festivals

The major festivals celebrated in Palakkad are:

• Nellikulangara Vela – A festival celebrated to obtain the blessings of Nellikulangara Bhagavathy, by the people of Palakkad.
• Ottapalam Nercha Festival – A Muslim festival; during which Jumma prayers are held in the Ottappalam mosque on Fridays. To commemorate the death anniversary of a holy person called Uthman Auliya; this is usually held in January-February.
• Onam – 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 homes and streets with flowers in the form of Rangolis (also called Pookalam).
• 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.