Fairs & Festivals

Choose the month for which you need the information:

September 1999
8th
Concluding day of the annual eight day Manarkad Perunnal at St. Mary's Church, Manarkad, near Kottayam. Festival highlights: * Eight day ritual fast, locally called ettu noyambu perunnal * Ceremonial procession carrying the golden cross and rows and rows of brilliantly coloured parasols, on the last three days. Patron of the church: St. Mary

11th - 21st
Ten day Chandanakudam Mahotsavam at Beemapalli, 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Devotees make an offering of coins in earthen pots (kudams) which are smeared with sandal paste, hence the name chandanakudam. Festival Hightlights: * Kodiyettam * Ratheeb (purification ritual) * Vadithallu * Chandanakudam procession on the tenth day led by caparisoned elephants* Panchavadyam * Dharamuttu * Plays * Music concerts * Spectacular fireworks display. Patron of the shrine: Beema Beevi, a pious muslim lady who was blessed with extraordinary powers.

November 1999

1st
Mannarasala Aayilyam at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32 km from Alappuzha) on the Alappuzha - Kollam route. Festival highlights: * Colourful serpent worship rituals * Ezhunnallathu * Uruli kamazhthal, a unique ritual offering made by placing an uruli (a bell metal based vessel) upside down before the deity. This offering is usually made by childless couples who seek the boon of a child. Deity of the temple: Nagaraja - king of serpents.

1st - 02nd
Annual Parumala Perunnal at Parumala Church, 11 km from Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district. Festival highlight: * Ceremonial procession of the holy cross, in which thousands of devotees from all over Kerala participate.

9th
Feast of Mt. Carmel on 9th November at St. Mary's Forane Church, Bharananganam, 40 km from Kottayam. Festival highlights: * Special devotional rites * ceremonial processions * Chendamelam * fireworks display Patron of the church: St. Mary

14th - 16th
Kalpathy Ratholsavam (the last three days of the annual seven day chariot festival) at Sree Viswanathaswamy Temple, Kalpathy, 3 km from Palakkad town. Kalpathy, an early Tamil Brahmin settlement is also known as Dakshin Kasi (the Varanasi of the south) The temple is over 700 years old. Festival highlights: * Vedic recitals * Spectacular procession of beautifully decorated temple chariots drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees * Cultural programmes Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

16th - 24th
Annual nine day Utsavam at Bhagavati Temple, Kumaranallur, 6 km from Kottayam. Festival highlights:* Ritualistic procession * Velakali (folk art imitating ancient warfare) * Mayura nritham * Thalappoli * Kathakali on the fifth and sixth nights * Arattu. Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

19th - 1st December
Annual two week Utsavam at Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom, 33 km from Cochin. Festival highlights: * Ritual procession of the temple idols * All night kathakali performance * Classical music recitals on eighth and ninth day. Deity of the temple: Lord Siva.

Third week of November
Annual ten day Feast of Christ, The King at Madre Deus Church, Vettukadu, 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Special devotional rites on all days of the festival * Procession of the image of Christ, the King on the last Saturday of the liturgical year * High mass, sermon, eucharistic procession and benediction on the concluding day.

December 1999

2nd - 11th
Annual Mandala Pooja at Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Sabarimala All Saturdays and Sundays of December '99 - January 2000: Jalatharangam, weekend cultural evenings by the sea, at Eve's beach, Kovalam, 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Kathakali * Mohiniattom * Bharathanatyam * Kalaripayattu * Classical music concerts.

2nd
Annual Utsavam at Parassini Madappura, Parassinikadavu, 20 km from Kannur town. Festival highlights: * Ritual Muthappan Theyyam performed round the year by the priest who is called Madayan. Deity of the temple: Sree Muthappan, the hunter incarnation of Lord Siva.

5th - 12th
Annual eight day Utsavam at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Thripunithura, 8 km from Ernakulam. Festival highlights: * Seeveli * Koottiezhunallippu * Kanikka edal (offerings placed in a golden pot) * Kathakali * Chakyarkoothu * Ottanthullal * Music concerts. Deity of the temple: Santhana Gopalakrishna (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu)

7th - 16th
Theyyam festival at Perumthatta Tharawad, Panayal

8th - 15th
Handicrafts Heritage - Kerala at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. This week long exhibition and sale of handicrafts is conducted in connection with the All India Handicraft Week Celebrations to honour the thousands of traditional craftsmen every year. Fair highlights: * Live demonstration by craftsmen from across Kerala * Display and sale of intricately designed and meticulously crafted articles unique to the State.

