Known as `God’s own country’, Kerala is a land of piety and religious fervor and to enjoy the spirit of the land one should `feel’ its festivals. Expressive with music and color, festivals of the land would attract every onlooker who has a longing to experience the richness of life. While different communities in the state celebrate several national festivals, there are some festivals which are unique to the land. Let’s take a tour.

Aadu theyye, Aadadu theyye, (Dance God, Dance!) exhorts a folksong in Kerala where God and man becomes one through performance.  Ritual art forms in the state can bewitch you with their colour, energy and perfection in performance, which equal a Shakespearian play. The art forms which were developed in ancient times are retained in their traditional sense in different parts of the state.

A mouthful of sweets, a spread of color, a swirling dance to the rhythm of drum beats – all this and more would mean festival in India. Across this very spiritual country festivals are the time when people forget their surroundings to indulge in rivalries of a joyous kind. The dhoom-dhaam with which festivals are celebrated reflects the true spirit and culture of the country where people strive to make the best out of life.

A tradition carnival which dates back to over 200 years, Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful, the most spectacular and the most lively festival of Kerala. Attracting over 30,000 people to Thrissur district annually, the festival has all that one needs to enjoy the exotic feel of this blessed land. August with elephant processions, fireworks, music from percussion instruments and traditional theatre performance or Pulikkali, Pooram is that carnival which will remain a memory to all who experiences it.