Important celebrations taking place in Kerala - April 15, 2024, for the festival of Vishu

While the next major celebration in Kerala, Vishu, falls on April 15, 2024, several exciting events are happening in the meantime. Here's a glimpse of some upcoming celebrations in Kerala: 

Swathi Sangeetholsavam (January 6th to 12th): Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a ten-day music festival held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, every year from January 4 to 13. The festival celebrates the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, a 19th-century ruler of Travancore who was a gifted musician and composer.

The festival is held at the Kuthiramalika Palace, a beautiful palace built by Swathi Thirunal. The palace is home to a museum dedicated to the Maharaja's life and work. 

The festival features performances by renowned classical musicians and dancers from India and abroad. The performances include Carnatic music, Hindustani music, and classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam. 

Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a major cultural event in Kerala and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich musical heritage of Kerala. 

Nishagandhi Festival (January 20th to 26th): Swathi Sangeetholsavam is a ten-day music festival held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, every year from January 4 to 13. The festival celebrates the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, a 19th-century ruler of Travancore who was a gifted musician and composer. 

Nishagandhi Festival is a week-long festival of classical dances held annually in the Nishagandhi amphitheatre, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, India. The festival highlights the richness of the Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field.The festival was started in 1990 by the Kerala Tourism Department. It is held every year in January, and attracts visitors from all over India and abroad. 

The festival features performances by leading exponents of classical dance from India and abroad. The performances are held in the evenings, and the amphitheatre is open to the public.

The festival is a great opportunity to experience the beauty and grace of Indian classical dance. It is also a chance to learn about the different dance forms and their rich history.

 Chittur Konganpada (February 5th): Chittur Konganpada is a vibrant festival celebrated in Chittur, Palakkad, Kerala, India. It is held on the third day of the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March). The festival commemorates the victory of the Chittur Nairs, a warrior community, over the militia of nearby Konganadu in 918 CE.

 The festival begins with a procession of decorated elephants, horses, and chariots. The procession is followed by a traditional martial arts display by the Nairs. The festival also features cultural programs such as music, dance, and theater.

 The highlight of the festival is the firing of 101 rounds of kathinavedi, a type of iron pipe cracker. The kathinavedi is fired to commemorate the victory of the Nairs.

 Chittur Konganpada is a major cultural event in Kerala and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Kerala.

 History: The Chittur Nairs were a warrior community who ruled the Chittur region for centuries. In 918 CE, they were attacked by the militia of Konganadu, a neighboring kingdom. The Nairs fought bravely and emerged victorious. The victory of the Nairs was a major event in the history of Kerala. It helped to establish the Nairs as a powerful force in the region.

 Celebrations :The celebrations of Chittur Konganpada begin on the morning of the third day of the Malayalam month of Kumbha. The first event is a procession of decorated elephants, horses, and chariots. The procession is led by the Nairs, who are dressed in their traditional martial arts attire.

 The procession is followed by a traditional martial arts display by the Nairs. The display showcases the skills and bravery of the Nairs. The festival also features cultural programs such as music, dance, and theater. The cultural programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 The firing of the kathinavedi: The highlight of the festival is the firing of 101 rounds of kathinavedi. The kathinavedi is a type of iron pipe cracker that is fired with gunpowder. The kathinavedi is fired to commemorate the victory of the Nairs. The firing of the kathinavedi is a loud and exciting event. It is a symbol of the victory of the Nairs and the strength of their community.

 Mannarkad Pooram (February 27th to May 10th): Mannarkad Pooram is an annual temple festival held at the Udayarkunnu Bhagavathy Temple in Mannarkad, Palakkad district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala.

 The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Bhagavathy, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including elephant processions, fireworks displays, and cultural programs.

 Elephant processions:The elephant processions are the most iconic feature of Mannarkad Pooram. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.

The processions are a sight to behold and are a popular tourist attraction. They are also a symbol of the cultural and religious significance of the festival.

 Fireworks displays:The fireworks displays are another highlight of Mannarkad Pooram. The displays are held at night and feature a variety of colorful fireworks. The displays are a spectacular sight and are a popular way to celebrate the festival.

 Cultural programs:The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 Significance: Mannarkad Pooram is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

 Uthralikavu Pooram (February 28th): Uthralikavu Pooram is an annual temple festival held at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February-March) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Mahakali, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including elephant processions, fireworks displays, and cultural programs.

 Elephant processions: The elephant processions are the most iconic feature of Uthralikavu Pooram. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.The processions are a sight to behold and are a popular tourist attraction. They are also a symbol of the cultural and religious significance of the festival.

 Fireworks displays: The fireworks displays are another highlight of Uthralikavu Pooram. The displays are held at night and feature a variety of colorful fireworks. The displays are a spectacular sight and are a popular way to celebrate the festival.

 Cultural programs: The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 Significance: Uthralikavu Pooram is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

History :The history of Uthralikavu Pooram dates back to the 15th century. The festival was started by the Kolathiris of Thrissur, who were the rulers of the region at the time. 

