Kumbha Sankranti or Kumbha Sankramanam is the first day of Kumbha Masam in Malayali calendar. In Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, Kumbha masam puja is observed for six days. In 2010, Kumbha masam puja dates are – February 12 to February 17. Every month, monthly pujas are performed to Lord Sabarimala Ayyappa. In 2010, Shivaratri also falls on Kumbha Sankranthi day hence it marks great significance and spiritual importance for Sabarimala Ayyappa puja.
Special pujas like archanas, abhishegam, and stotra parayana are performed during Kumbha masa pooja. Tens of thousands of devotees participate in Ayyappa puja in Sabarimala Temple. Meena masam 2010 Ayyappa puja dates – March 14 to March 19, 2010. Ayyappa Jayanthi is observed in Meena masam in Malayalam calendar.
Onam, also called as Thiru Onam, is the biggest festival of Kerala. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in the Malayali month of Chingam (August – September). In 2010, the date of Onam or Tiru Onam is September 7. Onam festival represents the grand welcome to the demon king Mahabali. As per the popular belief, King Mahabali visits the state of Kerala during the festival of Thiru Onam.
Onam is celebrated for ten days. Starting from the Atham, Onam festival lasts for ten days and the tenth day is the most celebrated Thiru Onam. During Onam festival, Kerala people celebrate many events – games, cultural events, dances and singing songs.
Pookalam (rangoli designs) are the important event of Onam festival. Floral carpets welcoming King Mahabali brings out the cultural front of Onam festival. Pookalam are the floral designs made of flour and different colours and paints.