Festivals - Kerala

Apart from the major festivals celebrated across Kerala by all, certain festivals are celebrated in specified areas of the State. On close observance, religious tolerance prevalent in the State can be seen associated with many festivals.

Hindu festivals

ASHTAMI AT VAIKOM

The Siva temple at Vaikom in Kottayam district is very famous and one of the oldest Siva temples in the State. It is believed that Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala, built the temple. Two Ashtami festivals are held at the temple annually, one in Kumbhom (mid February - mid March) and the other in Vrischikam (mid November - mid December), of which the latter is more famous.

The 12 day festival in the temple is held during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam (mid November - mid December). Ashtami day or the eigth day after New Moon is the important day of the festival. On Ashtami special darshan in the wee hours of the morning under the peepal tree, a feast at noon and a procession at night from the nearby Udayanapuram Subramanya temple are important. This procession involves the meeting of Shiva and Subramanya in celebration of Subramanya's victory over the demons. No Pujas or Nivedyas are carried out on the Ashtami festival in the Siva temple as it is believed that Mahadeva fasts, feeds guests and prays for his son's victory in the battle against demons, while thousands are fed within the temple precincts. Deities from the nearby temples also converge, in procession amidst elephants, lighted torches and chendamelam. Panchavadyam is an attractive item of the festival. Prathal is the main Vazhipadu here. Vadakkupurathupattu held once in 12 years attracts many devotees.

ATTUKAL PONGALA

Attukal is situated in Thiruvananthapuram district. The ancient Bhagavathy temple here attracts devoteed from even distant places. The main festival of this temple is the Pongala festival commonly known as Attukal Pongala. The 9 day festival commences on the Bharani star of Malayalam month (mid February - mid March). The festival begins with Thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathy) which goes on during all the nine days. Pongala (offering to the Devi) is offered on the 9th day.

This is the important day of the festival with several thousands of women devotees assembling for offering Pongala to Devi. The devotees come with new clay pots, rice and other ingredients required for preparing the Pongala. They would then prepare the Pongala in the temple premises. Of late the number has dwindled so much that the line of devotees extend to few kilometers. Devotees offer Pongala thanking Devi for fulfilling their prayers.

CHOTTANIKKARA MAKAM

Chottanikkara is situated in Ernakulam district. The Devi temple here is famous and draws devotees from world-wide. 'Makam Thozhal' (praying on Makam day) is an important day in the temple. Devotees from various parts of the State converge at the temple to have a glimpse of the Devi on the day, that too waiting for hours.

Chottanikkara Makam falls on the Makam star in the Malayalam month of Kumbhom (mid February - mid March). On the day the temple closes at mid-day and re-opens by 2 pm for 'Makam Darsanam'. Devi gives darshan to her devotees in full-fledged splendour and glory adored in her sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands. Devotess wait to have a glimpse of the Devi. The Darshan goes on till 9 at night on the day. It is said that this was how Devi gave Darshan to Villwamangalam Swamiyar, who after the 'Prathishta' (installing deity) of Kizhkavu Bhagavathy turned westward. It is firmly believed that the Darshan at the moment will result in fulfillment of prayers.

ETTUMANOOR FESTIVAL

Ettumanoor is located in Kottayam district. The ancient Siva temple here has brought glory and fame to the place. Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at this temple.

Say Ettumanoor Festival, 'Ezharaponnana' comes to the mind of Keralites. 7 elephants and and one small one finished in gold is Ezharaponnana which comes to nearly 13kg. The temple can be said the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala. The main festival of the temple falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (mid February - mid March). 8th and 10th day of the festival are important days of the festival. On these days 'Ezharaponnana' are kept for public view. Devotees from far and wide visit the temple during these days. The Arattu (royal bath) day of the festival is celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day during the festival.

GURUVAYUR FESTIVALS

Guruvayur is situated in Trichur district of the State. Sri Krishna temple situated here, commonly known as Guruvayur temple is famous world-wide. Temple witnesses large number of devotees throughout the year. The temple has many festivals associated with it.

