President's Trophy Boat Race

Come November and the calm waters of the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam burst into a frenzy as they bear witness to one of the most spectacular boat races ever- The President's Trophy Boat Race.

One of the famous snake boat events in Kerala, this race is held on November 1st every year. Hundreds of oarsmen splashing their oars in unison to the high pitched chorus of 'vanchipattu' (boat songs) to propel their boats forward is a bewitching spectacle.

The boat songs rendered with much fervour by the rowers and the spectators alike rises, swells and reaches their zenith as the competition peaks. Thousands throng the banks of the lake cheering and egging on the rowers to a breathtaking finish. Snake boats slicing through the waters and the rhythmic striking of the oars is a spell binding sight that continues to draw crowds from far and wide.

The Presidents' Trophy Boat race is held in five categories namely, Chundan Vallam (snake-boats), two grades of Veppu Vallam, and two grades of Iruttukuthi Vallam. Sixteen snake-boats compete in four heats. The trophy is instituted in the name of the President of India.

Kollam Pooram

On the eve of the Vishu festival each year, the Ashramam Maidan in Kollam filled with thousands of enthusiasts who have gathered to witness the colourful Kollam Pooram. This pooram marks the end of the annual 10-day festival of the Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple which is held in connection with the annual Vishu festival.

Malanada Kettukazha Temple

Malanada Duryodhana Temple at Poruvazhi in Kollam is noted for the magnificent kettukazcha festival known as Malanada Kettukazhcha. This annual festival attracts people for its fascinating sight of huge decorated structures, about 70 to 80 ft high. The temple is dedicated to Duryodhana, the antagonist in the Indian epic - Mahabharata.

Kottamkulangara Chamaya Vilakku

The Kottamkulangara Chamayavilakku, is a festival marked by the rare ritual of men dressing up as beautiful ladies.The festival falls on the 10th and 11th of the Malayalam month Meenam (March/April).

Kannetti Boat Race

A ritual that takes place on Chathayam (4th Onam) during the Onam festival each year, the Kannetti Boat race is marked by a vibrant, colourful water regatta.

Kallada Boat Race

With a history of more than 40 years, the Kallada Boat Race is conducted on the Kallada River at Munroe Island. Held on 28th Onam (August-September), it attracts hordes of fans each year.

Panmana Pooram

The Panmana Pooram at the Subrahmanya Temple is one which attracts crowds each year. Travellers travelling via the T. S. Canal make it a point to stop over at the temple during festival days. With around 50 elephants participating, the festival in itself is a sight to behold.

Paripally Kodimoottil Gajamela

The Paripally Kodimoottil Gajamela with a procession comprising about 50 caparisoned elephants with high tinseled silk parasols (muthukuda) swaying white tufts (venchamaram) and peacock feather fans (aalavattom), attracts hundreds of people to Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple at Parippally in Kollam District during the month of March. The Gajamela is a part of the annual festival at the Kodimoottil Sree Bhagavathy Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The word gajamela in Malayalam literally means festival of elephants. The get-together of the elephants takes place on the last day of the ten-day festival.

Mannoorkavu- A temple for Kathakali

A temple renowned for Kathakali festivals, the main offering to Devi Vanadurga at the Mannoorkkavu Devi Temple in Mynagappally is Kathakali. The art form is held at this temple for almost 200 days in a single year.

Perumon Theru

One of the ancient Sree Bhadrakali temples in Kollam celebrates a 3 day festival each year. Renowned as the Therukettu Mahotsavam, the festival takes place at the Sree Bhadrakali Temple located in Perumon village on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. It is the only temple that makes chariots each year for the ratholsavam after the Palakkad Kalpathy chariot racing in Kerala.

Ochirakali Festival

Renowned as 'DakshinaKasi' or the 'Kasi of the South', Ochira is situated 32km north of Kollam and 3km before Kayamkulam. The Ochirakali held in June and the Pandrandu Vilakku Mahotsavam in November-December are crowd drawing festivals. Ochira still retains the tradition of kavus making is all the more historically important for Kerala.

Thrikkadavoor Temple Festival

One of the ancient temples located in Kollam, The Thrikkadavoor Sree Mahadeva Temple enjoys the status of being the most prominent and famous of Shiva temples in the district. The temple located in Thrikkadavoor, a small town located on the banks of the Ashtamudi backwater, is famous for its annual ten day festival which is attended by hordes of people. The 'Kettukazhcha', one of the highlights of the festival is a huge tower like structure decked up in brilliant colours. Borne by devotees to the temple as an offering to the deity, it is a sight to behold and thousands join in to witness the spectacle.