The festival has been celebrated continuously for centuries and is now one of the most important festivals in Kerala. Uthralikavu Pooram is a vibrant and colorful festival that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Kerala. The festival is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the region. 

Painkuni Festival (March 27th to April 5th):

The Painkuni Festival is a ten-day annual festival held at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Meena (March-April) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor Lord Vishnu, who is the presiding deity of the temple. The festival features a variety of events, including special rituals, elephant processions, cultural programs, and the famous Arattu ceremony.

Special rituals:

·       Kodiyettu: The festival begins with the hoisting of a ceremonial flag, called kodiyettu. This marks the beginning of the ten-day festivities.

·       Annaprasadam: Annaprasadam is a special offering of food made to Lord Vishnu on the fifth day of the festival. The food is prepared in huge quantities and is distributed to devotees.

·       Pallivetta: On the ninth day of the festival, the head of the Travancore royal family performs the palli vetta (royal hunt) ritual. This ritual is a symbolic representation of the king's duty to protect his people.

Elephant processions: The elephant processions are a major highlight of the Painkuni Festival. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols.

Cultural programs:

The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

Arattu ceremony:

The Arattu ceremony is the most important event of the Painkuni Festival. The ceremony takes place on the tenth and final day of the festival. During the Arattu ceremony, the idol of Lord Vishnu is taken in a procession to the Shankumukham beach. The idol is then bathed in the sea, and the water is collected by devotees. The Painkuni Festival is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate. 

History:The history of the Painkuni Festival dates back to the 16th century. The festival was started by the Travancore royal family, who were the rulers of the region at the time. 

Palayur Church Festival in Thrissur: The Palayur Church Festival, also known as Palayur Mahatheerthadanam, is a significant religious and cultural event held annually at the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Palayur, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. 

Date: The festival usually falls during the Lenten season, typically in March or April. In 2024, it will be held on July 13th and 14th.

 Highlights: 

·       Pilgrimage: The highlight of the festival is the 30-km-long annual Lenten Mahatheerthadanam (great pilgrimage) on foot from Thrissur to Palayur. Thousands of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, participate in this devotional walk that begins on the first day of the festival.

·       Religious ceremonies: Special prayers, masses, and processions are held throughout the two days, culminating in a solemn mass on the second day.

·       Cultural programs: The festival also features vibrant cultural programs showcasing traditional Kerala art forms like music, dance, and drama.

·       Festivities: The celebrations resemble Hindu festivals held in the region, with lively pageantry, orchestras, and fireworks displays, adding to the festive atmosphere.

·       Religious: The festival commemorates the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in India and the establishment of the Palayur church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the country.

·       Cultural: The festival blends religious rituals with vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the region's rich heritage and traditions.

·       Social: The pilgrimage fosters unity and brotherhood among people of different communities, promoting religious tolerance and social harmony.

Additional information: The festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India and abroad. The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church is a renowned pilgrimage center and holds significant historical value for Christians in India. The festival is a unique blend of religious devotion, cultural expression, and social unity, making it a truly remarkable event in Kerala. 

Panachikkadu Festival: The Panachikkadu Festival is a nine-day annual festival held at the Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November) and is one of the most important festivals in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, arts, and learning. The festival features a variety of events, including special rituals, elephant processions, cultural programs, and the Vidyarambham ceremony. 

Special rituals: 

·       Kodiyettu: The festival begins with the hoisting of a ceremonial flag, called kodiyettu. This marks the beginning of the nine-day festivities.

Aaraattu: On the eighth day of the festival, the idol of the goddess Saraswati is taken in a procession to the nearby Panachikkadu river. The idol is then bathed in the river, and the water is collected by devotees.

Elephant processions: The elephant processions are a major highlight of the Panachikkadu Festival. The processions feature hundreds of decorated elephants from various temples in the region. The elephants are adorned with colorful caparisons and carry elaborately decorated parasols. 

Cultural programs:The festival also features a variety of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater. The programs are a celebration of the rich culture of Kerala.

 ·       Vidyarambham ceremony:The Vidyarambham ceremony is the most important event of the Panachikkadu Festival. The ceremony takes place on the ninth and final day of the festival. During the Vidyarambham ceremony, young children are initiated into the world of education. The children are given a slate and chalk and are taught the alphabet. 

The Panachikkadu Festival is a major cultural event in Kerala. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region. It is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

Vishu (April 15th): As mentioned earlier, Vishu marks the beginning of the new year in Kerala. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and features the traditional Vishu Kani, feast, cultural programs, and temple visits. 

Other events: 

Kerala Boat Races: These thrilling races, held in various backwaters throughout the year, are a highlight of Kerala's tourism scene. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha is one of the most popular. 

Theyyam Festival: This ancient ritualistic dance form, performed in North Kerala, showcases the vibrant costumes and traditions of the region. 

Remember, dates for some festivals may be subject to change, so it's essential to confirm before making travel plans.