Thrissur Pooram

This festival is considered the pooram of all poorams. In the month of March - April, a procession of thirty well decorated elephants is led to the Vadakkunathan temple. Each elephant has three mahouts holding objects of royal significance. The highlight of the festival that continues for 36 hours is the Panchavadyam in which about 200 artists from the disciplines of Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka participate.The atmosphere built by-

their sound is almost hypnotizing. The grand finale is a spectacle of colour, music and fire works. The uniqueness of the festival lies in the fact that even people from all caste and religion, even Muslims and Christians, participate in it with much fervour. The secular nature of the festival has its roots in the very origin of the temple festival in Thrissur by Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Kochi who deprived the mighty Namboodri clan of their supremacy (when they refused entry to deities from other temples) and took over the charges of the temple festival himself. Kovalam tours.

Elephant Pageant

A procession of 101 elephants begins from Thrissur every year and reaches Trivandrum via Alappuzha from 9th - 12th January. The festival attractions include delicious Kerala cuisine, feeding of elephant as per tradition and elephant ride.

Kerala Gramam

Every year between 14th - 23rd January, the hamlet near the Kovalam beach resort is converted into an ancient village of Kerala. The festival attraction includes traditional houses, art and craft and not to forget the clothing and food.

Nishigandhi Festival

This festival is perfect for the lovers of Indian dance forms. Nishigandhi literally means the fragrance of night and is the name of the theatre in the Kankanu palace compound in Trivandrum in which the dance festival is held every year. Organized by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the festival sees various renowned artists from India performing Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Kovalam tours.

Flavour Food Festival

This festival is celebrates the richness of Kerala and Indian cuisine. Held between 5th - 11th April every year in the city of Thiruvanantpuram,the festival is a delight for the connenisure of good food. Best hotels of Kerala participate in this festival and showcase their culinary skills.

Cochin Carnival

The carnival is celebrated every year from 25th to 31st of December to welcome the new year. The festival reminds of the Portuguese era when the new year was celebrated with much enthusiasm. Elephant procession accompanied by music and drum beats take the fervour at its peak.