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Upcoming Events & Festivals in Ernakulam

Ernakulam, also known as Kochi, is a bustling city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals. Throughout the year, Ernakulam hosts various events and festivals that attract locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will explore some of the most exciting upcoming events and festivals in Ernakulam.   

Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2023   

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions in South Asia. The event takes place every two years, and the next edition is scheduled for 2023. The biennale showcases the works of both national and international artists across various venues in Kochi and Muziris. Visitors can expect to see a range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances.   

Onam Festival   

Onam is a major festival in Kerala that celebrates the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The festival takes place in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls in August or September. During Onam, locals decorate their homes with flower carpets, prepare traditional dishes, and participate in various cultural events such as boat races and folk dances.   

Cochin Carnival   

The Cochin Carnival is an annual festival that takes place in the last week of December. The carnival is a celebration of the city's diverse cultures and traditions and features a range of events such as music concerts, street performances, and a grand procession on New Year's Day. Visitors can also enjoy delicious local cuisine and participate in various games and competitions.   

Vallarpadam Feast   

The Vallarpadam Feast is an annual Christian festival that takes place in the month of September. The festival celebrates the arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in Kerala and features a grand procession carrying the statue of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can witness the procession, attend mass at the historic Vallarpadam Basilica, and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine.   

Kochi International Book Festival   

The Kochi International Book Festival is a week-long event that takes place in November. The festival attracts book lovers from across the country and features a range of activities such as book readings, author talks, and book launches. Visitors can also browse through a vast collection of books from both national and international publishers.   

Christmas Celebrations   

Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ernakulam, and the city is beautifully decorated with lights and decorations. Visitors can attend midnight mass at one of the many churches in the city, participate in carol singing, and enjoy delicious Christmas delicacies such as plum cake and traditional Kerala snacks.   

Elephant Festivals   

Ernakulam is also known for its majestic elephant festivals in Ernakulam, which take place throughout the year. These festivals feature decorated elephants that are paraded through the city's streets. Visitors can witness various cultural performances and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine.   

Pongal Festival   

Pongal is a harvest festival that is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The festival takes place in mid-January and is a celebration of the bountiful harvest season. Visitors can witness traditional rice cooking rituals, participate in cultural events such as bull-taming, and enjoy delicious traditional cuisine.   

Kerala Food Festival   

The Kerala Food Festival is a popular event that takes place in Kochi every year. The festival showcases the diversity of Kerala's cuisine and features a range of traditional dishes such as appam, puttu, and fish curry. Visitors can also attend cooking workshops and learn to prepare some of the famous Kerala.   

Vishu Festival   

Vishu is a major festival in Kerala that celebrates the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar. The festival usually falls in mid-April and is a celebration of the harvest season. Visitors can witness the traditional Vishukkani (auspicious items displayed on a platter), participate in cultural events such as Vishu kali (a traditional game), and enjoy delicious traditional cuisine.   

Nehru Trophy Boat Race   

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular annual event that takes place in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, which is a short drive away from Ernakulam. The boat race is a grand spectacle, featuring large, colorful snake boats that are rowed by hundreds of oarsmen. Visitors can witness the races, enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine, and participate in cultural events such as folk dances.   

Janmashtami Festival   

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival takes place in August or September and is a celebration of the deity's life and teachings. Visitors can witness cultural events such as dance performances and enjoy traditional sweets and snacks.   

Navaratri Festival   

Navaratri is a nine-day Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival usually falls in October and features colorful decorations, traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya, and the lighting of lamps. Visitors can participate in cultural events and enjoy traditional snacks and sweets.   

Thrissur Pooram   

Thrissur Pooram is a grand festival that takes place in the city of Thrissur, which is a short drive away from Ernakulam. The festival is a celebration of the coming together of two major temples in the city and features a grand procession of decorated elephants, percussion performances, and a colorful fireworks display. Visitors can witness the festivities and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine.   

International Film Festival of Kerala   

The International Film Festival of Kerala is a popular event that takes place in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, which is a short flight away from Ernakulam. The festival attracts filmmakers and movie buffs from across the world and features a range of international and regional films. Visitors can attend movie screenings, interact with filmmakers, and participate in various cultural events.   

In conclusion, Ernakulam is a city that is rich in culture and traditions, and there are plenty of exciting events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Whether you're a foodie, an art enthusiast, or a culture buff, there's something for everyone in Ernakulam. So, plan your visit accordingly and immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of this beautiful city.   

FAQs:   

What is the best time to visit Ernakulam?    

Ans: The best time to visit Ernakulam is from October to February when the weatherin Ernakulam is pleasant and there are plenty of festivals and events to attend.   

How can I get to Ernakulam?    

Ans: Ernakulam is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport in Ernakulam is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 30 km away from the city center.   

What is the signature dish of Ernakulam?    

Ans: Ernakulam is famous for its seafood, and the signature dish of the city is the traditional Kerala fish curry.   

Are the festivals and events in Ernakulam family-friendly?    

Ans: Yes, most of the festivals and events in Ernakulam are family-friendly and cater to people of all ages.   

What are some of the must-visit places in Ernakulam?    

Ans: Some of the must-visit places in Ernakulam are the Fort Kochi area, the Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue, and the Kerala Folklore Museum.   

Is Ernakulam safe for tourists?    

Ans: Yes, Ernakulam is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any city, it's important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night.   

Are there any vegetarian options available during the food festivals in Ernakulam?    

Ans: Yes, most of the food festivals in Ernakulam offer vegetarian options as well as non-vegetarian options.   

Can I participate in the cultural events during the festivals in Ernakulam?    

Ans: Yes, visitors are welcome to participate in the cultural events during the festivals in Ernakulam. However, it's important to be respectful of the local culture and customs.   

How can I find out about upcoming festivals and events in Ernakulam?    

Ans: You can find information about upcoming festivals and events in Ernakulam on local tourism websites or by asking locals for recommendations.   

Are there any special customs or etiquette to be aware of when attending festivals in Ernakulam? Ans: Yes, it's important to dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions when attending festivals in Ernakulam. It's also important to be aware of any specific customs or etiquette related to the particular festival or event you're attending.