Top Traditional Festivals Celebrated in Wayanad Throughout the Year

Wayanad is dotted with several local attractions and hidden gems in the midst of nature. Its enchanting myriad festivals, including temple festivals, make for its own unique niche in India's awesome cultural landscape. These celebrations are vibrant expressions of local customs, traditions, and tribal heritage, uniting people in joy, devotion, and festivity. Whether it's a temple festival, a harvest celebration, or a cultural gathering, Wayanad’s festivals highlight the diverse cultural tapestry of this beautiful region. Let’s explore some of the top traditional festivals celebrated in Wayanad throughout the year.

1. Mahashivaratri

One of the major festivals in Kerala in the early part of the year is Mahashivaratri, in honour of Lord Shiva, and offering the leaves of the 'Koovalam' plant (bael plant) is a unique local feature. A mythological legend narrates how Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking the deadly poison churned in the Ocean of Milk. Join devotees to offer gratitude and pay obeisance at Wayanad’s temples, prominent of which are the Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Sree Thrikkaipetta Shiva Temple, and the Kottiyoor Temples. You will get drawn into the spiritual ambience as the air resounds with the sound of temple bells and devotees chant the sacred mantra "Om Namaha Shivaya". The graceful Thiruvathira dance at night after lighting the traditional lamp is something you will remember for a long time. Having observed 'orikkal' (fasting) the previous day, devotees partake of the holy prasadam the following morning.

2. Valliyoorkavu

Immerse yourself in the lively Valliyoorkavu festival at the ancient Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple, where Goddess Bhagavathy is worshipped in three forms, Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. Witness the cherished tradition of Kodiyettu, when the temple's flag is hoisted with much grandeur and get mesmerized by the enactment of mythological tales and folklore through theatre and mime by elaborately-costumed artistes to the beats of temple percussion music.

3. Easter

A spiritual tour to Kerala is incomplete without joining the Christian community in celebrating the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Enhance your experience by visiting one of the many churches in Wayanad, a prominent one being the Assumption Forane Church. Easter is the culmination of the Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday, with each day having its own unique tradition and food with families getting together for special moments of love and togetherness. On Palm Sunday there is Kozhukatta, a coconut & jaggery-filled rice dumpling. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper at churches is held on Pesaha Vyazham (Maundy Thursday). The head of the family cuts the Pesaha appam (rice cake) with the sign of the Holy Cross at the centre, and this is dipped in Pesaha Paal (coconut milk). Good Friday is a day of fasting.

4. Vishu

Wayanad comes alive in April with Vishu, celebrating the joyous start of the Malayali New Year in Kerala. It is symbolically ushered in with Vishu Kani (that which is seen first on Vishu). Fruits, vegetables, rice, a coconut, and other offerings with a mirror are put on a brass plate with an urn filled with water and placed near an idol of Lord Krishna. Devotees are ushered in with closed eyes to see the kani first thing in the morning, with oil lamps and flowers kept ready for worship. Fireworks light up the night skies, and folk dances like Kaikottikali are performed in village courtyards, filling the air with joy.

5. Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakri Eid, celebrated towards the end of the Islamic lunar calendar to honour Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah, is also part of Kerala’s cultural diversity, with charity a key feature of this festival. As the story goes, Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command, but God stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead. Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Muslims sacrifice a goat or a sheep. Prior to this, prayers are offered at the mosque and greetings exchanged. 

6. Onam

Talking of signature dishes, an incomparable one that you will surely enjoy is the wholesome Onam Sadhya vegetarian meal, which is the focal point of Onam, the festival honouring King Mahabali, and marking Kerala's harvest season. The meal has over two dozen delicious dishes served on a single plantain leaf. Signature dishes include the Parippu Curry (dal), Thorans (dry vegetables), Avial, Olan (white pumpkin curry), Rasam, Kalan (plantain in a yogurt and coconut base), pickles and papadams. Unique to Onam is also the beautiful Pookalams (designs) in front of homes artistically created from flowers. 

7. Navaratri 

The many forms of Goddess Durga are once again celebrated during Navratri, the vibrant nine-day festival in September/October.  You can participate with zest in traditional dances and participate in the local cultural events specially scheduled for the festivities. On the penultimate day of the festival is the Vidyarambham ceremony in which children are initiated into writing and pujas are conducted of work tools and vehicles. A charming feature of Navaratri in Wayanad is Koluvaipu, the tiered arrangement of gods, animals, toys, etc. 

8. Thirunelli Festival

Thirunelli festival also celebrates Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Devotees make offerings to their ancestors on a sacred rock nearby Papanasini river. You can witness the sacred Thirunelli Theendal ritual, the pouring of holy water on the idol of Lord Vishnu. Don’t neglect to be part of the major highlights - the Kathakali and Kolkali dance performances, the procession of caparisoned elephants and the Karivela Festival during which a bow made from sacred wood is offered with much fanfare to Lord Vishnu, the temple's deity.

Read more: Interesting facts about Thirunelli temple, Wayanad

9. Puthari Festival

Puthari is another festival of Kerala's agricultural harvest season, celebrated on a full moon day in November/December by the Kodava tribes and other local communities in Wayanad. Families head to the paddy fields with rice, honey, ghee, and other offerings and a sickle to cut the first paddy sheaves. Special dishes from the freshly harvested rice are made, such as puttu (steamed rice cakes) and payasam (made with rice and milk), offered to the deity and then relished by the family.

10. Karthigai Deepam

Millions of flickering oil lamps is a sight to behold in Wayanad during Karthigai Deepam, the festival of lights in the months of November/December which celebrates the triumph of good over evil by banishing darkness with light. Adding to the radiance of the lamps are the artistic floral Kolams (patterns) at the doorsteps of homes and shops. At some temples, you will see a bonfire of discarded materials, with local families taking a torch made from palm leaves from this fire to their homes.

11. Christmas and New Year

As the year comes to a close, the winter air of December's last week resounds with church bells and carols to joyously announce the arrival of Christmas. In and around Wayanad, lights and festive buntings spring up everywhere, as also star-topped Christmas trees with people donning Santa costumes enjoying the festive spirit. You could visit the local churches to see the charming Mangers depicting the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and join the throngs of devotees joyously attending the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  Be a part of the countdown to the next year on New Year's Eve, jiving to the music of live bands at private parties and local resorts.

Also read:Experience Divine Tranquillity: Must-Visit Temples in Wayanad

Conclusion

Looking for comfortable accommodation to enjoy these traditional festivals celebrated in Wayanad? No matter what time of the year, have a memorable stay in the midst of nature at The Woods Resorts, the best resort in Wayanad. We offer exemplary professional services everywhere, whether you are relaxing in your well-designed cottage, dining in the restaurant or availing of a refreshing wellness package in the Spa. There is a range of activities to suit every guest, including special tour packages for pilgrimages and places of interest in and around Wayanad. Hospitality at its best at The Woods Resorts, Wayanad is something you will cherish for a lifetime.

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