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The must-see calendar
10 daysOnam · Aug-Sep
Kerala’s harvest festival. Pookalam flower carpets, 26-course sadya, Vallamkali boat races.
1 dayThrissur Pooram · Apr-May
Asia’s biggest temple festival. 30 caparisoned elephants, kudamattam parasol competition.
AlleppeyNehru Trophy Boat Race · Aug
100-oarsman chundan vallam thundering across Punnamada Lake. 2nd Saturday of August.
Dec-AprKochi-Muziris Biennale
India’s largest contemporary art event. December to April, Fort Kochi + Mattancherry.
1 dayVishu · April
Malayali New Year. Vishukkani ritual at dawn, kaineettam gifts.
TrivandrumAttukal Pongala · Feb-Mar
World’s largest congregation of women (Guinness). 3 million cook pongala offering.
PampaAranmula Vallamkali · Sep
Palliyodam snake-boat processions on Pampa River. Onam finale.
41 daysSabarimala Mandalam-Makaravilakku · Nov-Jan
41-day Ayyappa pilgrimage. Makara Jyothi celestial light viewing.
KannurTheyyam · Oct-May
Ancient ritual dance of North Kerala. 400+ deities, nightly performances in temple courtyards.