Major Events & Festivals in Kottayam, Kerala, India

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

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.