Fairs & Festivals of India 2011
Fairs & Festivals of Kerala 2011
January
01 - New Year Day
02 - Thirunelli temple chuttuvilakku (Wayanad), Feast of St Francis Xavier, Goa
06 - Feast of three kings, Goa
07 - Suchindram Therottam / Car festival (near Nagarkovil) comes in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec/Jan).
10 - Erumeli chandanakudam festival (Kottayam)
11 - Erumeli Petta thulllal
12 - Tiruabharana khosha yatra begins from Panthalam temple
13 - Kanjiramattom Urs (13th & 14th Jan every year), Kottayam flower show (up to 16th).
14 - Sabarimala Makara vilakku: Video (Pathanamthitta), Gujarat kite festival at Ahmedabad
15 - Thypongal (Bull fight/Jellikettu at Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore)
16 - Adoor Parthasarathy temple Gajamela, Mahe Ganapati temple Chariot festival.
17 - Madurai Chariot festival
18 & 19 - Bikaner Camel Festival (Rajasthan)
19 - Pazhani Chariot festival (Tamil Nadu)
20 - Arthunkal feast (Alappuzha) Watch Video, Bangalore (Karnataka) flower show, Thypooyam (7 Feb 2012) : Harippad Sree Subramanya Swami temple ('Kavadi'), Sree Maheswara temple at Koorkanchery (Thrissur), Madurai(Tamil Nadu), Pazhani.
21 - St Sebastian's feast at Kanjoor (Angamaly, Ernakulam) and Bharananganam St Mary's church (Pala, Kotttayam), Cherai Pooram.
24 & 25 - Athirampuzha St Sebastian's festival (Kotttayam)
26 - Republic Day Parade at New Delhi and other state capitals
xx - Kanchipuram festival at Ekambaranathar temple (Tamil Nadu)
Adoor Parthasarathy temple Gajamela
The temple is dedicated to Lord Sree Krishna and is located near the Adoor KSRTC bus stand. During the 10 day festival, 9 majestically caparisoned elephants takes part.
Arattu (holy bath) is ritual connected with the closing of a festival. The idols of deities are carried in a procession to the river for the holy bath. The purified idols are then escorted back to the temple accompanied by a grand elephant pageant, 'panchavadyam', 'nadaswaram' and 'chendamelam'.
Thypooya mahotsavam : A seven day festival is celebrated at Sree Maheswara temple, Koorkanchery (2 km from Thrissur town) in the month of Jan/Feb. This festival is dedicated to Lord Subrahmania, the presiding deity of the temple. The major attraction of this festival is the spectacular Kaavadiyattam. This is a kind of ritual dance carrying a kaavadi, a bow decorated with flowers and colour papers, on one’s shoulders. On the last day a kavadiyattam procession with hundreds of dancers with kavadi (tall ornate structures) is held. The dance can be seen in most of the Subrahmania temples in the state.
Cherai Pooram is held annually during January or February at the Cherai Gowreeshwara temple. 28 caparisoned elephants take part in the pooram. Cherai has a popular beach and is located 6 km from North Paravur (NH 17) in Ernakulam district.
All are requested to contribute information on important festivals with specialties in this thread. Such a festival calendar will be very helpful to all in exploring the amazing festivals in various parts of the world.
Church festivals of Kerala
MARAMON CONVENTION
Maramon and Kozhencherry , on the banks of the river Pampa, 16 kilometers east of Tiruvalla, have for centuries been recognised as centres of Christian culture and influence. Maramon is also famous as the birth place of Palakkunnathu Abraham Maplah, leader of the reformation in the Syrian Church of Malabar in the 19th century. This village which developed into a town has the added distinction of being the venue of a religious gathering known as Maramon convention, said to be the largest Christian gathering in Asia.
It is during the month of February on the vast sand-bed of the river Pampa below the Kozhenchery bridge that the Maramon Convention is held every year.
The Maramon Convention displays co-operation and union between different sections of Church in Kerala. It fosters ecumenical outlook. It is also a source of spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands.
NIRANAM FESTIVAL
Of all the places hallowed in the annals of Christianity in India, Niranam holds pride of place. In social, cultural, literary and political matters, this small village has kept up its own distinctive, pristine traditions. The fame of Niranam must have reached Syria and weighed most with St. Thomas. He is believed to have visited Niranam in 53AD, erected a crucifix founded and built a church on the site.The main religious festival is in honour of the Holy Mother on August 15. Special mass is held on that day. The birthday of St. Mary is celebrated on a grand scale on 8th September. The feast of St. Thomas is celebrated on 3rd July.