14th - 23rd
Annual ten day Mahotsavam at Mahadeva Temple, Chengamanad, 9 km from Aluva, Ernakulam. Festival highlights: * Deepakazhcha, illumination by traditional lamps fixed on the outer walls of the temple, every day of the festival * Ottamthullal * Chakyarkoothu * Kurathiyattam on the last two evenings * Ceremonial procession led by five caparisoned elephants on the concluding day Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

14th - 23rd
Ten day annual Utsavam at Sreekandeswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Ezhunallathu * Pallivetta * All night Kathakali performance on fifth day * Ottanthullal every morning Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

14th - 23rd
Ten day annual Utsavam at Kandiyur Mahadeva Temple, Thattarambalam, Alappuzha (12 km from Haripad). Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Arattu * all night Kathakali and Ottanthullal performances Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

23rd - 19th January
Mahotsavam at Thrichenganoor Mahadeva Temple, Chengannoor, 35 km from Kottayam. This is the only temple in Kerala which conducts a twenty eight day annual festival. The last ten days are the most important. Festival highlights: * Spectacular processions in the mornings and evenings * All night Kathakali for two nights * Arattu * Thiruvathirakali * Chakyarkoothu * Ottanthullal * Kavadiyattam * Mayilattam * Karakattam *Ammankudam. Deities of the temple: Lord Siva and Sree Parvathi

25th - 1st January
Keraleeyam at Thirunavaya in Malappuram district. Festival highlights: * Traditional art forms * Classical dances

26th - 2nd January
Celebration Kochi A secular festival that brings together the thirteen communities living in Kochi. The entire city is illuminated with colourful lights through the week. Festival highlights: * Colourful inauguration on the 26th * Food festival * Procession of theme floats * Gajamela (elephant pageants) * Music concerts * Jalamela (water fiestas) * Cultural programmes * Boat race on the 28th * Carnival rally on the 1st of January.

26th - 5th January
Paramparya the Ashtamudi arts and crafts festival at Asramam maidan (71 km from Thiruvananthapuram; 150 km from Kochi). Festival highlights: * Exhibition of the traditional arts, crafts and architectural themes of Kerala * Workshops and live demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts * Cultural performances by folk and tribal artists from different parts of India * International craft film festival, seminars, talks etc. Special focus on the music tradition of India.

28th
Indira Gandhi Boat Race on the Kochi backwaters. The race is organised as part of Celebration Kochi. Festival highlights: * Over sixteen snake boats participate in this scintillating event.

28th - 10th January
Theyyam festival at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Festival highlight: Variety of theyyams are presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.

January 2000

6th - 15th
Agri fest at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvanantha-puram. This is the largest agricultural fair of its kind in the State. Festival highlights: * Exhibitions * Seminars * Cultural shows * Variety entertainment

12th - 19th
Annual seven day Utsavam at Siva Temple, Ernakulam. Festival highlights: * Seeveli procession, twice every day with 9 tuskers and panchavadyam * Pakalpooram on the seventh day * All night Kathakali performance on the first and second nights. * Ottanthullal * Music concerts * Arattu Deity of the temple: Ernakulathappan (Lord Siva)

13th - 16th
Malabar Mahotsavam at Kozhikode. A cultural extravaganza that showcases the centuries old rich cultural heritage of India. Festival highlights: * Classical dances * Music concerts * Ritual art performances * Food festival featuring the local delicacies * Fireworks display

14th - 23rd
Gramam (the Kerala village fair) at Eve's beach, Kovalam, 14 km from Thiruvananthapuram. An entire Kerala village is recreated by the beach, during this ten day long festival. The traditional nalukettu (the quadrangular upper class house with a central open courtyard) and its premises become the venue of the fair, where the culture, arts and crafts of Kerala come alive. The village teashop serves typical Kerala cuisine. Festival highlights: * Arts and crafts fair * Kathakali * Thiruvathirakali * Mohiniattam * Oppana * Kalaripayattu * Sarpapattu * Theyyam * Kummattikali * Kakkarisi natakam * Panchavadyam * Chakyarkoothu * Ottanthullal

