:: Holidays in Kerala, Southern India ::

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Kerala Holidays
Therakath Gardens
Kaippattoor PO
Pathanamthitta
KERALA 689648

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OCTOBER
Koratty Muthy´s Feast St. Mary´s Forana Church Koratty, Thrissur
Orma Perunnal is the commemoration feast at the church dedicated to St. Mary. Koratty is a predominently agricultural village and the people here attach much importance to the festivals in this church.The church celebrates its annual event - Koratty Muthy's Feast- during the second week of October.

NOVEMBER
Parumala - St. Peters & St. Pauls Orthodox Church Parumala Thiruvalla Pathanamthitta
This is where Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala takes his eternal rest. The annual commemorative feast (Orma) of the saint is celebrated with much pomp. There is a ceremonial procession on the day of the feast. Devotees from across the state attend the special rites and prayers offered here on this day.

Vaikathshtami Mahadeva Temple Vaikom, Kottayam
The twelve-day festival of the temple falls in November-December, and is celebrated with classical dance and music performances. On the seventh day of the festival an idol of Lord Siva's vehicle Rishabha (the sacred bull) is taken out on a royal outing called Ezhunallathu. Cultural fare includes classical music and night-long Kathakali performances on eighth and ninth days. It is believed that Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala, built this temple. ' Kshetra Kalapeetam', a training centre for temple art forms, a temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya ( Lord Siva's son) at Udayanapuram, 3 km from Vaikom, famous for its wood carvings, stone sculptures and murals, are the major attractions nearby.

JANUARY
Kanjiramattom Chandanakkudam - Kanjiramattom Mosque, Ernakulam
This mosque, 25 km from Kochi, is believed to have been built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin. The festival of 'Kodikuthu' commences on January 14 this year. During the "Chandanakkudam" ritual held at night, pilgrims carrying pots covered with sandalwood paste proceed in a procession to the mosque. Six caparisoned elephants and folk performances accompany the procession. Traditional Muslim art forms like Oppana and Mappilappattu are also staged.

Arthunkal St. Andrews Forane Church, Arthunkal, Alappuzha, South Kerala
Also known as the "feast of St.Sebastian", this is the annual ten day celebration at the St. Andrews Church. Ritual offerings and ceremonial processions mark the celebration.

FEBRUARY
Thaipooya Mahotsavam Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Harippad Alappuzha
The Harippad temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Kerala. The temple premise covers over a hectare of land, the shrine is a fine example of the Kerala's temple architecture. On Thaippooyam day hundreds of devotees carry Kavadies to the temple and dance in abandon unfolding a magnificent spectacle in the temple precincts. Thousands of small traditional oil lamps fixed on the outer walls of the temple are lit on the festival night.

MARCH
Thirunakkara Festival Mahadeva Temple Thirunakkara Kottayam
The annual ten-day festival at the Thirunakkara Temple draws to a close with the Arattu ceremony. Usually nine caparisoned elephants take part in the Arattu procession which begins in the afternoon. Folk arts like Mayilattom (peacock dance), Velakali etc, are presented in the temple compound in the evening. A major attraction is the all-night Kathakali presentation on the third and fourth days of the festival.

APRIL
Kadammanitta Patayani, Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Kadammanitta, Pathanamthitta District
The padayani, a ritual art in keeping with martial traditions is performed annually at the Kadammanitta Devi Temple, on the first day of Medam (Aries) for ten days, the grand finale being on the tenth day, locally called Pathamudayam. The performance is a rich blend of colour, vivacity and passionate devotion to Bhagavathy, the Mother Goddess.