In kerala, life is a celebration. A close look at the kerala calendar will reveal that this is a land where the festivals never end, adding to the magnificance of the festivals of kerala are fleets of caparisoned elephants, mounted by men holding white plumes swaying in the air the - most breathtaking of kerals's visual wonders. While there is no dearth of festivals in the state, the excitement speaks during the season of onam, exemplified in the legendary boat races and the week - long festivities, understandably, all these celebrations take place with a lot of fanfare.

The colorful mosaic of Kerala fairs and festivals is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life. Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.

The colorful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life. Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.

10 km from chengannur. This traditional boat race conducted at sree parthasarathy temple, aranmula in connection with the onam celebrations is more of a water fiesta than a competition.

Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat race) is a famous water fiesta is held during Onam (August - September). The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd. The commencement of the event is marked by a snake-boat race in the afternoon. Early morning, the Snake Boats assemble near the temple, and take off in pairs. Snake-Boats in action, with incessant full-throated singing and vociferous shouting by the crowds in an exciting event.

The town is also famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat Race), which is held on the annual commemoration of the week long Onam festival. The exciting event begins in the afternoon, each snake boat is thirty feet long containing four helmsman, hundred rowers and twenty five singers.

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is a unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings. It is a school constituted by the state Cultural Department is situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings.

This is one of the most popular boat races of kerala.
Highlights -
» Pceremonial water procession.
» Spectacular water floats.
» Decorated boats.
» Vanchipattu (folk song of the oarsmen) The chundanvallom (snake boat, over 100 feet in length, with a Raised prow similar to the hood of a snake) race.

Kerala, with its winding stretches of backwaters and rivers, is famous for its native boat races held in different parts of the State in the harvest season. The Champakulam boat race is the first one during this season and has a tradition of centuries.

The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu - the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats over 100 feet in length with raised prows. They were first called snake boats by the foreign rulers.

Kerala's winding stretches of backwater are famous for their native boat races, held during harvest. The centuries-old Champakulam boat race is the first of the season and marks the beginning of a month of festivities.
The celebrations include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu (the song of the oarsmen) and the thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway, although Kerala's Chundans bear little resemblance to their European namesakes.

The Champakkulam boat race is the first of the season and is one of the few, which are centuries old. The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu or the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats that are over 100 feet in length with raised prow. They were called snake boats by the colonial rulers and continue to be known so till date. Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha about 24 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms away from Alappuzha town. Disclaimer : In Kerala, some of the festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam Calendar. Local practices also influence the dates of some traditional, customary and auspicious events. Being the case, the dates appearing in this section are approximate, which the users need to confirm with the local authorities.

Christmas is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all communities in kerala.
Highlights -
» Stars decorate houses right from the second week of december.
» Christmas trees, decoration and festive music ring through the state.
» Midnight mass and special rites at all christian churches.
» Social and cultural events.
» Fireworks and colourful illuminations.

The spirit of Christmas is evident in Kerala. Host to Christian missionaries through the centuries, the state's Christmas celebration is unique.

The birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 each year sees a variety of customs and ceremonies. To begin with there is the Christmas Star, the Christmas tree, the Crib, the Christmas cake, presents, and of course, Father Christmas, who is the star attraction for children. Though the Christmas tree is a comparatively new addition to Christmas celebrations in Kerala, it is the twinkling Christmas star put up at Christian homes or shops which sets the tone for a season of cheerfulness and joy. In cathedrals and churches, the nativity of Jesus is enacted through miniature models. Carols and songs developed from nativity plays are sung. Priests hold the Holy Mass in churches at midnight. Before the Mass begins, an image of the child Jesus is brought out by the priest, preceded by children holding lighted candles that are placed in the crib. Hymns are sung and crackers are burst to signify the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Later in the day, there is a feast with delicacies. Cakes are made at homes along with traditional Kerala sweets making Christmas a traditional Kerala festival.

The selection of this years Christmas numbers, to tell it briefly, is just mindboggling..Jingle Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer make their appearance with Uncle Santa for Christmas 2003.. But what make the songs touching and exciting is the way they have been made into animation wonders.

