festivals

Kochi’s cultural scene is a treat to watch. Festival time in Kochi is colorful and full of fun and frolic. Some popular festivals celebrated in Kochi are:

• Athachamayam – A festival that commemorates the victory of the king of Kochi and usually celebrated in August/September. Many dances, and plays are performed and people gather together to celebrate dressed in colourful silk clothes.
• Chandanakkudam – (Translating to sandalwood pot) A Muslim festival, it involves pilgrims carrying earthen pots, smeared with sandal paste and filled with coin to a mosque. It is usually held at Kanjiramattom Mosque, located in Kochi (Ernakulam district).
• Onam – This is one of the most important festivals in Kerala state, and is also celebrated in Kochi majestically. Street parades happen with dancers dressed like animals, and people decorate their homes with flowers in the form of Rangolis (also called Pookalam).
• Aluva Shivarathri – A festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. People usually fast during daytimes and pray to Lord Shiva during this festival. In Kerala, it is celebrated during the months of February/March.