Kerala, God’s own country is noted for its communal concord, rich culture and heritage. The synthesis of the varied culture took place due to Kerala’s interaction with the native as well as foreign cultures. Kerala’s trade contacts in its past with the foreign countries also led to the introduction of world religions like Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
An appropriate instance of the religious tolerance or secularism is found in Kerala's capital, 'Thiruvananthapuram', where a Hindu temple, a mosque and a church stand adjacently.
This diverse culture of the state has resulted in a colorful mishmash of festivals and fairs. The festivities that continue throughout the year make Kerala more vivacious than any other tourist destination around the world. The spirit of gaiety and jubilation always pervades the ambience of Kerala. Thus Kerala is also known as the land of fairs and festivities.
The major religions of Kerala are Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. However there is a minority population which belongs to Jainism, Buddhism and Judaismas . The festivals of Kerala are-
CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS
Christmas - Christmas, celebrated throughout the world as the birthday of the Saviour Jesus Christ, is the festival of universal love. Christianity is no more the religion of the foreigners. It has intermingled with the spirit and culture of Kerala of secular India and has become the very own religion of many Keralites. Now a large number of affluent Christian Communities live in Kerala. So Christmas is celebrated in Kerala with great pomp and vigor. By celebrating the solemn festival of Christmas, the message of unconditional love, brotherhood and compassion is circulated everywhere.
MUSLIM FESTIVALS
Bakrid - Id-ul-Zuha, Idul-Adha or Bakrid, the festival of sacrifice is observed by Muslims all over India as well as the world. This festival is celebrated to memorialize the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim, who voluntarily killed his son at God’s command. To celebrate this event, Muslims sacrifice one animal, e.g. a bakr or goat for each family or a group of families. The sacrifice is followed by prayers at mosques, grand feasts and merry-making. The Muslims wear new garments, visit each other’s places and exchange good wishes.
The dawn of Bakrid in Kerala and other parts of the world reverberates with the sound of Thakhir (Allahu Akbar), asserting that the God is great. In Kerala, Bakrid is celebrated particularly as the occasion for confluence of the notable members of sister communities.
Muharram - Muharram is considered as the opening month of the Hijra year in religion of Islam. The Muslims of Kerala venerate the 10th day of this month. The Muslims observe Muharram to lament the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed who died in the bloody massacre at Karbala in 680 AD. Fasting is a significant ceremonial ritual of this festival. In Kerala, Muharram is celebrated by performing the `Pulikali' or `Tiger-dance'. Taziyas which are the tombs of bamboo and paper made in replication of Hussain’s tomb are adorned with gilt and mica and are carried out in the streets of the cities. Huge processions follow these taziyas and the lamenters are seen beating their chests mourning and grieving over the slaying of Hussain. The devotees end their fast after the procession and give away apparels, money and food to the poor and the sick people.
Another significant event of this Vishu is the Vishu Kaineettam, which implies gifting of money to the children and junior members of the family. After observing these ceremonial rites, the people then spend the day by rejoicing and bursting crackers. All the members of the family together have a grand Vishu feast known as 'sadya'.
Deepavali - The term Deepavali or Diwali means "a row of lights" in Sanskrit and is celebrated as the festival of lights throughout India. In Kerala, Deepavali is observed on the preceding day of the New Moon in the Malayalam month of Thulam i.e. October-November. It is believed that Deepavali is the celebration of God Sree Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasura . The Tamil communities start celebrating Deepavali right from the early morning by taking a ritual oil bath before sunrise. It is the common custom in South India to eat a preparation of jaggery and dry ginger immediately after taking the oil bath. The festivity starts by distributing special sweets bursting of crackers and a wide assortment of colorful fireworks. The houses are beautifully decorated with clay oil lamps and the city dazzles with these sparkling lights.
Onam - Onam or Thiruvonam, the harvest and national festival of Kerala is celebrated annually in the first Malayalam month of Chingom (August-September) in an outstanding manner for ten days.Onam festival is basically the harvest fiesta of the Malayalees and is mythically related to the Malayalee-Hindu legends.
Onam symbolizes the vitality and exuberance of the spring season. It is observed with conventional fervidness by arranging colorful blossoms for pookalam, visiting temples, gifting new clothes (Onakkodi) to everybody, feasting on 'avial', 'pappadum' and 'payasams' on plantain leaves and indulging in elating boat races such as Vallomkali in the azure backwaters, sports and other cultural activities like Pulikkali (meaning tiger dance),`Oonjalattom, Thiruvathirakali and so on. Onam is the most colourful and the chief festival of Kerala which is celebrated by almost all people irrespective of caste and creed and community. The origin of Onam can be traced back to an interesting and unusual legend of an asura named Mahabali.
Last Updated on : July 08, 2025
