (Alappuzha)
One of the earliest and most colorful Vallam Kali, marking the start of Kerala’s boat racing season.
• Pattambi Nercha (Palakkad)
A Muslim festival honoring saint Aboobacker Sidique, marked by a grand procession of elephants, musicians, and fireworks—showcasing Kerala’s interfaith harmony.
August
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Alappuzha)
Kerala’s most famous snake boat race held on Punnamada Lake.
• Karkidaka Vavu Bali
Rituals for ancestral remembrance held on riverbanks across the state.
September
• Onam
The grand harvest festival with Pookalam (floral rangoli), Onasadya (feast), games, traditional arts, and Vallam Kali races.
October
• Navaratri & Vidyarambham
Celebrations in honor of Goddess Saraswati, culminating in the initiation of young children into learning.
• Kalpathy Ratholsavam (Palakkad)
A 10-day chariot festival in Kerala’s oldest Brahmin agraharam, where richly decorated temple cars are pulled through the streets.
November
• Deepavali (Diwali)
Festival of Lights, celebrated with oil lamps, sweets, and home rituals—especially vibrant in Palakkad and Tamil-speaking regions of Kerala.
December
• Christmas
Celebrated across the state with church services, cribs, star lanterns, and festive gatherings.
Festival Highlights by Theme
North Kerala Traditions – Theyyam, Kottiyoor, Pattambi Nercha
Central Kerala Classics – Thrissur Pooram, Onam, Nehru Trophy
Palakkad Pride – Kalpathy Ratholsavam, Chittur Konganpada
Boat Races – Champakkulam, Nehru Trophy, Vallam Kali series
Christian Celebrations – Christmas, Edathua Perunnal
Women-led Festivals – Attukal Pongala, Kodungallur Bharani
Harvest & New Year – Vishu, Onam
Spiritual & Ritualistic – Makaravilakku, Karkidaka Vavu Bali, Navaratri
