The colorful mosaic of Kerala fairs and festivals is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture.
Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit.

THE ONAM:
The national festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in the malayalam month of Chingham. Many myths surround this festival. The most important is that Onam celebrates the return of the legendary king Mahabali who ruled over a golden age. Another myth is about Cheraman Perumal who accepted the Muslim faith. Onam marks the month of harvest suggesting prosperity and happiness all around. It is a ten-day long festival, starting from the day of Atham. People decorate their yards with floral carpets during these days. Each and everyone dressed in their new clothes assemble in their homes for the traditional Onam meal. The vegetarian meal eaten on a banana leaf contains traditional dishes, pappad and payasam(sweet). The meal is followed by other activities like dance, games and boat race. The ladies perform the Kaikkottikkali (a dance form). Onathallu or Kayyangali, Thallu and Onappada, which is a martial art for entertainment, are performed as part of the Onam celebrations. Onathallu conducted at Kurumbranattu and Kunnamkulam are quite famous.

The Athachamayam,:
A colourful festival in connection with Onam celeberations. Earlier it was conducted by the Kochi Maharaja(King of Kochi) and Zamorins(Rulers of Calicut) alike on the day of Atham in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Since 1960 it has been taken over by the government and is organised by governmental bodies as part of the Onam festival. This colourful procession conducted on the day of Atham marks the beginning of Onam celebrations for ten days that concludes on the day of Thiruvonam. The festival is conducted at Thripunithura in Ernakulam district.

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