18th
Gajamela at Parthasarathy Temple, Adoor, near Adoor KSRTC bus stand (92 km from Thiruvananthapuram). Festival highlight: * Grand elephant procession to Chennapalli Temple, 3 km away. Deity of the temple: Sree Krishna

20th
Concluding day of the ten day annual Arthunkal Perunnal (the feast of St. Sebastian) at St. Andrew's Forane Church, 15 km from Alappuzha. Festival highlights: * Ritual offering by which devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church * Ceremonial procession from the church to the beach Patron of the church: St. Andrew

21st
Thaipooya Mahotsavam at Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad Festival highlights: * Thaipooya kavadiyattam * Chuttuvilakku. Deity of the temple: Sree Subramanya

21st
Annual seven day Thaipooya Mahotsavam at Sree Maheswara Temple, Koorkencherry, 2 km from Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Spectacular Kavadiyattam * Grand elephant procession * Karakattam * Mayilattam Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

22nd - 30th
Flower show at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. A rare collection of flowers and plants - roses, anthurium, orchids, indoor plants and so on. Festival highlights: * Floral decorations * Cultural programmes * Fashion shows * Contests etc.

23rd - 30th
International Contemporary Dance Festival at Kochi. Festival highlight: * Assemblage of choreographers and artistes from India, Europe and the Far East

27th - 2nd February
Swathi Sangeethotsavam at Kuthiramalika Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. The annual classical music festival is organised by the government of Kerala. The seven day music fest is conducted in honour of the great poet king of the erstwhile Travancore dynasty - Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma - who composed most of his works in this palace. Festival highlight: * An august gathering of eminent musicians from across India present Indian classical music in the lamp lit precincts of the palace.

27th - 5th February
Ten day annual Utsavam at Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula (10 km from Chengannur). Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Ritual art performances * Kathakali on the sixth night * Pallivetta * Arattu. Deity of the temple: Sree Krishna

February 2000

1st - 7th
Gramam (the Kerala village fair) at Kochi. This is similar to the one held at Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram in January. An entire Kerala village is recreated during the ten day long festival. The traditional nalukettu (the quadrangular upper class house with a central open courtyard) and its premises become the venue of the fair, where the culture, arts and crafts of Kerala come alive. The village teashop serves typical Kerala cuisine. Festival highlights: * Arts and crafts fair * Kathakali * Thiruvathirakali * Mohiniattam * Oppana * Kalaripayattu * Sarpapattu * Theyyam * Kummattikali * Kakkarisi natakam * Panchavadyam * Chakyarkoothu * Ottanthullal

2nd - 6th
Malabar Pepper Fest at Kozhikode. This is an annual event and a rallying point for people in the spice trade from all over the world, gourmets and gastronomic experts to explore the spice coast. The fair is conducted during the pepper harvest season.

6th
The annual Pattambi Nercha at Pattambi Mosque, 61 km from Palakkad. The festival is held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar. The entire town is brilliantly illuminated during the festival. Festival highlights: * Pageant of 70 - 80 caparisoned tuskers, one of the largest elephant pageants in India * Panchavadyam *Tayambaka * Procession of colourful floats which concludes late at night on the banks of the Bharathapuzha *Folk art performances * Fireworks display

7th - 16th
Annual ten day Utsavam at Mahadevar Temple, Ettumanur, 12 km from Kottayam. Festival highlights: * All night Kathakali performances on the first four days * Velakali on the first eight days * Ezharaponnana ezhunnallathu (exposition and procession of the seven golden elephants, six of them 2ft high and one half the height, presented to the temple by the Maharajah of Travancore in 1759) * Arattu Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

13th - 18th
Five day annual Machattu Mamangam at Machatu Thiruvanikavu Temple, 3 km from Vadakancherry, Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Richly decorated Kuthirakolams (motifs of horses) are ceremoniously brought to the temple by the devotees as offering * Chendamelam * Pageantries * Cultural programmes Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

17th - 25th
Annual eight day Utsavam at Jagannatha Temple, Tellicherry, Kannur Festival highlights: * Religious conferences * Elephant processions * Fireworks display * Cultural programmes Deity of the temple: Lord Siva

17th - 25th
Annual ten day Utsavam at Sreekrishna Temple, Guruvayoor, 30 km from Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Rituals * Elephant race * Cultural programmes * Krishnanattam Deity of the temple: Sree Krishna

