The vibrant life in Kochi, India, on the banks of the Malabar coast is absolutely intoxicating. From good food to family-friendly museums, and unlimited entertainment options, there seems to be a never-ending amount of fun to be in this jewel of a city.
However, if you’re looking to plan a holiday with your family in Kochi, then you definitely need to consider booking around one of the many festivals. Kochi, also known as Cochin, is home to a large number of incredible festivals and holiday celebrations.
The incredible history of the city and the people who live there make for fabulously fun carnivals and events for the whole family to enjoy!
It can be a bit overwhelming to try and plan a vacation around a festival but don’t be discouraged. In order to help you get started on your itinerary, we have put together a list of festivals to attend with your family in Kochi, India. So ditch your normal staycation, and get started on your exciting holiday plans today!
Cochin Carnival
Kochi (Cochin) holds a huge carnival every year during the last two weeks of December at Fort Kochi. This fun beach festival is filled with family-friendly activities, competitions, and of course, holiday celebrations. The events in this carnival include art shows, amazing food and so much more.
If your family wants to compete in one of the many competitions, they need to simply sign up. You could participate in small local events, then stand beachside to watch the famous Indira Gandhi Boat Race!
Here are just some of the competitions you can take part in:
- Beach bike race
- Beach football
- Boxing
- Bullet race
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Marathon Races
- Wrestling
- Cycling races
The main principles of the festival are Participation, Peace, Progress, Adventure, and Environment. The whole family can enjoy a few weeks of spirited fun, which ends with the huge parade on New Year’s Day!
Getting there doesn’t have to be pricey just because it is the holiday season. There are so many travel options with Dubai to Kochi online booking, London to Kochi discounts and so much more. This way you can save money on tickets and spend it on festival food.
Onam
The Hindus of the Kerala region get to celebrate an annual harvest festival with Onam. Onam takes place as a way to remember good governance under King Mahabali. He is a mythical king whose generosity to Vamana granted him a visit to his kingdom once a year for eternity from Vishnu.
Onam takes place from late August to early September. As the official festival of the state, cultural celebrations are extremely popular. Not only with locals but tourists and visitors as well. This means it has loads of things to do for the entire family to enjoy.
The festival starts off with a grand procession called Athachamayam. The parade is filled with decorated elephants, incredible music, folk art, colourful floats and people wearing masks and costumes. You can also find traditional Pookkalam, or stunning flower rangoli, throughout the festival.
If you and your family are looking for an immersive and incredible Hindu celebratory festival, then Onam is the one for you. Dance to the music of local musicians, take part in the Pulikali (Tiger Dance) and enjoy the harvest season after the monsoons!
Malayattoor Perunnal
If you and your loved ones prefer to travel in the spring and want to witness a truly inspiring religious festival, then Malayattoor Perunnal should be on your list. Located at Malayattoor, the festival takes place at the St. Thomas Church on the first Sunday after Easter.
During the festival, you can see devotees carrying wooden crosses of all kinds up a nearby slope. The entire town dresses up to participate in this historical festival celebrating the miracles of St. Thomas and the church at Malayattoor.
Jewish Festivals
In the region of Kerala, there are many Jewish communities that celebrate various holidays throughout the year with festivals. Passover, Hanukkah, Pentecost, and so much more are all celebrated with gusto in Kochi.
If you would like to partake in the Feat to Tabernacles in late September to early October, or Passover in March or April you are more than welcome. Be certain to check local calendars for upcoming events and festival times!
Thalappoli
The Thiruvilwamala ParakkottuKavu Devi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavati is best known for the annual Thalappoli festival. This festival is held every year on the last Sunday of the Malayalam month of Medam. This is generally in the first half of May.
This remarkable festival includes a large procession with elephants and traditionally dressed Panchavadyam and Melam. This is a small orchestra of five instruments that started as a temple art and evolved into a popular cultural event piece. It is truly a wonder to hear during the parade and other local events.
You can also see traditional art forms like Poothan and Thira (a ritual art form that includes elaborate and beautiful costumes and dances) and Kari Vesham. The Kari Vesham (also known as the Kathi Vesham and Kathakali) is stunning makeup and costumes to represent villainous male characters in myth. Performances include dancing and music.
The entire festival ends with a gorgeous fireworks display! This is a great choice for your holiday in India because it is a truly immersive cultural experience for your family. So whether you’re planning a destination wedding with the extended family, or simply want to experience this with your partner and children, Thalappoli is an amazing festival in Kochi.
The Many Festivals in Kochi, India for Your Family to Enjoy!
There are lots of festivals in the Kochi (Cochin) region for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Whether you want to take part in some fun competitions during the Cochin Carnival, witness incredible cultural dances and costumes during Thalappoli, or partake in religious festivals throughout the year, you have more than enough options in Kochi!