Important festivals at the temple include Ashtami Rohini in the Malayalam month of Chingom, Sukla Paksha Ekadasi and Narayaneeyam day in the Malayalam month of Vrischikom (mid November - mid December), Kuchela Dinom in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid December - mid January), the day on which Kuchela, friend of Sri Krishna visited the Lord with beaten rice, Vishu in the Malayalam month of Medom (mid April - mid May). The grand 10 day festival of the temple in the Malayalam month of Kumbhom (mid February - mid March) commences on Pooyam star. Various Rituals and Cultural programs form part of the festival, when temple and the streets, household and buildings in its vicinity geared up for the festival.

Most period of the year, the temple gives a festive look with huge number of devotees, festivals and other cultural devotional programs conducted in the temple auditorium. The Chembai Music Festival, conducted as part of the Ekadasi festival for 12 days attracts more than 2000 Carnatic musicians. This festival is in commemoration of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagawathar who was an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayurappa and a doyen of Carnatic music. Various cultural forms are conducted by devotees as offering to the Lord, which adds on the festive look.

Web address: http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org

KODUNGALLUR BHARANI UTSAVAM

Kodungallur is situated in the Trichur district. The place is the capital of the ancient Chera Kingdom, then known as Musiri and was famous for its port. The famous Bhagavathy temple is situated here. The deity here is believed to be a personification of Kali.

Commemmorating Bhagavathy's killing of demon Daaruka, Bharani festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenom (mid March - Mid April) Commencing on Bharani star every year. The festival lasts for 7 days. The rituals and festivals associated with the festival are different in many ways. Earlier there used to be animal sacrifices during the festival, as was a practice in many Devi temples across the State. These practise has been done away in the 20th century.

MANNARASALA UTSAVAM

Every ancient Hindu 'tharavadu' (ancestral house) in Kerala had a 'Sarpa kavu' (serpent-grove) which was considered very sacred. The famous temple of Nagaraja (God of Serpents) at Mannarasala, situated in Alappuzha district, is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The temple built by Parasurama, is situated in a grove and reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods. The temple assumes the form of a small forest in a tiny village and is associated with Illom (Namboothiri family) nearby. The beliefs and rituals of the temple are much different from other temples. Pujas are conducted by the eldest female member of the Illom called Valia Amma. Another important offering at the temple is 'Uruli Kamazhthu' (offering of traditional bronze vessel), which is done by childless couples.

Ayilyam is the birth star of Nagaraja, so all Ayilyam stars are celebrated in the temple and the Ayilyam star in the Malayalam months of Kanni (mid September - mid October) and Thulam (mid October - mid November) are important in the temple. On these days the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the Illom. Offerings of Noorum Palum (rice flour and milk), Kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are prepared. Valia Amma carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp.

Web address: http://www.mannarasala.org

SABARIMALA FESTIVAL

Sabarimala situated in Pathanamthitta district, is another best known pilgrim destination in Kerala. Situated high up in the Sahyadri mountians (Western Ghats), amidst 18 hills, Sri Dharmasastha Temple at one of the hills Sabarimala is the most prominent and famous Sastha temple. The temple is open to the devotees from the first of every Malayalam month for 5 days and in the months of Vrischikam and Dhanu. The temple witnesses flow of lakhs of devotees during this time. Devotees visiting the temple should observe austerities for 41 days, living the life of a saint. Devotees visiting the temple should first offer prayers at Vavar temple at Erumeli, a muslim friend of Ayyappa which shows Hindu-Muslim unity. Women in the age group 5-50 are not permitted to visit the temple.

'Mandalapooja' (Puja after one mandalam ie 41 days) which falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid December - mid January), 'Makaravilakku', when the Lord is adorned with 'Thiruvabaranam' (special ornaments of the Lord) brought in procession from Pandalam lead by the head of Pandalam royal family and huge number of devotees with dance and music which takes almost 2 days to reach the temple, Vishu, Onam, Lord Ayyappa's birthday on Uthram star of Malayalam month Meenam (mid March - mid April), Annual festival which coincindes with Onam are the major festivals of the temple.