18th - 27th
Ten day annual Utsavam at Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla. Festival highlights: * Kathakali is performed in this temple almost every night and Velakali, every afternoon of the year * Pallivetta on the ninth day of the festival Deity of the temple: Lord Vishnu

19th
Pooram at Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, Palappuram, 5 km from Ottappalam, Palakkad. Festival highlights: * Procession of 33 caparisoned elephants * Panchavadyam * Velattu * Thira/ Theyyam * Pootham * Kaalavela * Kuthiravela * Aandi Vedan * Karivela * Tholpavakoothu on 17 days prior to the festival * Kumbhamkali Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

19th
Chottanikkara Makam the annual nine day festival at Sree Rajarajeswari Temple, Chottanikkara, 12 km from Ernakulam. Festival highlights: * Arattu every day of the festival * Makamthozhal (special rite) on the seventh day * Pooram on the eighth day, with five caparisoned elephants accompanied by temple ensembles * Grand fireworks display * Temple art forms * Cultural programmes Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

20th
Annual Pongala utsavam (to which only women are allowed) at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Preparation of pongala by thousands of women devotees in the temple courtyard * The chief priest of the temple goes around carrying the sword of the Goddess, blesses the devotees, sprinkles holy water and flower petals on them * Procession of the deity's idol * Thalapoli * Kuthiyottam * Caparisoned elephants * Chendamelam * Nadaswaram * Kumbhamkudam * Classical music recitals * Bharatanatyam * Mohiniattam * Kathakali Deity ot the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

20th
Annual seven day Pooram at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam 40 km from Palakkad. Festival highlights: * Tholpavakoothu * Kalamezhuthupattu * Pootham * Thira * Karivela * Kaalavela * Kuthiravela * Kathakali * Chakyarkoothu * Ceremonial procession of 21 elephants on the last day Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

21st - 27th
Nishagandhi Dance Festival at Nishagandhi open air theatre, Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. A week long festival of Indian classical dances * Kathakali * Mohiniattam * Bharathanatyam * Kathak * Kuchipudi * Manipuri * Odissi * Specially choreographed ballet combining one or more of these classical dance forms.

22nd - 29th
Annual Uthralikavu Pooram at Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu (Uthralikavu), Parithipra, Vadakancherry, Thrissur. This is one of the most prominent festivals in central Kerala Festival highlights: * Elephant processions during the day and at night * Temple and folk art performances * Panchavadyam * Pandimelam * All night Pooram on the concluding day in the glow of temple torches called Theevatti. Deity of the temple: Goddess Kali

24th - 27th
Theyyam festival at Kuttikkol Thampuratti Bhagavathy Temple

25th - 5th March
Annual ten day Utsavam at Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakali Temple, Paripally, 48 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. Elephants are offered as nercha (ritual offering for prosperity) by individuals and institutions. Today over 50 elephants participate in the ritual procession. Festival highlights:* Evening cultural programmes * Gajamela (elephant pageant) on the 10th day. Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhadrakali

March 2000

4th
Aluva Sivarathri (the night of Lord Siva) at Siva Temple, on the banks of the river Periyar at Aluva, 16 km from Ernakulam. Festival highlights: * Night long reading of the puranas and other holy texts * Rural trade fair * Cultural programmes * Vavubali (ritual in honour of the forefathers) at dawn, the following day.

10th
Annual Bharani Utsavam at Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, 5 km from Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district. Festival highlights: Almost all the folk arts of south Kerala are presented at this festival * Kettukazhcha procession * Kuthiottam * Padayani * Kolkali * Ammankudam * All night Kathakali performance Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

11th - 13th
Kakkoor Kalavayal at Kakkoor, 10 km from Piravam, Ernakulam district. The Kalavayal (cattle fair) is a traditional post harvest festival of the peasants of Kakkoor. The centuries old festival also has some religious legend connected to it. It is believed that the deities of the two neighbouring villages - Edapara and Ambasseri - are sisters and they meet annually at the Kalavayal. Festival highlights: * Exhibition of agricultural products, implements, and other traditional crafts * Folk art performances * Music concerts * Elephant processions * Spectacular bullock cart race on the concluding day.

