TOP 10 Must-Experience Festivals of Wayanad, Western Ghats of Kerala

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Wayanad is a quaint city located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India that not only boasts of scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife but also celebrates its rich cultural heritage through vibrant festivals. These festivals offer visitors a unique glimpse into the traditions, art forms, and spirituality of the region. If you are planning a trip to Wayanad and want to explore its vibrant culture here are some of the must-experience festivals:


1. Onam


Onam, which usually occurs in August or September, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Kerala State and holds special significance among people from Wayanad. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali who is believed to have once ruled Kerala back then it was known as Malayalam. The festival lasts several days during which elaborate flower arrangements (Pookalam), traditional dances like Thiruvathirakali and sumptuous meals called Onam Sadya featuring various vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves take place.

2. Vishu
Vishu is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Wayanad as it heralds the arrival of a new year according to the Malayalam Calendar. The highlight of Vishu is the 'Vishu Kani'. That comprises auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables and gold ornaments placed before gods at dawn so that they may provide wealth throughout the year. This day also includes family get-togethers, ethnic sweetmeats, cultural performances etc.

3. Thirunelli Festival

The Thirunelli Festival which takes place at Thirunelli Temple way down in North Kerala's hills happens every April and constitutes an important religious occasion. It is held in honor of Lord Vishnu and attracts devotees from far off places who come to bathe in the holy waters of Papanasini river for purification purposes. This period sees the temple premises being animated with rites, music, cultural aspects thus revealing a peek into Kerala's spiritual customs.

4. Puthari Festival
The harvest festival called Puthari is celebrated very fervently by tribal communities like Paniyas and Kurichiyans here in Wayanad. It marks the end of the farming season where they ceremonially cook and offer to their deities some cooked paddy which symbolizes the first product harvested. The festival is marked with traditional dances, songs as well as rituals that celebrate nature's abundance and emphasize communal solidarity.

5. Karivela Festival

Thirunelli Temple organizes an uncommon ritualistic event known as Karivela Festival which includes presenting Lord Vishnu with a bow made from Karimaruthi's sacred wood. This ancient practice steeped with mythology and tradition draws worshippers who perform these ceremonies asking Divine Providence for health and prosperity.

6. Malabar Mahotsavam
Wayanad and its surrounding districts such Kozhikode and Kannur host Malabar Mahotsavam every January.This cultural extravaganza showcases the rich heritage of Northern Kerala including Wayanad though it is not limited to those areas.The festival features traditional art forms, music, dance performances along with martial arts demonstrations apart from a large number of stalls selling local crafts and ethnic delicacies that form "all-inclusive" idea about Kerala's multifaceted culture.

Conclusion
Wayanad's cultural festivals give a great opportunity to perceive the traditions and spirituality of Kerala that run deep. During happy Onam and Vishu times or during ancient Thirunelli and Karivela rituals, each festival offers its own way of looking at the vibrant cultural mosaic of Wayanad. Do not forget to plan your journey in accordance with these festivals so as to feel the real taste of this charming area.

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