Web Address: http://www.sabarimalatemple.org

SREE POORNATHRAYEESA TEMPLE FESTIVAL

Sree Poornathrayeesa temple is associated with the erstwhile Kochi Kingdom. The temple is situated at Tripunithura town in Ernakulam district. The deity Poornathrayeesa is Lord Vishnu itself. It is widely believed that the temple was constructed by Arjuna. Even to this day a large lamp stands lit in the temple which is 'Anaya Vilakku' which means the lamp will never go off and it has been there since the time it was built.

Many festivals are associated with the temple. Important among them is the 8 day long 'Vrischikotsavam', the festival which falls in the Swathi star in the Malayalam month of Vrischikom (mid November - mid December). The festival season in temples in Kerala usually starts after festival here and ends with Thrissur Pooram. The whole town wears a festive look. Visit to the Karingachira Church nearby in procession during the festival is also a ritual followed for over years. Performance of various temple arts in the temple premises will go on almost all 24hrs of the festive days. The presence of 15 fully caparisoned tuskers, performance of folk arts, various cultural programs keep the whole town awake during the festival days and natives of this town who reside far off make it a point to be back home during the festival.

Web address: http://www.sreepoornathrayeesa.com

SREE PADMANABASWAMY TEMPLE ARATTU FESTIVAL

Arattu (Royal Bath) and Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) of the presiding deity is the concluding ceremony of most annual festivals in Hindu temples in Kerala. This is the only temple where the presiding deity Lord Vishnu (or Padmanabha) is enshrined in the yoganidra posture. In this temple there are two such festivals each year. One in the Malayalam month of Thulam (mid October - mid November) and another in the month of Meenam (mid March - mid April). The temple is associated with the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom and the festival includes participation of the head of the royal family of the Kingdom which makes the festival more ceremonious.

On the eve of Arattu another ceremony called Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) is held. Head of the royal family shoots a tender coconut using a bow and arrow. This symbolises Lord Vishnu hunting down the demon of evil in a forest. This ceremony is held in front of the Sundaravilasam Palace inside the fort encircling the temple.

On the day of Arattu, which is the tenth day of the festival, after performing rituals, the presiding deity along with images of Sri Krishna and Sri Narasimha is taken out in procession to the Shangumugham beach through the eastern gate of the temple with the accompaniment of Nagaswaram, Chendamelam. The royal head leads the procession with sword in hand and escorted by members of the royal family and armed police contigents. A caparisoned elephant goes well ahead of the procession with drum, that is beaten to indicate that the God is coming in procession. After reaching the bathing place, the deities are given a ritual bath in the sea after Pujas. A procession in the light of traditional torches, escorts the purified idols back to the temple, marking the conclusion of the festival.

THRISSUR POORAM

Thrissur, often described the cultural capital of Kerala, is a land of festivals and various art forms. Thrissur Pooram conducted here, is the festival of the people held during the Malayalam month of Medam (mid April - mid May). It is said that Sakthan Thampuran who ruled Kochi Kingdom during 1751 AD to 1805 AD was the architect of this massive and spectacular event. It was he who made the Thekkinkadu Maidan in the heart of the Thrissur town, the venue of the festival and entrusted the onus of conducting the festival to the Thirvambadi and Paramekkavu temples. He drew up a 36 hour schedule for the festival which is still practised here. Lakhs of people from every part of the State and from outside assemble for the Pooram festival.

