6 Local festivals to experience in Kerala in September

Kerala, which is popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” has stunning landscapes, green scenery and amazing waterfalls. But besides being naturally beautiful, Kerala is also a vibrant place having many cultures and festivals. These are among the most famous Kerala state festivals that form a colourful tapestry which attracts tourists from different corners of the world.

The festivals of Kerala are proof of how diverse cultural and religious groups can coexist peacefully in one region. Every festival gives Kerala’s culture an additional attractiveness making it an exciting location for visitors. One of the highlights of Kerala’s festival is its famous dance performances which help preserve its art.

The atmosphere created by the energy and enthusiasm surrounding celebrations in Kerala is simply electric. Whether it is parades, traditional music beats or local cuisine, you can find solace on this occasion. Here are 6 local festivals in September that you simply cannot miss.

1. Athachamayam: The royal procession

Few cultural fiestas are as iconic as the Athachamayam, where you can enjoy a glimpse of almost all forms of folk art in Kerala. It marks the beginning of the Onam Festival. Every year on the Atham asterism of Malayalam month Chingam (roughly August/September), Thripunithura near Kochi holds this historic ceremony that follows the victory of King Rajah over his enemies. A grand procession is held at Thripunithura representing that of the King and his entourage who had conquered them. Accompanied by elephants fully clad in decorative clothes, different floats, bands playing music and various folk dance styles among other things.

• Date: 6 September 2024
• Venue: Thripunithura which is a small town in Kochi, Ernakulam
• Highlight of the festival: It is the beginning of the Onam festival

Athachamayam | Credits: Flickr

2. Onam: Kerala’s grand harvest festival

The festival of Onam is the most famous in Kerala. It is a harvest festival that brings together the whole state. The festival is rooted in the legend of King Mahabali who visited Kerala during Onam. It is a combination of culture, tradition and joy. A variety of activities and events like boat races, cultural fiestas, athletic tournaments, dance shows, martial arts demonstrations, floral rangolis – pookkalams, prayers, and shopping take place during this festival. Men and women adorn themselves in traditional attire. On this day the Kerala sari or Kasavu sari is especially used by females. In addition to these activities, there are also traditional dances like Thiruvathira and the thrilling snake boat races known as Vallamkali which take place on Onam.

• Date: 15 September 2024
• Duration: 10 days
• Highlight of the festival: The grand feast called Onasadya

Onam | Credits: Canva

3. Pulikali: The tiger dance

Pulikali is one of Kerala’s folk arts. On the fourth day of the Onam festival, artists paint their bodies like tigers with yellow, red and black stripes and dance to traditional drum beats by thakil, udukku, chenda and others. This carnival takes place at Swaraj Round in Thrissur district where people appear in various distinctively coloured masks.

This popular art theme depicts tiger hunting so that participants act as hunters or tigers. The make-up is done using oil paints which are difficult to wash off. The streets of Thrissur always attract many people from all over India and the rest of the world every year on Onam.

• Date: 15 September 2024
• Venue: Swaraj Round, Thrissur
• Highlight of the festival: Energetic performance that showcases the blend of art, culture, and tradition

Pulikari | Credits: Subinpullazhi

4. Thiruvonam: The culmination of onam

Thiruvonam is the main day of the Onam festival and it is celebrated with great zeal throughout Kerala. The festival celebrates the mythical King Mahabali’s return, thereby uniting different communities in an unprecedented merriment worldwide. In every home, there are floral rugs called pookkalam and traditional arts or sports can be seen all around. Every family prepares a big meal (Onasadya) that includes payasam (a sweet dish), which will ensure unity and spread hope through sweetness.

• Date: 15 September 2024
• Venue: All over Kerala
• Highlight of the festival: Pookalam competitions and traditional dances

Thiruvonam | Credits: Subinpullazhi

5. Aranmula Uthrattathi: The legendary boat race

The Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali, which is commonly referred to as the Aranmula Boat Race, is among the oldest and most respected boat races in Kerala. It is celebrated with greater pomp than any other event in August and September every year on the day of Uthrittathi asterism.

Aranmula is an ancient village situated on the bank of the Pampa River in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. This festival coincides with the Onam festival but is in the memory of the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The snake-boat race itself is an offering made to Lord Krishna at Sree Parthasarathy Temple.

• Date: 18 September 2024
• Venue: River Pamba
• Highlight of the festival: Many kinds of paddled longboats and 'snake boats'

Aranmula Boat Race | Credits: Canva

6. Theyyam: A dance of the Gods

Theyyam is a famous ritual art form that originated in North Kerala and brings to life the great stories of Kerala. It involves dance, mimes and music. This praises the beliefs of the ancient tribes who were very keen on hero worship and their ancestors’ spirits. The processional dance comes with a chorus of musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda. There are more than 400 different Theyyams each having their own music, manner of presentation and choreography. Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaven, Gulikan and Pottan are among the main ones.

Each artist represents a hero with great power. The performers put on heavy makeup with extravagant costumes. Their head gears and ornaments are really grand and they make you feel overwhelmed.

• Date: September 2024 (Various dates, depending on the temple and region)
• Venue: Different locations depending on the temple
• Highlight of the festival: Elaborate costumes, face painting, and dynamic dance movements

Theyyam | Credits: Canva

Conclusion

September in Kerala is an exciting month characterized by happiness, vivacity and custom. The festivals during this period provide a rare glimpse into the rich cultural history of Kerala and vibrant community living. Whether it is the magnificence of Onam, the thrill of the Aranmula boat race or the enchantment of Theyyam performances among others; each festival has its own unique appeal that will leave you mystified. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Kerala then make sure you do it in September to witness these amazing festivals.