"It was an irresisitible temptation for me . I was completely bowled over by all the songs that we bought it on the spot. The way they have integrated art,technology, and information technology in an aesthetic manner is quite amazing," comments a senior media professional about the Invis album titled 'Spirit of Christmas'. Only people with knowledge of cinematic technology could dream of such presentations. No wonder, one is compelled to ask time and again that is this animation album from Kerala itself.

Yes, it is.. It is from our own Thiruvananthapuram and from our own youths who find solace in working with their hearts out.. They may not have any MBAs or B.Techs to flash around. What make the Invis Multimedia team click could be made a case study for the management experts to come out with some startling revealations. While IT giants all over concentrate more on software solutions, Hari, a post graduate in Journalism and Mass Communications and a fellow tarveller of the left movement was quick enough to understand the potential and scope of animation films and multimedia software. "Its a billion dollar world.. There is enough opportunities in the field,"says a suave Hari who has employed more than fifty youths in the various multimedia software projects.

It is albums like the 'Spirit of Christmas' made in our own Kerala which makes one feel that the state is rich in resources.
Invis has a number of works to its credit like the interactive CDs like 'Kerala, the Green Symphony' and a number of CDs and DVDs on various art forms of the state.
Well, Hari too is an ardent believer in social justice. But dogmas have never been Hari's handicaps..Invis is here to stay..
One need not be a US returned entreprenur with experiences at Harvard and Wharton..All you require is a little bit of dedication and devotion iced with discipline.. You too can be in the big league...
This is the spirit of Christmas... See it for believing..

Another national festival. Deepavali means the festival of lights. There are many legends connected with the festival. Some say that it is a celebration of sree krishna's victory over the demon narakasura; others hold that it is the day sree rama returned from exile.
Highlights -
» All houses are lit with rows and rows of small earthern oil lamps.
» Special devotional rites to lakshmi. The goddess of prosperity.
» Entire day of merrymaking and feasting.
» Distribution of special deepavali sweets.
» Fireworks and crackers.

Deepavali or Diwali means "a row of lights".It falls on the preceding day of the New Moon in the Malayalam month Thulam (October-November).For some it is a three-day festival. It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.

The legend behind this festival is that Narakasura, a demon, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Krishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali, the triumph of good over evil! The Hindus usually awake early in the morning of deepavali around the brahmamuhurtam (3am) and the first ritual will be having an oil bath, which is an important feature of Deepavali.

Hindus will be dressed in their new clothes on Deepavali. The houses would be decorated with oil lamps and children will play with firecrackers to celebrate the festival. On the first day, they would not go visiting but would stay at home to welcome the guests who visit them. Deepavali may have deeper significance than what is popularly believed. At the time of the festival the sun is in the house of Thulam (Libra ie. the scales) which signifies commerce, and hence the association of Deepavali with merchants and the Goddess of wealth. The darkness and light symbolize ignorance and knowledge respectively.

Indira gandhi boat race on the cochin backwaters. The race is organised as part of celebration cochin.
Highlights -
» Over sixteen snake boats participate in this scintillating event. 14 january 2002

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.
The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe. The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe. The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

Makaravilakku at sree dharamasastha temple, sabarimala. This is one of the few occasions when the temple is open to the public.
Highlights -
» On the evening of makara sankranthi, the makara vilakku/makara jyothi ( the light of kakara) is believed to be seen on the eastern horizon. Thousands of pilgrims gather here to witness the event.
» Special devotional rites
» Devotees are decreed to practise severe austerities and total abstinence for 60 days before climbing the hills to the temple.

The Thiruvabharanam which starts from Pandalam on 28th Dhanu , after scheduled halts at Ayroor-Puthiyakavu and Laha , reaches Saramkuthi on the third day evening (1st Makaram) and is ceremonially escorted to the sanctum sanctorum.

