Fairs in Kerala

India is a land of fairs and festivals and Kerala is no exception to this. Besides the major festivals that are celebrated across India, there are numerous local festivals that are highly observed in Kerala. Most of the festivals of Kerala are connected with local traditions and religions, and are crucial to the social and cultural structure. There are certain festivities like the boat races, which originated to commemorate religious events but subsequently turned out to be events of social importance.

Vishu One of the most important festivals of Kerala, Vishu is celebrated in the month of April. According to the old traditional Malayalam calendar, it is the 1st day of the New Year. The main event of the Vishu celebration is the 'Kani- Kanal'. Coconuts, fruits, cereals, and Konna flowers are kept in big pots to prepare Kani. Behind this pot, a mirror and a garlanded statue of Krishna are placed. Early morning on the Vishu day, the master of the house views the Kani, followed by the rest of the family. Children are brought blindfolded to see the Kani. The elders in the family hand over money to the youngsters and bless them. According to the local beliefs, if you see Kani, good luck will stay with you till the year end.

Navratri
The Navratri celebration, that runs over 9 days, is known by different names in different parts of India. It is Durga Puja of Bengal, Dussehra of Bombay, and Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja of the south. The last three days of navratri, known as Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijaya Dasami are the most important. On the night of Durga Ashtami day, a ceremony known as 'Puja Vayppu' is held, which involves decorating a room superbly, illuminating it with many lights and arranging on a platform, raised in the middle of the room - essential for performing Saraswati Puja. During the last three days of Puja, all sorts of learning and business come to a standstill.