RAKKULI THIRUNAL, Pala
Rakkuli Thirunal is the terminology of Common parlance to denote the feast of Epiphany celebrated every year on the 6th January in the St. Thomas Cathedral Church at Pala. It has been the occasion of a vast fair where articles of every necessity are exhibited for sale.
ST.DOMINIC SYRIAN CHURCH FEAST, Aluva
The feast of St . Dominic church at Aluva falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue of the Saint is taken out in procession on that day. The feast of "Our Lady of the Holy Rosary" also consists of a spectacular procession on the Sunday after 8th of December.
Hindu Festivals of Kerala
ASHTAMI at VAIKOM
The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom is one of the most famous and oldest Siva temples in Kerala. The utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, (November-December) the Ashtami falling on the last day. During the night on the Ashtami day the deities of the neighbouring temples will be ceremoniously brought in procession to this temple.
ATTUKAL PONKALA
There is an ancient Bhagavathy temple (Mudipura) at Attukal in the Kaladi ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The most important festival in this temple, generally known as Attukal Ponkala commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February-March) and continues for nine days. The festival begins with Thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathi) which goes on during all the nine days. On the ninth day, several thousands of women assemble in the temple compound with ponkala pots and the required quantities of rice and other ingredients for ponkala.
Event Date :10 March, 2009
KUTHIYOTTAM AND KETTUKAZHCHA ( Chettikulangara Temple)
Chettikulangara temple near Kayamkulam is one of the famous Devi Temples in Kerala. The Bharani Utsavam celebrated in Kumbham (February-March) in this temple is quite an event to the local people as well as to those residing in the neighbouring villages.
Event Date : 2 March, 2009
CHITTUR KONGANPADA
Konganpada is a grand festival of historical significance celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur, 10 km from Palakkad town. A unique festival it is held every year on the first Monday after the dark lunar night in Kumbham (February -March) to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King Rajadhi Raja.
ETTUMANOOR FESTIVAL
Ettumanoor is located 12 km north-east of Kottayam town. 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. The name of the place had its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the home of deer. The 'arattu' festival of this temple is celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham (February-March) every year. Large number of people flock to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of the festival when seven and half elephants made of gold (nearly 13 Kg) will be held in public view. The temple, the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala, has many valuable possessions.
Event Date : 4 & 6 March 2009
Hindu Festivals of Kerala
GURUVAYOOR FESTIVALS
One of the famous temples in India, Guruvayoor is in Chavakkad taluk, draws a vast concourse of pilgrims from every part of the country. Devotees are thronging to this temple not to see and appreciate the variety of its structural patterns or to revel in the festivals celebrated there, but only to feel the air of benediction that pervades this famous shrine of Guruvayoorappan and to invoke his blessings.
The important religious festivals celebrated in this temple are:
1. Ashtami Rohini in Chingom (August - September)
2. Sukla Paksha Ekadasi in Vrischikom (November-December)
3. Kuchela Day in Dhanu (December-January) the day on which Kuchela visited Sree Krishna with beaten rice.
4. Dhwaja Prathishta day (Erection of flag staff in the temple) on Makayiram Asterism in Makaram (January- February).
5. Vishukkani in Medam (April)
6. The ten days Utsavam commencing from Pooyam Asterism in Kumbhom (February-March).
Event Dates : 7 March 2009, Elephant race at 3 pm, 16 March 2009 - Aarattu, Vishu - 14 April 2009.
HARIPAD TEMPLE FESTIVAL
Sree Subrahmonia Swamy temple, at Haripad, is one of the oldest and most important temples devoted to Lord Subrahmonia. It is situated at the 53rd kilometre on the Kollam-Alapuzha highway. Annually three festivals are celebrated in this temple, of which the Chithira festival is the most important. It takes place in Medom (April-May). The procession with the golden peacock throne is quite attractive.
KANATHURKAVU UTSAVAM
Kanathurkavu is an ancient Hindu temple in the heart of Kannur consecrated to the Goddess Mahadevi and later to Sree Rama also. During the annual festival in April, thousands of people go there to witness Theyyattom, dance ritual of the Mahadevi and other Gods.
