Festivals at Kochi
Book your Rooms in advance with best prices ever for the most thrilling events and activities for rest of the year so that there are no last-minute rush as well as disappointments.
Kerala is one of the most ideal destinations to spend the second half of the year as it offers an array of beautiful activities as well as festivals.
The time is ideal because of good weather. It is cool and comfortable and is ideal for sightseeing throughout Kerala. However, it is better to book hotels and resorts early for your New Year holidays in Kerala as this is the peak season and the rates are comparatively higher. The time is suitable for houseboat trips, bird watching, fishing, canoeing etc.
With a well-planned early booking for December, you could experience Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018-19, Onam, boat races and of course the old world charm and feel of Christmas and New year celebrations in Fort Cochin which has the influence of Portuguese, Dutch & British cultures.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018-19
An international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi, Kerala (12 December 2018 to 29 March 2019 )
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is the first of its kind held in India. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an initiative of the Kochi-Biennale Foundation founded by Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu.
The sites for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale are as follows and are so close to Daffodils spice court
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David Hall
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Durbar Hall
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Cabral Yard
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Parade Ground
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Kashi Art Gallery
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Jew Town Road Godown
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Rose Street Bungalow
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Cochin Club
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David Horvitz
Indian and international artists exhibit artworks across a variety of mediums including film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art. Through the celebration of contemporary art from around the world, The Kochi-Muziris Biennale seeks to invoke the historic cosmopolitan legacy of the modern metropolis of Kochi, and its mythical predecessor, the ancient port of Muziris.
Alongside the exhibition, the Biennale offers a rich programme of talks, seminars, screenings, music, workshops and educational activities for school children and students.
Onam -Thiruvonam Festival in Kerala
Onam is in September and is the most popular and important festival in Kerala. Do not miss the festivity, traditional food, floral carpets, dance forms and Shopping experiences during the time. The Thiruvonam festival of Keralites rises above all barriers of religion, caste, creed and financial status. It is believed that during the four days of Onam festival, the legendary Asura King Mahabali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Keralites prepare floral carpets, sumptuous foods and sweets to welcome Mahabali. There will be floral carpet, payasam (traditional dessert) making as well as traditional boat race competitions.
NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
The monsoon heralds the beginning of the boat race season. The most important and eagerly awaited race is, of course, the 'Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is a must watch experience conducted on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of spectators including tourists from abroad. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.
Other notable boat races are the Payippad, Pulinkunnu and Kayamkulam.The Aranmula race is noteworthy as it is steeped in religion. Boat race season ends in September.
Christmas & New year celebrations in Cochin
If you are planning to go for New year Parties in Kochi you need a booking much in advance.
Fort Kochi will be among the best places to spend the New Year’s Eve 2018 in Kerala.
In Kochi, you will be in for an awesome treat if you attend cochin carnival and burning of Pappanji or a giant statue of Santa that marks the start of a new year. Burning of Pappanji, is a 500 year old tradition to mark the end of Xmas and New Year festivities which was started when Portuguese established its first base in India at Kochi as part of Portuguese New Year celebrations. This is usually celebrated in Fort Kochi beach and nearly a hundred thousand people attend the celebrations in the beach every year.
It is a chance to celebrate New Year and Xmas in the sunny outdoors in beaches or backwaters. Tourists from across the globe can be seen in Kerala during New Year’s Eve. Cruising in houseboat is an appealing way to celebrate New Year that is unique to Kerala. When you attend any New Year party in Kerala you’ll find everyone in an enthusiastic party mode, locals and tourists alike.
New Year in Kochi will also mark the Kochi-Muziris Biennale which is also a major factor for attracting domestic and international travelers. The Vasco Da Gama square and the streets are dotted with makeshift shops selling Kerala souvenirs , artificial jewelry and traditional garments in New Year.