Rituals for the Pooram festival are many and involves the surrounding temples also. Pooram celebration is assembling of suburban deities before the presiding deity of Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur, Lord Siva. The gods and their entourage arrive for the Pooram on colourfully decorated tuskers and the converging of these divine processions at the festival venue is an awe inspiring sight. The two temples to whom conducting of the festival is entrusted Thirvambadi and Paramekkavu, add to Pooram's grandeur. An array of 26 richly caparisoned come face to face at the Thekkinkad Maidan. 'Kudamattom', swift and rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequinned parasols, which takes place in rhythm with the traditional 'Panchavadyam' orchestra is the main attraction of the event. Another main feature of the Pooram is the magnificient fire-works display in the early hours of the day after Pooram. Both the temples vie with each other in adding new features to fire-works display every year. Curtains draw on the festival with bidding farewell to the deities of the temples who assembled for the Pooram, which is also another ceremony worth watching.

The secular nature of the Pooram festival is woth mentioning. Members and Christian and Muslim take part and play a prominent role in the very conduct of the festival. Most pandal works done by Muslim community, the Christian school near the venue where elephants are tied and 'Ana Chamayam' (used in decorating elephants for festivals) display held, offering of parasols for 'Kudamattom' by Chruches - all show the secular nature of the festival.

Some such Christian festivals include Arthunkal Feast, Malayattoor Feast, Edappally Festival, Vallarpadam Feast, Maramon Convention, Bharanamganam Feast, Manjinikkara Festival, Manarcaud Feast.

ARTHUNKAL FEAST

Arthunkal is a town located in the coastal district of Alappuzha in Kerala. The place is around 48 km from Kochi city. St. Andrew's Forance Church, established by the Portugese is situated at Arthunkal. This is one of the sacred church for Christians in Kerala. The Church attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Christians and non-Christians from all parts of the State can be found among them. The Feast at the Church is celebrated on a grand scale for eleven days in the month of January. The celebration is from the 10th to 27th January. January 20th is the final day of the feast. Owing to the unmanageable crowd on the day, Church authorities instituted another minor feast on the 8th day after the principal feast which came to be known as 'Ettamperunal'. of late, this feast has also attained the importance as the principal feast.

Among the devotees can be found those recovered from serious illness, those who escaped grave accidents, crippled, mentally challenged. Pilgrims to the famous Sabarimala temple, on their way back visit this Church and take bath from the tank attached to the Church. 'Urulu nercha' is another significant offering by devotees by crawling from the local beach to the church. Material offerings of the festival include gold and silver replicas of human limbs, bows and arrows.

Web address for the church: http://arthunkal.bizhat.com

BHARANAMGANAM FEAST

Bharanamganam is a small village town in Meenachal Taluk of Kottayam District. It is at this place the famous St. Mary's Forance Church is situated. Said to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala dedicated to the Holy Mother, the church attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country.

Important festivals of the church are the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 9th of November and the feast of St. Sebastian on 20th of January. The mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa, who was pronounced as blessed is kept in this church.The death of blessed Sr. Alphonsa which falls on the 20th of July is another important day.

EDAPPALLY FESTIVAL

Edappally is situated in Ernakulam District. The St.George Church here dates back to 593 A.D. This Church is also visited by Christians and non-Christians alike.

The festival at the Church begins on the 23rd of April with solemn High Mass and Litany. The church premises wears a festive look with music, fireworks and shops which come up during the festival. On the 1st of May, statue of St.George is taken out of its usual podium and taken out as procession on a specially decked chariot. The festival has all the features of a solemn Catholic religious function. The festival comes to an end with the High Mass on 4th May.

MALAYATTUR FEAST

Malayattur is a village in Kalady town in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The St.Thomas shrine in the village is believed to be one of the ancient Catholic shrines in the northern part of the state. The chief festival in the Shrine is on the second Sunday after the first moon, after the Vernal Equinox (March 21). Thus the feast is usually in last week of March or in the month of April.

The Church is atop a hill amid greenery and serenity. The pilgrims climb the hill as prayer.

