Festivals in Kerala in September 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is renowned not only for its scenic beauty and tranquil backwaters but also for its rich cultural traditions. The state’s festivals, deeply rooted in Hindu spirituality, draw thousands of visitors each year and create a colorful, festive atmosphere in every corner of the region. September 2025 brings a host of remarkable festivals, including Onam, Attukal Pongala, and others, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
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From the grand harvest festival of Onam to the devout women’s festival of Attukal Pongala, Kerala in September is a celebration of spirituality, togetherness, and age-old traditions. Let’s explore these festivals and their significance, rituals, and the unique way they are celebrated in the state.
1. Onam – The Grand Harvest Festival (August 30 – September 8, 2025)
Onam is Kerala’s biggest and most celebrated festival, lasting for ten days, starting from August 30 to September 8, 2025. This festival commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical figure in Kerala’s folklore, and marks a time of abundance and prosperity.
Significance of Onam
Onam is a festival of gratitude and devotion, celebrated to honor King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects during this time. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, prosperity, and unity among people.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Pookalam (Flower Rangoli): Families create intricate floral designs at the entrance of their homes to welcome King Mahabali.
- Onam Sadya (Feast): The grand Onam feast served on a banana leaf includes over 26 dishes, including sambar, avial, and payasam (a sweet dessert).
- Vallam Kali (Boat Races): The famous boat races, particularly the snake boat races, take place along Kerala’s rivers and are a major attraction.
- Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Dancers paint their bodies like tigers and take part in vibrant processions.
- Thiruvathira Kali: A traditional dance performed by women to celebrate Onam in a spirit of joy and harmony.
2. Attukal Pongala – The Women’s Festival (September 2025)
Attukal Pongala, celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the largest religious gatherings of women in the world. The festival is held annually in honor of Attukal Bhagavathy, a form of Goddess Parvati. In September 2025, the festival will be celebrated on the 14th day of the month, attracting thousands of women from all over Kerala.
Significance of Attukal Pongala
This festival celebrates the power of womanhood and is a unique occasion where women prepare Pongala, a rice pudding, as an offering to the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will bless them with prosperity, happiness, and health.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Preparation of Pongala: Women gather in large numbers at the Attukal Temple and surrounding areas to cook the Pongala offering in large clay pots over open fires.
- Devotional Prayers: Women sing hymns and chant prayers to Attukal Bhagavathy, offering their prayers and seeking blessings for their families.
- Mass Gatherings: The entire area near the temple becomes a sea of women cooking Pongala, sharing a bond of devotion and spirituality.
3. Sree Krishna Jayanti – The Birth of Lord Krishna (September 5, 2025)
Sree Krishna Jayanti, or Janmashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Though traditionally celebrated in August, in some parts of Kerala, September 5, 2025, will be observed as the day to celebrate his birth.
Significance of Sree Krishna Jayanti
Lord Krishna is considered the divine incarnation of Vishnu, and his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita form the core of Hindu philosophy. The day commemorates his miraculous birth and his role in guiding humanity toward righteousness.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Midnight Celebrations: Temples across Kerala celebrate Krishna’s birth at midnight by performing special rituals, dressing the deity in beautiful attire, and offering prayers.
- Dahi Handi: Devotees enact the playful scenes from Krishna’s childhood, where young boys form human pyramids to break clay pots filled with butter, symbolizing Krishna’s fondness for butter.
- Krishna Bhajans: Devotional songs and chants dedicated to Lord Krishna fill the air, as devotees gather for all-night vigils.
4. Mahalaya Amavasya – The Beginning of Pitru Paksha (September 14, 2025)
Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors. The date falls on September 14, 2025, and it is a day when families offer prayers and food to their departed loved ones.
Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
This day is considered auspicious for offering rituals to ancestors, seeking their blessings and ensuring their peace in the afterlife.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Tarpanam Rituals: Devotees perform rituals like Tarpanam, where they offer food, water, and prayers to their ancestors.
- Pind Daan: Some families visit sacred places like riverbanks or temples to perform the Pind Daan, offering rice balls to their ancestors’ spirits.
5. Vavu Bali – Rituals for Departed Souls (September 2025)
Vavu Bali is an important ritual observed by Hindus in Kerala to honor their ancestors. Held on the new moon day (Amavasya) in September, this ritual is meant to ensure peace for the souls of departed ancestors.
Significance of Vavu Bali
On this day, devotees offer prayers and food to the souls of their ancestors, seeking blessings for their well-being and prosperity.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Bali Tharpanam: Devotees offer food and prayers to their ancestors, usually at temples or riverbanks.
- Temple Visits: People often visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu to perform the Bali ritual.
Conclusion: Kerala’s Rich Festival Culture in September 2025
September 2025 is set to be a month of deep religious significance and festive joy in Kerala. From the grandeur of Onam to the devotion-filled Attukal Pongala, each festival reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. These festivals provide a window into the soul of Kerala, showcasing its vibrant traditions, communal spirit, and profound reverence for the divine.
As Kerala prepares for these celebrations, the state continues to honor its traditions while welcoming the future, making September 2025 a time of reflection, togetherness, and joy for all.
