What is Special about Kerala's Culture?
The rich culture and historical heritage of Kerala, have grown in the last few decades influencing other Indian states too. The organic and sustainable culture of the Malayali people has been preserved by them over the years. Kerala has evolved from the Sanskrit and Dravidian ethos. Its culture is unique through the incorporation of various aspects from different civilized cultures.
Kerala or 'God's own country is a land of rich diversity. The cultural variety of Kerala is a result of its geographic location as it falls between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. It is known for rich and dense rain forests, ancient trade relations with foreign lands, and agricultural tradition. The centuries-old culture of Kerala is a must for tourists to explore and you must be a part of Kerala tourism for some of the best experiences in life.
After telling you about the specialty of Kerala, let's tell you more about the traditional festivals of Kerala.
How do Traditional festivals in Kerala influence its tourism?
In Kerala, festivals are highly interconnected to the culture and tradition of the state. Another fact is that these festivals are often celebrated by all communities Irrespective of their differences. The rich tradition of the southern state has a culture deeply rooted in a vibrant and colorful past. As a tourist, you must experience these traditional and colorful festivals of Kerala for a lifetime of memories.
The main religion is Hinduism but Christianity and Islam religions influence it. The people are highly educated and live in peace where people from different religions and castes stay in harmony. You can't take a chance to miss it. The Kerala tourism industry has flourished with tourists who want to explore a slice of the unique and deeply rooted beliefs and practices of the malayali people.
So without further ado, let us tell you about some of the traditional festivals of Kerala for tourists to explore:
- Onam- Onam is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala that is a form of recall and respect to king Mahabali and Vamana. The festival celebrated in August- September witnesses a grand celebration. It's a harvest festival that comprises a spectrum of cultural events that are a must-watch for tourists. People clean their homes and often decorate their floors with floral carpets. The events of traditional art forms and games are organized with tasty feet at home.
- Vishu- Next, in our list comes Vishu which is marked with family time. People prepare colorful items and viewings on Vishu day. The Malayali people seek to view the golden blossoms of Indian labor numbers, money or silver items, rice, coconut, and other harvest items. Moreover, people also visit the prominent temples of the state early in the morning. As a tourist, you can explore the celebrations and rituals of Vishu and even visit the temples on an auspicious day with Kerala tourism.
- Thrissur Pooram- It is a temple festival of Kerala celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. You will watch people sit on beautifully dressed huge elephants outside the temple. As a tourist, you can get to see long and beautiful fireworks lit all night on the 200-year-old festival day. The festival begins with flag hoisting, there is a display of caparisons and a farewell ceremony on the 7th and final day of the festival.
- Thiruvathira- This festival celebrated in the month of December-January is a dedication to Lord Shiva. It is considered the perfect day to worship Lord Shiva and devotees make their way to the temple seeking the lord's blessings. The significance of the festival is that It is believed that on this day, the Goddess Parvathi met Lord Shiva after her long penance. He took her as a saha-dharma chaarini. You can be a part of Kerala tourism and seek the holy blessing of lord shiva witnessing the devotion of countless devotees.
- Theyyam Festival- Have you ever seen dancing painted, masked faces? The almost 800 years old festival of Kerala witnesses visitors from all over the world dancing by getting dressed as deities. In total, there are about 456 types of Theyyam that have a distinctly unique makeup, songs, and choreography. This grand dance festival is celebrated in many regions of the state and it is one of the best reflections of its culture. You will be delighted to experience this side of Kerala tourism filled with colors, masks, dance, and rituals.
- Attukal Pongala- It is a 10-day religious festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram (Capital of Kerala). The ninth day of the festival witnesses the gathering of millions of women. They take part in the Pongala ritual which means 'to boil over’, where women prepare sweet payasam made from rice, jaggery, coconut, etc. From the perspective of Kerala tourism, it is a unique and first-hand experience for tourists.
- Makaravilakku Festival- This annual festival in Kerala is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in India at the shine of Sabarimala. It has great importance because thousands of devotees of Lord Ayyappa come to the temple to see the holy flame or fire. It is Makaravilakku and appears thrice on the Ponnambalamedu hill. This is situated nearly 4 km away from the temple. As a tourist, you can witness the wonderful occasion.
