Major Events & Festivals in Calicut, Kerala, India

Calicut, India, Calicut, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Calicut, Kerala, India

1. Thiruvonnaatham Kaliyoottu

An annual temple festival dedicated to Goddess Kali at Thiruvonnaatukara Temple. Unique ritual of 'Kallan Puli' (taming the tiger) attracts visitors.
  • Ritual Attraction: Witness a unique ritual where a man pretends to be a tiger and is 'tamed' by the temple priest.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional Kerala arts like Theyyam, Kummattikali, and Thiruvathira dance during the festival.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like puttu-kadala curry and sadya (traditional Kerala feast) at food stalls near the temple.

2. Chavittu Natakam Festival

A traditional martial art form turned dance drama performed during Onam. Held at various venues across Calicut.
  • Cultural Experience: Witness a blend of martial arts and dance, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
  • Local Performances: Enjoy performances by local troupes, showcasing their skills in this unique art form.
  • Festival Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant Onam atmosphere and celebrate with locals during the festival.

3. Urs Festival of Dargah-i-Khwaja

Annual commemoration of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at the Dargah. Offers a unique blend of Sufi music, food, and fellowship.
  • Spiritual Experience: Connect with the spiritual energy of the dargah and experience Sufi traditions.
  • Music & Dance: Enjoy Qawwali, Sufi music performances and various traditional dance forms during the festival.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like biryani, payasam, and other Mappila cuisine at food stalls near the dargah.

4. Calicut Carnival

Annual city festival showcasing local art, culture, and cuisine. Offers street performances, food stalls, and art exhibitions.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Calicut through various arts, crafts, and performances.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like puttu-kadala curry, sadya, and other traditional Kerala dishes at food stalls.
  • City Exploration: Explore various parts of the city, discovering its hidden gems and vibrant atmosphere.

5. Vishu Kani at Thali Temple

A unique tradition where thousands gather to witness the first sight of the New Year at Thali Temple. A must-see for visitors during Vishu.
  • New Year Tradition: Witness a traditional Malayali New Year ritual and be a part of the celebration.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience local customs, traditions, and cultural practices during Vishu.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful moments and unique scenes for your photo album.

6. Padanna Jatra

Annual boat race held at Padanna village. Showcases traditional boat-building skills, rowing techniques, and local camaraderie.
  • Sports & Tradition: Witness a traditional boat race that showcases skill and teamwork.
  • Local Culture: Experience the unique culture of Padanna village during the festival.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful moments and unique scenes during the boat race for your photo album.

7. Thalassery Pooram

Annual temple festival at Thiruvellangadu Sree Ramaswamy Temple. Known for its grand processions and fireworks.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience traditional Kerala arts like Theyyam, Kummattikali, and Thiruvathira dance during the festival.
  • Fireworks Spectacle: Witness a grand fireworks display during the main procession.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like puttu-kadala curry and sadya (traditional Kerala feast) at food stalls near the temple.

8. Kozhikode Beach Festival

Annual beach festival at Kappad Beach. Showcases music, dance, art, and local cuisine.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through various arts, crafts, and performances.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like seafood dishes and other traditional Kerala cuisine at food stalls.
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy beach activities like volleyball, beach football, and sand art during the festival.

9. Thaliyoor Koodu Pookalam

An annual flower carpet festival held at Thaliyoor Mahadeva Temple. Features intricate floral designs and rituals.
  • Flower Carpet Experience: Witness intricate floral designs created using a variety of flowers.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience local customs, traditions, and cultural practices during the festival.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful moments and unique scenes for your photo album.

10. Kozhikode Muharam

Annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Mappila Jama-ath Mosque. Offers a unique blend of Sufi music, food, and fellowship.
  • Spiritual Experience: Connect with the spiritual energy of the mosque and experience Sufi traditions.
  • Music & Dance: Enjoy Qawwali, Sufi music performances and various traditional dance forms during the festival.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like biryani, payasam, and other Mappila cuisine at food stalls near the mosque.

11. Thrichambaram Pooram

Annual temple festival at Thrichambaram Sree Mahadeva Temple. Known for its grand processions and fireworks.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience traditional Kerala arts like Theyyam, Kummattikali, and Thiruvathira dance during the festival.
  • Fireworks Spectacle: Witness a grand fireworks display during the main procession.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like puttu-kadala curry and sadya (traditional Kerala feast) at food stalls near the temple.

12. Payyoli Jatra

Annual boat race held at Payyoli village. Showcases traditional boat-building skills, rowing techniques, and local camaraderie.
  • Sports & Tradition: Witness a traditional boat race that showcases skill and teamwork.
  • Local Culture: Experience the unique culture of Payyoli village during the festival.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful moments and unique scenes during the boat race for your photo album.

13. Koyilandy Mahotsavam

Annual temple festival at Koyilandy Sree Bhagavathy Temple. Known for its grand processions and religious rituals.
  • Religious Experience: Experience traditional Hindu rituals and customs during the festival.
  • Cultural Experience: Witness traditional Kerala arts like Theyyam, Kummattikali, and Thiruvathira dance during the festival.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Savor local delicacies like puttu-kadala curry and sadya (traditional Kerala feast) at food stalls near the temple.

14. Pazhassi Raja Festival

Annual commemoration of Pazhassi Raja, a Malayali hero who fought against the British. Held at Mananchira Square.
  • Historical Experience: Learn about the life and achievements of Pazhassi Raja, a Malayali hero who fought against the British.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience local arts, crafts, and cultural performances during the festival.
  • Festival Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival and celebrate with locals.

15. Thaliyoor Kodiyettu

An annual ritual at Thaliyoor Mahadeva Temple where devotees offer cooked rice to the deity. A unique tradition not found elsewhere.
  • Religious Experience: Participate in a unique religious ritual offering cooked rice to the deity.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience local customs, traditions, and cultural practices during the ritual.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful moments and unique scenes during the ritual for your photo album.