13th - 20th
Annual seven day Utsavam at Sree Karthyayini Temple, Cherthala, Alappuzha (on the Ernakulam - Alappuzha route). Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Arattu * Elephant pageantry * Panchavadyam * Chendamelam * Ritual art performances * Kathakali Deity of the temple: Goddess Karthyayini

18th
Concluding day of the annual seven day Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha Temple, 14 km from Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Paraveppu * Pooram on the sixth day with sixty one elephants arrayed on the temple grounds * Panchavadyam * Nadaswaram * Pancharimelam * Pandimelam * Arattu Deity of the temple: Sree Ayyappa

19th
Annual Utsavam at Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala, 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Rituals * Pallivetta * Arattu procession with five caparisoned elephants * All night Kathakali performance on fourth and fifth days. Deity of the temple: Lord Vishnu

20th - 23rd
Kondotti Nercha at Kondotti Mosque, on the Kozhikode - Malappuram route, 35 km from Kozhikode. The mosque dates back to the 18th century and is popularly known as the Pazhayangadi mosque. It is associated with the Muslim saint Mohammad Shah who is famous as Kondotti Thangal. The Valia Nercha (great vow) festival attracts large crowds of devotees from all over Kerala.

21st - 30th
Annual ten day Utsavam at Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha district. The daily offering of palpayasam (deliciously sweet milk porridge) at this temple is famous all over Kerala. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam* Ambalapuzha velakali in the afternoons * Padayani performances at night * The community feast, Natakasala Sadhya * Ritual procession *Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu (a ceremonial procession of members of the Ambanattu Panikkar community, bringing pots of honey as ritual offering to the deity) * Pallivetta * Procession of caparisoned elephants. Deity of the temple: Sree Krishna

24th
Annual Utsavam at Poruvazhi Malandam Temple, 12 km from Adoor, Pathanamthitta district. This is perhaps the only temple in India that is dedicated to Dhuryodhana, the antagonist in the epic Mahabharata. Festival highlights: * Folk art performances * Colourful Kettukazhcha procession with kaala (bull motif), kuthira vela (horse motif) and decorated temple chariot Deity of the temple: Dhuryodhana

31st - 5th April
Kottakkal Pooram at Sree Viswambara Temple,Kottakkal, Malappuram district. Festival highlights: * Chakyarkoothu * Ottanthullal * Panchavadyam * Night long Kathakali performances * Music concerts Deity of the temple: Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Dhanvantari

April 2000

3rd
Nenmara - Vallangi Vela, Palakkad. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Kalamezhuthupattu performance for 20 days

* 30 elephants from the two villages assemble at the Nallikulangara Bhagavathy temple under lavishly decorated towering canopies * Kanniyarkali * Panchavadyam * Pandimelam * Pulikali * Karivela * Andi Nayadi * Fireworks display Deities of the temples: Nenmara - Goddess Bhagavathy; Vallangi - Lord Siva

5th - 11th
Flavour Food Festival at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. This week long international festival of the various cuisines of the world has renowned hotels from across Kerala participating in it.

7th
Annual eight day Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam at Sarkara Devi Temple, Chirayinkeezhu, 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: The festival commemorates the fight between the demon Darika and Goddess Durga. This event is enacted in a thrilling ritual performance known as Paranettu. Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

7th
Bharani festival at Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor, 50 km from Kochi. This festival attracts the largest congregation of Velichappadu (oracles) from all over Kerala. Festival highlights: * Cultural programmes * Devotional rites. Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy

8th - 11th
Malayatoor Perunnal (the annual feast on the Sunday after Easter) at the Shrine of St. Thomas, Malayatoor, 52 km from Kochi. Festival highlights: * Pilgrims climb the 2000 ft high hill to worship at the church, chanting hymns * Devotional rites held in the open air * Cultural programmes

8th - 17th
Annual ten day Utsavam at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Pallivetta * Colourful Arattu procession escorted by the members of the Travancore royal family * Pooja * Cultural programmes * Kathakali. Deity of the temple: Lord Vishnu

13th - 22nd
Ten day annual Mamangam at Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, Near Ponnani, Malappuram. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Krishnanattam * Bharatanatyam * Kathakali. Deity of the temple: Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu)

14th - 24th
Kadamanitta Padayani at the Kadamanitta Devi Temple, 6 km from Pathanamthitta. Festival highlights: * Padayani performance on the eighth day is the ritual offering to mother goddess. Deity of the temple: Goddess Bhagavathy.