Web Address: http://www.malayattur.com

MANARCAUD FEAST

Manarcaud is situated in Kottayam district. St.Mary's Cathedral here is famous and draws devotees in large numbers who come to seek the blessings of Mother Mary. 'Ettunombu' or 8 day fast and the Feast of Virgin Mary's Birth are celebrated between September 1st and 8th of every year at the cathedral. Studies show the Church was buit more than 1000 years ago.

Web Address: http://www.manarcadstmaryschurch.org

MANJANIKKARA FESTIVAL

Manjanikkara Church is situated atop a hillock in Pathanamthitta District in South Kerala. The monastery was established by late Mor Yulius Elias Qoro, Patriarchal delegate to Malankara. The Church and Dayara derives its importance from the holy tomb there. The sacred body of the late Patriarch Mor lgnatius Elise III is interred at the monastery.

Manjanikkara Festival is on 13th of February, which is the day in 1932 Patriarch Mor Ignatius Elias III entered eternal rest. The festival is celebrated in a grand scale with mass and colourful procession.

The remains of late Mor Yulius Elias Qoro and Mor Yulius Yacoub, former Patriarchal delegates to Malankara are also interred in this church. The Manjanikkara Dayro is the seat of the Patriarchal Delegate to Malankara.

Web address: http://www.manjinikkarachurch.com

MARAMON CONVENTION

Maramon is a place located in Tiruvalla in Kottayam district. The place has been recognised as centre of Christian culture and influence. Maramon is the birth place of Palakkunnathu Abraham Maplah, who reformed the Syrian Church of Malabar in the 19th century.

A religious gathering commonly known as Maramon convention, is held during the month of February on the sand-bed of Pampa river below the Kozhenchery bridge. This is said to be the largest Christian gathering in Asia. The Maramon Convention displays co-operation and union between different sections of Church in Kerala.

VALLARPADAM FEAST

The St.Mary's Church at Vallarpadam in Kochi was established in 1676. It is believed that the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected by the Portugese who brought it from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers. 'Vallarapadath Amma' as the deity is locally addressed, is believed to have miraculously saved may lives from shipwreck and violent storms.

Vallarpadam, being an islet, had access only by water earlier. Now the Church is easily accessible by road. Vallarpadam Feast is held on the 24th of September. The week-long celebrations is accompanied by a big fair which is quite different. The products traded are country boats, cars, pots and straw mats.

MUSLIM FESTIVALS

CHANDANAKUDAM AT BEEMAPALLY

The Chandanakudam festival at Beemapally, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the most colourful Muslim festivals of Kerala. The festival is celebrated commemorating the death anniversary of Beema Bevi, a devout pilgrim who came from Mecca to Kerala. The festival begins on the first day of Jamadul Akhar month (October) and lasts 10 days.

Devotees carry earthern pots filled with money, smeared in sandal wood paste (chandanam). The mouth of the pot is tightly closed with jasmine garlans around the edges. They then go round the mosque and the hallowed tomb of the devout lady in procession. The earthern pots are then placed at the tomb as offering.

CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID FESTIVAL

Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque in India. It is situated in Kodungallur, in Thrissur district. According to legends Cheraman Perumal, ruler of the area went on pilgrimage to Arabia and embraced Islam. The Arabs had trade contacts with coastal areas of Kerala from the early centuries. On his return, he fell ill and died. But the King had given instruction to patronage Islam before that. Thus a Arathali temple was converted to a mosque.

Unlike any other mosque in India, this mosque uses a traditional brass oil lamp, mostly found in Hindu temples in Kerala. The architecture of the mosque also resembles a temple.

KANJIRAMATTOM KODIKUTHU

Kanjiramattom mosque is around 25 km from Kochi city. It is believed to be built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin. The festival of 'Kodikuthu' is held from January 13 to 14 every year. The 'Chandanakkudam' ritual is held at night. Pilgrims carry pots covered with chandanam (sandalwood paste) proceed in a procession to the mosque accompanied by caparisoned elephants and folk performances.

Traditional Muslim art forms like Duffmuttu and Kolkali are also staged during the festival.