Hindu Festivals of Kerala
KAPPALLY KUMBHAM THIRA
The Kappally temple, near Kappally palayat temple, where the Thira festival is conducted annually from 3rd to 13th of Kumbham (February-March) every year. The most important day of the festival is the 12th of Kumbham.
KODIYETTU UTSAVAM AT THIRUVARATTUKAVU BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE, ATTINGAL
The Kodiyettu Utsavam of this temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy, is celebrated in memory of the consecration of the temple. Commencing on the Makayiram day in Vrischikam, (November-December) it ends on the Uthram day.
KODUNGALLOOR BHARANI UTSAVAM
Kodungalloor the ancient capital of Kerala lying about twenty miles north-west of Eranakulam had a hoary past. The Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple is one of the wealthiest temples in Kerala. Bhadrakali born of the third eye of Samhara Rudra, killed the demon Darika. It is to commemorate this event that the famous Bharani festival is celebrated in the Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple in Meenam (March-April) every year.
Event Date : 29 March, 2009
KOODALMANICKAM UTSAVAM
The ancient and historic Koodalmanickam temple is situated in the Manavalassery village, about 9 km from the Irinjalakuda railway station. The deity of this temple is Sree Bharatha who is generally not found consecrated in Kerala temples. This temple is in the true architectural pattern of Kerala temples. The festival here is held annually for all days in Medom (April-May) from Utram to Thiruvonam asterisms.
KUMARANALLOOR THRIKKARTHIKA UTSAVAM
The Kumaranalloor temple is situated in the Perumbaikad village of Kottayam Taluk.
KOTTUVALLIKKAVU KUMBHA BHARANI
The Kuttuvallikkavu Bhagavathi temple is situated 15 km to the west of the Aluva railway station in the Kottuvally village of Paravur taluk. This temple is said to have been built by Kottaukal Padanayar from Kodungalloor (Cranganore).
Temple Festivals of Kerala
THRISSUR POORAM
The most colourful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators form all parts of the State and even outside.
Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neigbouring temples to the Vadakunnatha temple, Thrissur. The most impressions are those from the Krishna temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi temple at Paramekkavu, both situated in the town itself. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram festival is also well-known for the magnificent display of fireworks. It is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi vying with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, several kind which are raised on the elephants during the display. The commissioning of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.
Of the rival groups participating in the Pooram, the most important ones are those from Pramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. At the close of the Pooram both these groups enter the temple through the western gate and come out through the southern gate to array themselves, face to face, one from the round and other form the Municipal Office road. This spectacle is highly enchanting. Although this grand festival is known as Thrissur Pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight day Utsavam of nine temples.
The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkunnatha Temple and back is not only important, but also quite enlivening. The marvelous as well as magical effect of the 'Panchavadyam', a combination of five percussion and wind instruments, is to be felt and enjoyed.
Event Date : 03 May 2009
Temple Festivals of Kerala
SABARIMALA SHRINE
For many centuries Sabarimala in the south has been an important pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, especially from the southern states. The presiding deity at Sabarimala is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, who is considered a symbol of unity between the Vaishnavites and Saivites, his origin being traced to a union of Siva and Vishnu under special circumstances. He is also believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self enshrined at Sabarimala. Some scholars say that Sastha images seen all over Kerala are those of Lord Buddha, but there are others who dispute this theory.
The temple is situated in the interior of the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats Sahyadri, and it is inaccessible except on foot. Pilgrims have to negotiate long shelter of the thick forests and tall mountains infested with all sorts of wild animals.
Pilgrimage to Sabarimala cannot be undertaken at all seasons, because it requires long preparation and fixed timings. A devotee who wishes to perform the pilgrimage should undergo forty-one days' Vritham' (penance) consisting of strict celibacy, morning and evening ablutions, growing of beard and daily prayers. Saranamvili or the call of dedication and refuge in Lord Ayyappa is an essential part of the daily worship.
January 14, every year synchronising with the day of Sankramom (crossing of the sun from Dhakshinayana to Uttarayana) is the most important festival day of the temple. On the above day, lakhs of pilgrims, each called an Ayyappa (assuming the very name of the Lord) flock to the shrine for worship. Here they see the 'Makara Vilakku' the appearance of a spontaneous phenomenon of strange light in the distance, indicating the presence of god, and return ennobled and strengthened in spirit. Situated not far from the Sabarimala temple, there is a shrine in the name of Vavar, a Muslim of great valour, who was thought to be a close associate of Sri Ayyappa. It is a rare feature of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala that the Hindu pilgrim offer worship at this shrine of Vavar also during their trip, indicating the communal harmony that prevailed in Kerala for ages. During the entire pilgrimage, all distinctions of caste and class are forgotten.
