
Major Events & Festivals in Kottayam, Kerala, India
1. Vaikom Mohiniyattam Festival
Celebration of Kerala's classical dance forms. Unique for its blend of grace and power.
- Classical Dance Focus: Provides an insight into the rich dance culture of Kerala.
- Historical Significance: Rooted in ancient traditions, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Cultural Exchange: A platform for artists to showcase their skills and learn from each other.
2. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Traditional snake boat race held on the banks of River Pamba.
- Snake Boat Racing: Experience the thrill and spectacle of traditional Kerala boat races.
- Historical Connection: Inherited from ancient rituals, symbolizing unity and community spirit.
- Cultural Immersion: Participate in the festivities and learn about local traditions.
3. Kottayam Backwaters Festival
Celebration of Kottayam's rich backwater heritage.
- Backwater Tourism: Opportunity to explore the serene and picturesque Kottayam backwaters.
- Cultural Performances: Witness traditional music, dance, and theatre performances.
- Food Festivals: Savor the authentic tastes of Kerala cuisine.
4. Thirunakkara Maha Vishu Festival
Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu at Thirunakkara Temple.
- Religious Significance: A chance to witness and participate in Hindu rituals.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet devotees from across the region and learn about their beliefs.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to experience unity and cooperation among local communities.
5. Poonkavanam Boat Race
A unique snake boat race held during Onam, Kottayam's biggest harvest festival.
- Onam Celebrations: Participate in the festivities of Kerala's biggest harvest festival.
- Traditional Boat Racing: Experience a different snake boat race during the Onam celebrations.
- Cultural Exchange: An opportunity to learn about local traditions and customs.
6. Kottayam Chavittu Natakam Festival
Traditional folk theatre performances in Kottayam.
- Folk Theatre Experience: Witness the rich tradition of Chavittu Natakam performances.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet local artists and learn about their craft.
- Storytelling: Enjoy the captivating narratives of ancient tales.
7. Kottayam Maramon Cherupalli Festival
Annual Christian pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees.
- Religious Significance: A chance to witness and participate in Christian rituals.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet devotees from across the region and learn about their beliefs.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to experience unity and cooperation among Christian communities.
8. Kottayam Punnathur Kotta Elephant Festival
Celebration of elephants at the Sri Rajakumari Amma Temple.
- Elephant Worship: Learn about the unique tradition of elephant worship in Kerala.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet temple priests and learn about their rituals and traditions.
- Elephant Sighting: Get close to these magnificent creatures in a safe and respectful environment.
9. Kottayam Thiruvonam Festival
Hindu festival celebrating the return of Lord Vishnu to his abode on Earth.
- Religious Significance: A chance to witness and participate in Hindu rituals.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet devotees from across the region and learn about their beliefs.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to experience unity and cooperation among local communities.
10. Kottayam Teachers' Day Celebration
Annual celebration honoring teachers in Kottayam.
- Education Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate the role of educators in society.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet teachers from across Kottayam and learn about their experiences.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to celebrate the role of education in shaping communities.
11. Kottayam Christmas Festival
Christmas celebrations with a unique Kerala twist.
- Christmas Festivities: Participate in the joy and spirit of Christmas.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about how Christmas is celebrated in Kerala.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to experience unity and cooperation among Christian communities.
12. Kottayam Onam Sadhya Festival
Festival celebrating Kerala's harvest season with a traditional feast.
- Harvest Celebrations: Experience the joy and excitement of Onam, Kerala's biggest harvest festival.
- Traditional Cuisine: Taste the authentic Onam Sadhya (feast).
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about the customs and traditions of Onam.
13. Kottayam Nehru Trophy Boat Race
One of Kerala's most famous boat races, held on the backwaters of Kottayam.
- Boat Racing: Experience the thrill and excitement of traditional boat racing.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet local boat race enthusiasts and learn about their traditions.
- Backwater Tourism: Explore the beautiful Kottayam backwaters during the race.
14. Kottayam Navaratri Festival
Nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Religious Significance: A chance to witness and participate in Hindu rituals.
- Cultural Exchange: Meet devotees from across the region and learn about their beliefs.
- Community Bonding: Opportunity to experience unity and cooperation among local communities.
15. Kottayam Thiruvathira Kaliyattom
Traditional Kerala dance performance celebrating the goddess Kali.
- Cultural Exchange: Witness a unique traditional dance performance.
- Religious Significance: Learn about the importance of Kali in Hindu mythology.
- Storytelling: Enjoy the captivating narratives of ancient tales.