These are the Biggest Festivals Celebrated in Kochi

03 Oct 2016
Noel Alex
Features

Kochi loves celebrating like everywhere else. Whether you call it festival, Perunnal, carnival, Utsavam, you will be out to witness the celebratons. The processions, bands, discussions...the energy in the air is infectious, whether we gear up for the chendamelam at Thripunithura, get our cameras ready for the carnival or get ready to welcome the world at the Kochi Muziris Biennale. Here are the five prominent festivals that Kochi celebrates in a year.

1. New year blast at the Cochin Carnival

The Cochin Carnival is an awesome way to usher in the New Year. It starts 10 days prior to New Years eve and the highlight of the festival is the massive New Years day procession led by ornate elephants. There are many events in music, dance concerts and plays that capture the vibe of the city during the carnival days. The entire Fort Kochi is decorated with confetti and beautiful lights and is just the right setting to end the year. Although you may be horrified by the sight of a cheering crowd burning a figurine of Santa Claus, do not be alarmed. We are not haters of the Clause, we do love our Pappaji as we like to call him. Burning him is just our way of showing…uhmm..our affection?

Pic Source: http://lh5.ggpht.com, http://www.thehindu.com www.indiatravelblog.com

2. Soak up the art at Kochi-Biennale

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is the biggest international exhibition of contemporary art in Kochi. Get a chance to see the works of some amazing international artists transform Fort Kochi into a cultural getaway.The best part of this festival is that the art is not restricted to paintings and sculptures. Instead the entire city is just one big canvas with graffiti art on the walls, trees and even autorickshaws. The festival is also great fun for people who are- how can I put this delicately, artistically impaired?

Pic Source: www.thehindu.com, tragicocomedia.com,www.ndtv.com

3. Athachamayam celebration during Onam

While Onam is celebrated all over Kerala, Kochi stands out with the celebrations of Thripunithara Athachamayam. Athachamayam marks the beginning of the festive season of Onam and is celebrated in the historic town of Thripunithara. It is a grand parade that showcases elephant processions, folk dances, costumed performers and chendamelams and is a spectacular exhibition of Kerala culture. The event has been a custom ever since the Raja of Cochin paraded the town after a legendary victory.

Pic Source: www.thehindu.com

4. Chandanakudam festival at Kanjiramattom

A procession with hundreds of pilgrims carrying earthen pots, smeared with sandal paste and filled with coins is something to feed your cultural curiosity.Taking place at the Kanjiramattom mosque,the highlight of the festival is the chandanakkudam ritual. The procession features elephants ornately decorated and traditional Muslim art forms like the Duffmuttu and the Kolkali. People from all religious backgrounds gather here to get a glimpse of this unique festival

Pic Source: www.festivaldays.in

5. Pilgrimage to Malaytoor Church

The first Sunday after Easter marks the Perunnal of Malayattoor church. The highlight of the festival is the pilgrimage through the steep hill of Kurisumudi. As you travel towards Malayatoor you can see the beautiful lights illuminating the path of the hill, like a stairway to heaven (Yes I did use a Led Zepplin reference).

Pilgrims, chant the name of the Apostle, 'Ponninkurisumala Muthappa', as they climb the steep hill to visit the church some of them bearing heavy crosses as tribute to Jesus Christs painful trek through Golgotha hill. Pilgrims pay homage to a life-size statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock. A must-do for all you Sathya Christhianees out there.