Festivals

Pattambi Nercha

Festival Month: January to early March

The celebration of Pattambi Nercha honors Aloor Valiya Poolunjikoya Thangal, a pious Muslim from Malabar. Traditional musical ensembles such as Panchavadyam and Thayambaka are performed during this celebration. Art forms assume a breathtaking magnificence as the procession comes to an end on the riverbanks at midnight.

Konganpada of Chittur

Festival Month: February / March

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  Konganpada is a colorful celebration commemorating the Nairs of Chittur’s triumphs over the Konganadu (Coimbatore) militia, which was led by the Chola King Rajadhi Raja. It also commemorates their victory over the Kongus. It takes place in Kumbham on the first Monday following the gloomy lunar twilight. An hour-long drumming performance closes out the festival.

Nenmara Vallangi Vela

Festival Month: February / March

Palakkad village’s Nellikulangara Bhagavathy temple is the site of this celebration. The inhabitants of Nenmara and Vallangi villages jointly celebrate the Nellikulangara Bhagavathy on Pooram day of the Malayalam month of Meenam. A traditional flag-hoisting ceremony (Kodiyettam) kicks off the celebration. In addition to thirty adorned elephants, a variety of artistic disciplines, including Karivela, Kummatti, and Andivela, are displayed under an ornate canopy. Thrissur Pooram considers this group of two villages to be of the second highest importance.

Thrissur Pooram (At Thrissur)

Festival Month: April

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  The search for the best elephants begins in early April, and tenancies of elegant elephants are delivered to Thrissur for the Thrissur Pooram celebrations. The Cochin royal family founded the event in the 18th century to honor Vadakkumnathan Shiva. Elephants transport the deity during festival processions and temple circumambulations. The temple elephants are adorned with gold-plated caparisons (nettipattam), bells, and necklaces. People riding elephants hold tinseled silk parasols aloft, waving white tufts, and peacock feather fans to the beat of the music. Drums and nadhaswarams create devout musical scenes featuring elephants facing each other. The festival’s finale is a spectacular fireworks display.

Onam

Festival Month: August / September

Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a vibrant celebration symbolizing unity, prosperity, and cultural heritage. This 10-day festival marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and showcases Kerala’s traditions through elaborate flower carpets (Pookalam), traditional dances like Kathakali and Thiruvathira, and the famous Onasadya feast served on banana leaves. Vallamkali (snake boat races) on serene backwaters and cultural performances add to the festive spirit. Onam reflects the essence of harmony and gratitude, bringing families and communities together to honor a bountiful harvest and cherish the richness of Kerala’s history and traditions. Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Onam!

Where we are

Kairali sits in Palakkad district, inland Kerala, in the south west of India.