5 Traditional Kerala Festivals You Need to Experience

India is known for its huge number of festivals that are colorful, bright and full of life. Every state has its own traditional festivals unique to it and so does God’s Own Country. The traditional festivals here have to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Vibrant colors, larger-than-life figurines, dances, and folk arts, all come together during these festivals. Each festival has a legend attached to it; which will certainly engross the kids. Moreover, the beautiful backwaters of Kerala turn into a scene of thrilling boat races and peaceful canoe processions for revelers.

Here are five festivals in Kerala that you should definitely not miss:

1. Onam

When: August/September

Where: All over the state

It is hard to talk about Kerala and not mention Onam, the biggest festival in the state. It is held in honor of King Mahabali who, it is believed, comes from the nether world to meet his subjects. This is a ten-day festival in which the entire state is beautifully decked-up along with the staging of various performances and boat races. Don’t forget to tuck into some of the Onam delicacies along with your kids.

2. Attuvela Mahtsavam

When: March

Where: Vaikom

Attuvela Mahotsavam is like a water carnival. It is celebrated as a welcome to the Goddess of Kodungalloor who has arrived to see her sister, the Goddess of Elamkavu. The main highlight of this festival is the huge replica of a temple that floats in the nearby River Moovattupuzha. It is accompanied by a number of small beautifully decorated canoes which is truly a spectacular sight.

3. ThaipooyamMahotsavam

When:

January/February

Where: Koorkenchery

Gorgeous and vibrant colors mark this festival that is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. The kavadiyattom is one of the main highlights of this festival where dancers carry kavadis (wooden arches) and form shapes. Be sure to wear bright clothes as you and your kids twirl to the music while the performances are going on. The festival ends with a stunning fireworks display.

4. Athachamayam

When: August/ September

Where: Thripunithura

For your upcoming family vacations, do attend the Athachamayam festival. It is usually held on the first day of Onam. This cultural carnival will certainly delight the kids. The festival commemorates the victory of the King of Kochi. There is a procession that showcases just about all the various folk arts of Kerala, something that you won’t see collectively elsewhere.

5. Painkuni Festival

When: April

Where: East Fort

If you are visiting Trivandrum and are looking for places to visit in Poovar, then you should definitely visit East Fort for the Painkuni festival. It is a ten-day extravaganza, the highlight of which are the larger-than-life fiberglass figures of the Pandavas. These are placed at the Eastern entrance of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, where this festival is held. Be sure to take a family picture with these figurines in the background. Experience these vibrant festivals of Kerala & many more during your family vacation at Club Mahindra Kumarakom resort.

How to reach

You can fly to Kerala via either of its two airports i.e. the Cochin International Airport or the Trivandrum International Airport. All of the above-mentioned places are also well connected by rail via the Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram Centralrailway stations.You caneven take a bus or drive to the above-mentionedplaces during the festival time. Plenty of buses and taxis are available from cities like Kochi and Trivandrum.

Enjoy the festivities with Club Mahindra

Club Mahindra resorts are the perfect place for family vacations in Kerala. Its vast portfolio of properties include nine resorts in popular places like Alleppey, Ashtamudi, Cherai, Kochi, Kumarakom, Munnar, Poovar, Thekkady, and Wayanad. Join India's favorite resort chain - Club Mahindra and explore the top holiday destinations in India and abroad. Each of these resorts offers world-class service and amenities along with various authentic dining as well as cultural experiences that ensure you enjoy the best of everything that the destination has to offer. With the numerous activities within the resort, you can be sure that you and your little ones will never get bored. Know more about fun-filled things to do in Kumarakom with your family.

Apart from the above, Kerala also has a number of other festivals. The next time you are planning a vacation to Kerala, make sure you check the dates of these festivals so that you and your family can enjoy the festivities together.

Plan a vacation with Club Mahindra and have a pleasant stay at resort in Kumarakom, with a spectacular view of Kerala backwaters. Also, read through these Club Mahindra reviews of Kumarakom resort & get a sneak peak of why our happy members love spending their family holidays in Club Mahindra Kumarakom resort, Kerala.