When the Sreekovil opens for 'deeparadhana' , the Lord is seen in all His divine splendor, adorned with the jeweled gold ornaments .At the distant eastern hilly horizon , the light of 'jyothi' appears to the immense satisfaction of the thousands of devotees who have thronged to the temple to pay obeisance to the Lord. The occasion is also marked by the divine appearance of the 'star' in the eastern sky and the hovering 'krishnapparunthu' far above the temple. This marks the grand finale of the two-month period to the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

The Raja of Pandalam who stayed back at Pampa on 1st Makaram arrives at Sabarimala on 3rd Makaram.Devotees continue to arrive in large numbers for 'darshan' of the deity adorned with the holy ornaments and to obtain the blessings of the Raja. 'Darshan' on the morning of 7th Makaram is exclusively restricted to the Pandalam Raja, after which the temple will be closed and the Raja returns to Pandalam , taking the Thiruvabharanam with him. For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees to Kerala from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala. The temple is tucked away in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and can be reached only by foot. Pilgrims have to traipse through the narrow tracks in thick forests infested with wild animals.

Pilgrims to Sabarimala is seasonal (November to January). This marks an important festival of Kerala. Those wishing to perform pilgrimage have to undergo forty-one day's penance consisting of strict celibacy, daily ablutions and daily prayers. Early mornings and evenings in the festival season Kerala villagers will be reverberating with dedication calls of Ayyappa devotees. The festival mood reaches its crescendo on Makara Vilaku day (January 14, the most important day in the festival). The day is in sync with the day of Sankramom (crossing of the sun from Dhakshinayana to the Uttarayana).

On the said day, lakhs of pilgrims (each one called an Ayyappa) flock the shrine for worship. On that evening they descry Makara Vilakku, appearance of a strange light in the distant hill indicating the presence of God and return ennobled and strengthened in spirit. Situated close by is a shrine in the name of Vavar, a Muslim, who was thought to be a close aide of Sri Ayyappa. It is a rare experience to see the Hindu devotees worshipping at the shrine of Vavar indicating the communal harmony in Kerala.

16 km from thiruvalla, pathanamthitta, on the banks of river pamba in february, every year.
Highlights -
» Considered the largest gathering of christians in asia.
» Bible study and discourses by scholars from india and abroad.
» Religious readings
» Hymnals
» Faith healing sessions
» People arrive in country crafts (valloms)

16 km from
thiruvalla, pathanamthitta, on the banks of river pamba in february, every year.
Highlights:-
Considered the largest gathering of christians in asia, Bible study and discourses by scholars from india and abroad, Religious readings, Hymnals, Faith healing sessions, People arrive
in country crafts (valloms)

This is the greatest event on the backwaters of kerala, is held on the second saturday of august every year. Magnificent snakeboats compete for the prized trophy which was instituted by jawaharlal nehru, the first prime minister of india.
Highlights -
» Ceremonial water procession
» Spectacular water floats
» Decorated boats
» Vanchipattu
» Races of smaller country crafts
» Chundanvellom race.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.
The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.
The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to a state of frenzy.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the biggest and the most famous event. The world renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held at Punnamada lake in Alappuzha on the second saturday of August every year . The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats or chundanvallams. for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race all the 18 snake boats of the state will participate.The race course , having a length of about 1370 mts , is divided into various tracks for the conduct of the competition. When they are advancing through various tracks , it appears like the fast moving snakes . The oarsmen splash the oars in unison with the rhythmic chants and beats of drum. The movement of competing boats are so thrilling that the spectators get in tune with the excited mood of the surrounding uproars.

The History of Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India to Alappuzha . The first race was an impromptu one conducted in 1952 in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who visited Alappuzha. In that race of snake boats , Nadubhagam Chundan stood first. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was thrilled and excited by the performance of the oarsmen , jumped into the Nadubhagam Chundan , forgetting all security arrangements. The boat proceeded to the boat jetty carrying the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his return to Delhi in december 1952 , Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru donated a silver trophy which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus. The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature; " To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in travancore - cochin ." This trophy later came to be known as Nehru Trophy , and in fond memory of great pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the people of Alappuzha celebrate the Nehru Trophy Boat Race every year. The boat clubs and the boat race lovers of the locality who are the inspiring spirit behind the boat races have to spend lacks of rupees for presenting an impeccable performance in the race. It is the cherished ambition of all boat clubs to win the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and embrace the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is considered as a matter of pride and prestige. This year when celebrating the 52nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race , the organisers have made elaborate arrangements for the conduct of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on a grand style and scale.

