India is a land of festivals and fairs.Every festival has some or the other traditional or religious importance.Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, Saints, and gurus (the revered teachers), or the advent of the new year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India, however, they may be called by different names in the various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion.Every festival is celebrated in a unique style.

Among the innumerable festivals that take place all over Kerala, almost all the prominent ones are connected with religious institutions. The 'Utsavams' of the Hindu temples and the 'Perunals' of Christian and Muslim churches are of utmost importance to the community. There are certain festivities like the boat races, which originated to commemorate religious events but subsequently turned out to  be events of social importance.

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The colorful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as  diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State.   Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture.  Round the year, the fests are vibrant interludes in the mundane flow of life in Kerala.

Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit.  Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.

New attire, dance, music and ritual, all add to their joyful rhythm.  It is a time for prayer, for pageantry and processions.....a time to rejoice.  The important fairs and festivals in the state are:

Republic Day | Independence Day | Gandhi Jayanthi | Onam | Vishu | Navarathri | Mahasivarathri |Thiruvathiara | Trikartika | Deepavali | Christmas | Easter | Good Friday | Ramzan | Eid-Ul-Fitr | Eid-Ul-Zuha | Milad-Ul-Nabi | Muharram

Republic Day is India's great national festival. The celebrations are most colourful in Delhi, the capital.Republic Day Celebrating the anniversary of India's establishment as a Republic 26th January 1950, all the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army including the three armed forces, followed by floats and dancers from all parts of the country starting from India Gate and ending at the famous and historical Red Fort.In the evening, there are fire works and lighting at government buildings.

Independence Day India attained independence on 15th August 1947. It is celebrated as the anniversary of India's independence.The prime Minister delivers an address from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort. The national flag is hoisted on the red fort. It is celebrated all over the country with meetings and flag-hosting ceremonies.

Gandhiji is rightly called the father of the nation.Gandhi jayanti is celebrated on the 2nd of october every year.Prayer meetings are held at Raj Ghat where he was cremated. He was a great freedom fighter and the follower of Non voilence.

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