May 2000

7th
Edathua Perunnal at St. George Church, Edathua, 23 km from Alappuzha. The massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba is modelled on the medieval churches of Europe. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam on the 27th of April * The idol of St. George is placed on the central dais of the basilica during the festival days * Ceremonial procession

11th
Thrissur Pooram at Thekinkadu Maidanam, Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Pageant of 30 caparisoned elephants assembled in the precincts of the Vadakumnathan temple. The nearby Paramekavu and Thiruvambadi temples are also participants in the festival. * Kudamattam * Chendamelam * Panchavadyam * Spectacular fireworks display

13th - 22nd
Annual ten day Utsavam at Koodalmanikyam Temple, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. Festival highlights: * Kodiyettam * Ezhunallathu * Pancharimelam * Panchavadyam * Kathakali * Chakyarkoothu * Arattu * Meenoottal (ritual feeding of fish in the temple pond). Deity of the temple: Sree Bharatha (brother of Sree Rama)

June 2000

15th - 16th
Annual Ochirakali at Parabrahma Temple, Ochira, Kollam. The temple has no shrine or presiding deity. It is consecrated to the cosmic consciousness. Ochirakali commemorates the war between the rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalapuzha principalities on the Ochira padanilam (battlefield) Festival highlights: * Martial art performances * cattle and agricultural trade fair.

July 2000

14th
Champakulam Boat Race (Vallamkali) at Harippad, Alappuzha district. This is one of the most popular boat races of Kerala. Festival highlights: * Ceremonial water procession * Spectacular water floats * Decorated boats * Vanchipattu (folk song of the oarsmen) * The chundanvallom (snake boat, over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow similar to the hood of a snake) race.

August 2000

12th
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Punnamadakayal, Alappuzha. This, the greatest event on the backwaters of Kerala, is held on the second Saturday of August every year. Magnificent snakeboats compete for the prized trophy which was instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Festival highlights: * Ceremonial water procession * Spectacular water floats * Decorated boats * Vanchipattu * Races of smaller country crafts * The chundanvallom (snake boat) race

September 2000

1st
Athachamayam Events to mark the beginning of the Onam festival on the Atham day of the Malayalam month Chingam at Tripunithura, Kochi. Festival highlights: * Spectacular procession of caparisoned elephants * Colourful floats * Musical ensembles * Theyyam * Panchavadyam * Chendamelam * Pambamelam* Karakattam * Mayilattam * Ammankudam * Attakavadi * Pulikali * Kaduvakali * Parichamuttukali * Kolkali

1st - 10th
Ten day Chandanakudam Mahotsavam at Beemapalli, 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Devotees make an offering of coins in earthen pots (kudams) which are smeared with sandal paste, hence the name chandanakudam Festival Hightlights: * Kodiyettam * Ratheeb (purification ritual) * Vadithallu * Chandanakudam procession on the tenth day led by caparisoned elephants* Panchavadyam * Dharamuttu * Plays * Music concerts * Spectacular fireworks display. Patron of the shrine: Beema Beevi, a pious muslim lady who was blessed with extraordinary powers.

8th
Concluding day of the annual eight day Manarkad Perunnal at St. Mary's Church, Manarkad, near Kottayam. Festival highlights: * Eight day ritual fast, locally called ettu noyambu * Ceremonial procession carrying the golden cross and rows and rows of brilliantly coloured parasols, on the last three days. Deity of the church: St. Mary

9th - 15th
Onam Week Celebrations Onam is the annual harvest festival of Kerala. Celebrations are on for ten days, beginning with the atham day of the Malayalam month chingam. Festival highlights: *Floral decorations * Elephant processions * Thiruvathirakali * Classical and folk dance performances * Classical and folk music recitals * Cultural pageants * Water carnivals

12th
Pulikali at the Swaraj Ground, Thrissur. Pulikali is part of the Onam celebration across the State. Festival highlight: On the fourth Onam day groups of people from all over Thrissur paint their bodies in the likeness of tigers and wearing tiger masks, come to the Swaraj Ground in processions and there present a grand pulikali (tiger dance).

15th
Aranmula Vallamkali 10 km from Chengannur. This traditional boat race conducted at Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula in connection with the Onam celebrations is more of a water fiesta than a competition.