Onam is the annual harvest festival of kerala. Celebrations are on for ten days, beginning with the atham day of the malayalam month chingam.
Highlights -
» Floral decorations
» Elephant processions
» Thiruvathirakali
» Classical and folk dance performances
» Classical and folk music recitals
» Cultural pageants
» Water carnivals

Onam is the Harvest festival of Kerala, which is celebrated by all the people of Kerala without the barriers of religion or caste. Onam comes in the Malayalam month Chingam (August-September) and Celebrations last for ten days, starting from Atham to Thiruvonam. After three months of heavy rains, the sky becomes a clear blue and the forests a deep green and flowers are in full bloom.

King Mahabali:
There is a beautiful mythical story behind the festival of Onam. People in Kerala were extremely happy and prosperous during the reign of King Mahabali. So much so, that the gods began to fear his growing powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali's powers. Lord Vishnu transformed himself into a Brahmin dwarf Vamana, asked the King for three steps of land, which he readily granted. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and covered the earth and heaven in two steps. For the third, King Mahabali offered his head. However, before putting his foot on Mahabali’s head, Lord Vishnu granted the King’s last wish, that he be able to visit his kingdom once every year. It is to welcome Mahabali back to his kingdom that Onam is celebrated with such joy.

Celebrations:
Celebrations start with Atha-poo or Pookalam which is a floral carpet made in the front courtyard of the house starting from Atham day for ten days. Kids gather flowers from all over the place and make Pookalam, which is usually round in shape and each day increasing in diameter and in the variety of flowers. Earthen idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the pookalam and worshiped. Everybody in the house gets Ona-kodi, which means new clothe. The tenants bring Ona-Kazhcha (fresh vegetables, bananas and grains) and the landlord distributes Ona-kodi among them.

The event is a memorial to the former prime minister.
Highlights -
» Colourful water procession
» Water floats
» Boat races
This boat race is held on two weeks after the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is held at Pulinkunnu, 10 km away from the Alleppey town. The boat race is conducted in memory of Late Mr.Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister.

This festival held at Thekinkadu Maidan at Thrissur in the month of May
Highlights -
» Pageant of 30 caparisoned elephants assembled in the precincts of the vadakumnathan temple.
» The nearby paramekavu and thiruvambadi temples are also participants in the festival.
» Kudamattam (changing of umbralla from hands to hands)
» Chendamelain (kind of drums)
» Panchavadyam (five typical instruments played)
» Spectacular fireworks display

Thrissur Pooram - considered to be the mother of all poorams, is a cultural highlight par excellence, celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam (April/May).
The two century old festival of spectacular procession of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances in a never ending succession is an 36 hours marathon event of incredible beauty, a feast for the eye and the ear, unfolding between 6 am to 12 noon the other day. Different from the usual temple festival, Thrissur Pooram is participated and conducted by people across all barriers of religion and caste. This is explained with the genesis of the festival Thrissur is best known for its mammoth Pooram Festival, which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The legends and myths behind each festival of Kerala are many, varied and equally interesting. Since the word pooram literally means a group or a meeting, it was believed that every year the dynastic gods and goddesses of neighbouring province met together for a day of celebration. This usually happened on the pooram asterism of one of the spring months. Pooram is the festival of festivals. It is conducted at the great Vadakkunnatha temple of Trissur.

The Vadakkunnatha temple, which resembles a Japanese Shrine, is built in the ancient Kerala style with sanded courts, stone sculptures, a traditional auditorium and multi level roofs. In the evening of Pooram day, two lines of 13 elephants face each other, on the ground south to the temple. Each Pachyderm bears an umbrella holder, a peacock fan carrier and a yak-tail fly whisk wielder. Between the two lines of elephants stand percussion and wind orchestras. As each orchestra reaches a crescendo, a new display of brilliant ceremonial umbrellas blossoms over the elephants and the supporting crowd applauds. This continues till sunset when the elephants depart and late at night, the darkness explodes with a magnificent fireworks display.