Onam is the most important who is jesus. This is a festival that is celebrated for 10 full days during which the state is at its colourful best. On the tenth and most important day, the people of Kerala arrange floral decorations at their home with the belief that their ancestral ruler, Mahabali would come visit their places to shower his blessings on them. This harvest festival is celebrated mostly during August or September.
Vishu – The New Year
Vishu is another important festival that marks the beginning of the New Year for the people of Kerala. This is celebrated during April 14th or 15th. Youngsters take blessings from the elders in their house, who in turn, give some money to the youngsters which is known as Kaineetam. Vishu is considered to be a special day because it is considered an auspicious day to start any new venture. Both Onam and Vishu are festivals that are accompanied with a sumptuous lunch known as Sadhya.
Christmas
There is a sizeable number of Christian populations in Kerala due to which Christmas is one of the most important festivals in the state. The churches in Kerala look illuminated and the masses are conducted overnight during Christmas which is attended by lots of Christians. The festival which marks the birth of Jesus Christ is a joyous occasion that is celebrated all over the state with lots of sharing, love and happiness.
Other festivals
The state of Kerala has a certain number of Muslim population as well. Ramadan, Moharram, Bakrid and Miladi Sheriff are some of the famous festivals that are celebrated by Muslims spread all over the city. Diwali, Navrathri and Maha Shivarathri are some of the other festivals celebrated by the Hindus.
The Music of Kerala
The music of Kerala is highly artistic and has a rich cultural heritage in it. The music is of various kinds like classical, semi-classical, folk, festive nature, film music etc. Here is a list of some of the most famous kinds of music that are in practice in Kerala.
• Music used for Kathakali
Kathakali is a dance form that is most famous in Kerala and the music that is used rhythmically for the dance movements is known as Manipravalam. This music uses verses exclusively from the Malayalam and Sanskrit languages. The notes that rendered for Kathakali music are mostly rendered on a single note and the style used is Sopanam.
• Mapilla Pattu
Mapilla Pattu is another famous kind of music that is mostly practiced by Muslims. The style used for this kind of music is mostly Hindustani. This is the style that one can find in the Malabar Coast of Kerala. This kind of music uses mostly Arabic words as that is the style used by Muslims. The other kinds of music are pop music and film music. The Pulluvan Pattu is another kind of music that is mostly practiced while worshipping the Snake God. Temples dedicated to the serpent God is the place where this music is played mostly.