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Kerala is a land noted for its tradition and culture. Colorful festivals are an integral part of the social and cultural structure of the state. Since the society is made up of people belonging to different religions, there is something to celebrate throughout the year. Every season has its own festivals, most of which have a long history and belief systems behind them.
Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ celebrates festivals such as Onam, Vishu, Navarathri, Mahasivarathri, Deepavali, Asthami Rohini, Kerala boat festivals, Thrissur pooram and more. Onam is one of the most colorful festivals of Kerala. It is a harvest festival, honouring King Mahabali and is celebrated with joy and passion all over the state. Vishu is another important festival, which is also the Malayalam New Year day. Navarathri or Saraswathy Pooja is celebrated elsewhere in India as Dasara in Karnataka, and Durga Pooja in Bengal. Sivarathri festival, honoring Lord Shiva, is celebrated annually on the banks of the River Periyar in Aluva. Ashtami Rohini is the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Kerala boat festivals offer the charming option of enjoying the festivities amid the natural beauty of the backwaters of Kerala. The famous boat races held here are Champakkulam Boat race and Nehru Trophy boat race.
Other important festivals celebrated in Kerala are Christmas, Easter, Bakrid, Idul-Fitr and Muharram. Christmas and Easter are celebrated by the Christian community in the state. Idul-Fitr, Bakrid and Muharram are observed by Muslim members of the society. Being a secular state, the significant feature is that though a festival may be that of a particular religious group, those belonging to other religions too join the celebrations with their friends.
In Kerala, festivals are an occasion to celebrate royally. People spend money on new clothes and gifts. These are truly occasions when kith and kin come together and have a wonderful time. Besides, festivals are occasions when tourist inflow to the state is considerably high and the government, along with private establishments, arranges programs that are of interest to the visitors. |