Hindu Festivals of Kerala
THIRUVATHIRA
The Thiruvathira festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).
The origin of the festival is shrouded in obscurity. The people celebrate this festival upon age-old tradition and they do it with great joy and respect for the past. The Ardra Darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu corresponds to Thiruvathira of Kerala. It is considered to be high auspicious to worship Siva and the devotees go to the temple before sunrise for 'darshan'. Apart from the worship in the Siva temple, there is very little celebration in the houses. Tradition has it that Thiruvathira festival is celebrated in commemoration of the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of love. According to another version Thiruvathira is the birth day of Lord Siva.
Even though the Thiruvathira is celebrated by most of the Hindu communities it is essentially a Nair women's get up at about 4 am and take bath on seven days commencing form the asterism Aswathi. While taking bath they sing certain songs mostly relating to the God of Love, accompanied by rhythmic sound produced by splashing water with their fists. In conclusion they stand in a circle in the water hand in hand singing songs. Thiruvathira is a day of fasting and the women discard the ordinary rice meal on that day, but only take preparations of chama (panicum milicceum) or wheat. Other items of their food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts, etc. They also chew betel and redden their lips. Among Namboodiris, Ambalavasis (temple-servants) and high class Nairs, there is a convention that each woman should chew 108 betels on that day. The first Thiruvathira coming after the marriage of a girl is known as Puthen Thiruvathira or Poothiruvathira and it is celebrated on a grand scale.
From prehistoric times, Malayalee woman enjoyed an enviable position in the society, and she was practically the mistress of her house. The elevated position she occupied at home and in the society had distinguished her from her neighbours and influenced to a considerable extent the social structure, customs and religious practices of the people. The culmination of this phenomenon is clearly visible in setting apart one of the three great festivals of Kerala viz. Thiruvathira, exclusively for womenfolk, for which a parallel can hardly be found in any section of the Indian Society.
Oonjalattom, swinging on an oonjal (swing) is an item of amusement on this occasion. At night the women keep vigil for Siva and perform Thiruvathira kali or Kaikottikali. They stand in a circle around lighted brass lamp, and dance each step at the rhythm of the songs they sing, clapping their hands. The songs sometimes consist of Kathakali songs including the works of Irayimman Thampi.
Among Namboodiris and Amblavasis (temple servants) and Bairs who have close association with Namboodiris, there is custom called Pathirappoochoodal, Meaning wearing of flowers at midnight. At the midnight of Thiruvathira, an image of Siva is placed at the central courtyard and flowers, plantains and jaggery are offered to the deity. They then perform Kaikottikali round the deity. Flowers are taken from the offering and worn by them.
Hindu Festivals of Kerala
THIRUNAKKARA UTSAVAM
The celebrated Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam, on the Thiruvakkara Hill at the very centre of the town is one of the important Siva temples. The grandest festival of this temple is the "Arattu Utsavam" lasting for ten days from the 1st Meenam (March-April) which is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, irrespective of caste or creed.
THRICHAMBARAM UTSAVAM
Thrichambaram temple dedicated to Sree Krishna is located at the Taliparamba village, about 14 km from Pappinisserry railway station. The annual festival at this temple lasts for 14 days from 22nd Kumbaham (February-March).
UTHRA SEEVELI
Situated about 3 km from the Thiruvalla railway station, the Sree Vallabha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The large tank near the temple is believed to have formed naturally. Five other deities have also been installed here. The granite flag-staff of the templeis 50 feet tall. It is believed that its bottom touches the water table. On the top of the flag-staff has been installed a three-feet high idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
VARKALA JANARDHANASWAMY TEMPLE ARATTU
The Janardhanaswamy Temple is about 3 km form the Varkala railway station. The Arattu festival is celebrated every year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting) of Karthika day ending with Arattu on Uthram day. The festival lasts for ten days. On an average more than ten thousand people gather everyday to attend the festival. A colourful procession led by caparisoned elephants in which ornamental silk umbrellas, peacock fans etc. are carried, is one of the prominent features of the festival.
