Major Events & Festivals in Quilon, Kerala, India

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

Major Events & Festivals in Quilon, Kerala, India

1. Kollam Pooram

A grand festival showcasing traditional art forms and fireworks, celebrated annually in April.
  • Uniqueness of Art Forms: Offers a unique blend of Kathakali, Theyyam, and other traditional art forms.
  • Community Participation: Involves active participation from the local community.
  • Colorful Displays: Known for its colorful and vibrant processions of elephants, temple chariots, and caparisoned horses.

2. Ochira Festival

A unique rural festival held annually in November, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
  • Sacred Forest: Takes place within the sacred Ochira forest, a rare and tranquil setting.
  • Ritualistic Events: Features traditional ritualistic events like Thiruvathirkkala, a unique art form.
  • Community Gathering: Attracts a large gathering of devotees and tourists from all over Kerala.

3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

An annual snake boat race held on the second Saturday of January at Champakulam.
  • Historical Significance: Traditionally associated with the legendary travels of Lord Krishna and Onathappan.
  • Grandeur of Boats: Boat races involving magnificent 'snake boats' (chundan vallam) that can accommodate over a hundred rowers.
  • Regional Pride: A source of immense regional pride and fierce competition among participating teams.

4. Thrikkunnam Mahadevapuram Shiva Temple Festival

An annual festival celebrated in the famous Thrikkunnam Mahadeva temple from January to February.
  • Holy Pilgrimage Site: Considered one of the most important Shiva temples in Kerala.
  • Panchavadyam Music: Features Panchavadyam, a unique musical form with five instruments.
  • Community Integration: Brings together the local community in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.

5. Kollam Beach Festival

A coastal festival showcasing traditional art forms, music, and games, held in January.
  • Coastal Beauty: Takes place on the beautiful Kollam beach, providing a picturesque backdrop.
  • Cultural Extravaganza: Offers a rich cultural extravaganza with traditional music, dance, and games.
  • Tourist Attraction: Attracts tourists from all over the world, promoting cultural exchange and tourism.

6. Kollam Bharani Kavadiyattom

A traditional art form performance held during the months of March-April.
  • Ritualistic Performance: Performed as part of a Hindu ritual, showcasing the rich cultural heritage.
  • Dedicated Artisans: Performed by dedicated artisans who have learned this tradition over generations.
  • Cultural Preservation: Serves as an essential means for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Quilon.

7. Kerala Backwaters Festival

A festival celebrating the beauty and culture of Kerala's backwaters, held annually in November.
  • Backwater Exploration: Provides an opportunity to explore the enchanting Kerala backwaters.
  • Cultural Performances: Features cultural performances, boat races, and traditional art exhibitions.
  • Tourism Promotion: Promotes tourism in Quilon and the surrounding areas of Kerala.

8. Thazhathangady Mahadeva Temple Festival

An annual festival held at Thazhathangady Mahadeva temple from January to February.
  • Holy Pilgrimage Site: Considered one of the most important Shiva temples in Kerala.
  • Panchavadyam Music: Features Panchavadyam, a unique musical form with five instruments.
  • Community Integration: Brings together the local community in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.

9. Kollam Boat Race

A boat race held on the Onam festival day (August/September), featuring traditional boats.
  • Cultural Celebration: Takes place as part of the Onam celebrations, a major cultural event in Kerala.
  • Traditional Boats: Involves traditional snake boats (chundan vallam) and oar-propelled boats.
  • Regional Pride: A source of immense regional pride and fierce competition among participating teams.

10. Thirumullavaram Juma Masjid Festival

An annual festival celebrated at the Thirumullavaram Juma Masjid during the month of Muharram.
  • Religious Significance: Holds great religious significance for the Muslim community in Quilon.
  • Processions and Mourning: Features processions, mourning rituals, and recitation of elegies.
  • Community Cohesion: Serves as an essential means for strengthening community bonds within the Muslim population.

11. Kollam Thiruvananthapuram Boat Race

An annual boat race held on the occasion of the Makom Thirunal day in October.
  • Historical Significance: Traditionally associated with the royal family of Travancore.
  • Grandeur of Boats: Boat races involving magnificent 'snake boats' (chundan vallam) that can accommodate over a hundred rowers.
  • Regional Pride: A source of immense regional pride and fierce competition among participating teams.

12. Kollam Muziris Biennale

A contemporary art festival held every two years from December to March.
  • Artistic Expression: Provides a platform for artists to express themselves through various mediums.
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange and dialogue between local and international artists.
  • Tourism Attraction: Attracts tourists from all over the world, promoting cultural tourism in Quilon.

13. Kollam Uthrala Festival

A traditional festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam (usually March).
  • Holy Pilgrimage Site: Takes place at the Uthrala Temple, a significant Shiva temple in Quilon.
  • Cultural Performances: Features traditional cultural performances and rituals.
  • Community Integration: Brings together the local community in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.

14. Kollam Maramon Cheru Palli Festival

A Christian pilgrimage festival held annually during the months of February-March.
  • Religious Significance: Significant for the Syrian Christian community in Quilon.
  • Spiritual Gathering: Attracts a large gathering of devotees and pilgrims.
  • Community Bonding: Serves as an essential means for strengthening community bonds within the Syrian Christian community.

15. Kollam Sree Moola Bhagavathy Temple Festival

An annual festival celebrated at the Sree Moola Bhagavathy temple from August to September.
  • Holy Pilgrimage Site: Considered one of the most important Devi temples in Kerala.
  • Cultural Performances: Features traditional cultural performances and rituals.
  • Community Integration: Brings together the local community in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.