SOUTH INDIAN FESTIVALS | MAJOR FESTIVALS IN SOUTH INDIA | SOUTH INDIA TOURISM | INDIAN TOURISM

1. ONAM THE BIGGEST FESTIVAL OF KERALA
        Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala
The uniqueness of this Festival is that Onam is celebrated by all people regardless of any caste or creed, rich or poor. There is a famous Saying for Onam that goes as “Kaanam vittum onam unnanam” i.e.; everyone should celebrate onam even if the people don’t have money.
During this period Kerala celebrates Onam as a ‘Tourist Week’ & thousands of domestic & foreign tourists visit Kerala to enjoy and be a part of Onam celebration

2.NAVARATHRI ONE OF THE NATIONAL FESTIVAL
         Navarathri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Navarathri takes place at the beginning of October around harvest time. During this period, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped as three different manifestations of Shakti, or cosmic energy. Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth.
The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights. The last three days of the Navaratri are called Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami, and they are considered more sacred than the other days for Devi worship.

3.PONGAL THE MOST POPULAR FESTIVAL OF TAMILNADU
         Being the most popular festival of Tamil Nadu, this harvest festival is celebrated over 4 days in the month of January. On the First day of fest (Bhogi), people clean up their places and homes taking out each and every wastage and unusable item and burning them up in the bonfire. The second day (Surya Pongal) marks worshiping and offering prayers while paying homage to Sun God. On the third day its time to pay homage to cattle, various animals are decorated and given food. The fourth day is biggest day people get gathered at various places and celebrate the last day with dance, music and feast.

4. DUSSEHRA POPULAR FESTIVAL IN KARNATAKA
       A ten-day festivity highlighted through cultural shows, exhibitions & airs, music and dance festivals, and torchlight processions. It marks the importance of victory of good over evil. Although it is celebrated in all corners of the country, in south Karnataka is one to place to visit during the festive time.

5.THRIKARTHIKA FESTIVAL
         Thrikarthika, is the festival of lights celebrated in Kerala on the Kartika Nakshatram (star) in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid-November to mid-December). It usually falls on the full moon day in the month. On that day after sunset all the houses, streets and temples are well lit with traditional oil lamps, made out of clay called Chirad. The festival is mainly observed in South Kerala.

6. NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE KERALA
        Held every year on the second Saturday of August, this water carnival is the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colorful boats with loads of spectators is a marvelous treat for tourists. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha and is the most famous of all. A complete magnificent occasion to visit Kerala and explore its riches