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Kerala Festivals Tours
The
colourful 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.
Aaranmula Boat
Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of
Aaranmula in August/ September. |
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This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula
Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an
imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
Cochin
Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last
week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the
Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.
It has evolved
as an occasion for the youth to enjoy the party-like atmosphere. With unique
games, competitions and illumination during these days, Fort Kochi puts on a
festive look.
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The highlight of the Carnival is the massive procession on the New
Year Day.
Onam
Onam, the harvest festival is the most popular
festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and
reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.
It brings
back nostalgic memories, carried on the wings of folklore, of a bygone Utopian
era of prosperity, equality and righteousness, under the golden reign of
Mahabali.
Year after year, for centuries, the people of Kerala, irrespective of
caste, creed or colour, join together to welcome back their vanquished king.
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The
ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September, coinciding with the beginning
of the harvest season.
Nehru
Trophy Boat 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.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
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.
Thirunakara Festival
The Thirunakara Temple situated in the heart
of Kottayam and dedicated to Lord Siva is also famous for the grandeur of its
traditional architecture.
The annual festival of this temple falls in the months
of March-April, when folk arts like "Mayilattam' and 'Velakali' are presented in
the temple grounds during the evenings.
Oachirakkali
The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira
dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle.
Unlike other
temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms
from Kollam. |
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The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic
Consciousness). Rows of men dressed up in ancient soldier's constumes wave
wooden swords and shields and advance and retreat to the rhythm of traditional
drums.
Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival
Every year, from February
21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open air
theatre in Thiruvananthapuram city. Classical dances of almost all the states of
India are staged during the festival. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Bharatha Natyam
(Tamil Nadu), Kutchippudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur)
and Kathak (a north Indian Classical Dance) are the major dances
performed.
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