The festivals celebrated in Kerala are a testament to the state's deep-rooted traditions and beliefs. Whether it's the grand state festivals of Onam and Vishu or local celebrations like boat races and temple festivals in Kerala, each event offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich culture. On your trip to Kerala, you’ll have the chance to mix with locals, learn about unique rituals, and throw yourself into the pure delight these festivals bring. In this guide to festivals in Kerala, we highlight some of the state’s best festivals, when they take place, where you can celebrate, and what you can expect from each one. We also share top tips to help you plan your trip.

At Skyscanner, we’ve picked a few places where you can enjoy Kerala’s festivals. To get a better idea about exact dates and locations, check here. You can also visit www.keralatourism.org for more details.

Kerala is home to many festivals that take place throughout the months and celebrate everything from the harvest to the new year. See magical figures come to life during a Theyyam performance, stroll across various churches and mosques to enjoy perunnals, take part in music and dance festivals or get ready to see the snake-like boats move like the wind during the races.

Experience the adrenaline rush of Kerala's iconic snake boat races at the Snake Boat Festival, also known as Vallam Kali. Witness the synchronised power of oarsmen as they propel long, narrow boats through the water. The boats can be up to 120 feet in length and rowers will rhythmically chant and drum to create a captivating atmosphere. Races to check out include the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the second Saturday of August every year on Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha (Alleppey) and the Aranmula Boat race held during Onam in August or September. There are many traditions associated with Kerala’s Snake Boat Festival. Each boat belongs to a specific village and is worshipped by those who live there, and the boats are well oiled to keep them sleek and watertight.

Step into a world of vibrant costumes, intricate masks, and mesmerising dance performances at Kerala’s Theyyam Festival. Theyyam is a centuries-old ritual dance form where performers embody deities and spirits, bringing myths and legends to life. Witness the various forms of Theyyam, each with its unique costume, makeup, dance style, headwear, and ornaments. Theyyam is a very important art form for those in Kerala, and this festival helps to preserve the custom throughout the years. Performances will take place across different villages and temples, with top ones to look out for including Kannur at the Muchilot Bhagavathi temples, Pulimuthappan Kavu, and Sree Mavilaakkavu. Another place to see these dances is the Mallom Kollam Temple in Kasaragod.

Onam is Kerala's most significant festival, marking the end of the harvest season and bringing people together in celebration. It's a time for family reunions, vibrant Pookalams (floral Rangolis), and exciting festivities like the Pulikkali (tiger play). Onam Festival takes place over 10 days, providing plenty of opportunities to join in with different cultural experiences, including parades, rituals, and games. The Onasadya, a vegetarian feast, is a very important part of the festival and features a huge range of dishes, including curries, rice, fried snacks, and desserts, typically served for lunch on a banana leaf. Some of the best places to enjoy these festivities in Kerala are Thrikkakara (where the festival first began) Trivandrum, Alleppey, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kannur.

Thrissur comes alive during Thrissur Pooram. This event takes place around the Vadakkunnathan Temple in the Thekkinkadu Maidanam park, and features grand processions. During the festival, you’ll see adorned elephants and listen to traditional percussionists. Marvel at vibrant floats as they pass by. And don’t miss the spectacular fireworks displays. It’s a wonderful place to experience both religious commitment and a fun festive atmosphere. Look out for the display of colourful parasols during Kudamattom, performed by representatives of the 10 temples involved in the festival. And it’s the perfect time to sample local Keralan cuisine, including sambar, avial, thoran, and pachadi. While in Thrissur, spend some time visiting ancient temples, mosques, and churches for the full cultural experience.

Vishu marks the Malayali New Year and is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional rituals, and special feasts. The highlight is the Vishukkani, an arrangement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, coins, and gifts set in people’s homes or temples. It’s believed that seeing the Vishukkani when you awaken is a sign that you’ll receive these goods in the year to come. Items from the arrangement are gifted or donated, with coins often handed out to children. A feast of curries, rice dishes, and banana chips is often served, and young people dress up and dance in exchange for money from their neighbours.

Pongala Festival is a unique event in Kerala where millions of women gather to offer Pongala, a sweet rice dish made with jaggery, coconut, and plantains, to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathi. It's a testament to feminine strength and devotion rather than a religious festival or ritual. Witness the extraordinary sight of women lining the streets and rooftops, preparing Pongala (which means ‘to boil over’) in earthen pots to please the goddess and bring prosperity to their families. The Pongala Festival ends with temple priests sprinkling holy water and a shower of flowers to show the goddess sending her blessings to the women.