Kerala is famous for its colourful festivals, ancient temple celebrations, traditional art forms, boat races, harvest festivals, church feasts, mosque festivals, and vibrant cultural traditions. From the grand celebration of Onam to the spectacular Thrissur Pooram, Kerala’s festivals reflect the state’s rich heritage and religious diversity.
This collection of 120 General Knowledge (GK) questions about Kerala festivals is designed for students, teachers, quiz competitions, competitive exam preparation, and anyone interested in Kerala’s culture. The answer key is provided at the end for easy practice.
Section 1: Onam — Kerala’s Harvest Festival
- Which is the most famous harvest festival of Kerala?
- During which Malayalam month is Onam usually celebrated?
- Which legendary king is associated with the celebration of Onam?
- What is the traditional floral carpet prepared during Onam called?
- What is the grand vegetarian feast served during Onam known as?
- What is the name of the traditional boat race associated with Onam celebrations?
- Which famous boat race takes place on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha?
- What is the traditional swing used during Onam celebrations called?
- Which traditional dance is commonly performed by women during Onam?
- What is the name of the traditional Onam game involving a tug-of-war?
- Which traditional game involves people forming human pyramids during Onam celebrations?
- What is the traditional name for the money or gift given to children during festive occasions?
- Which Malayalam month marks the beginning of the main Onam season?
- What is the name of the traditional Kerala garment commonly worn during Onam?
- Which famous Kerala festival is associated with the legend of King Mahabali?
Section 2: Vishu — The Malayalam New Year Celebration
- During which month of the Gregorian calendar is Vishu usually celebrated?
- What is the auspicious arrangement of objects viewed first on Vishu morning called?
- What is the money given to younger family members on Vishu called?
- Which fruit is commonly included in the Vishukkani arrangement?
- Which traditional lamp is commonly lit as part of Vishu celebrations?
- Which Hindu deity is commonly worshipped during Vishu?
- What is the name of the traditional firecracker celebration associated with Vishu?
- Which Malayalam month begins around the time of Vishu?
- What is the traditional belief associated with seeing the Vishukkani first thing in the morning?
- Is Vishu traditionally associated with the solar transition of the Sun into which zodiac sign?
Section 3: Thrissur Pooram and Temple Festivals
- Which Kerala festival is often called the “Mother of All Poorams”?
- In which city is Thrissur Pooram celebrated?
- Which temple is the central venue associated with Thrissur Pooram?
- Who is credited with organising the first Thrissur Pooram in its present historic form?
- Which Kerala ruler reorganised the temple festivals that led to the establishment of Thrissur Pooram?
- What are the colourful decorative parasols displayed during elephant processions called?
- What is the traditional percussion ensemble commonly heard at Thrissur Pooram called?
- Which musical instrument plays a leading role in the Chenda Melam?
- What is the name of the spectacular fireworks display associated with Thrissur Pooram?
- Which two temple groups are traditionally associated with the famous Kudamattam display?
- What is the decorated elephant procession at Kerala temple festivals commonly called?
- Which famous temple festival is held at the Arattupuzha Temple in Thrissur district?
- Which temple festival in Kerala is particularly famous for its large gathering of caparisoned elephants?
- What is the name of the traditional temple music ensemble featuring five types of percussion and wind instruments?
- Which Kerala temple festival is held annually at the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple grounds?
Section 4: Boat Races and Water Festivals
- What is the Malayalam term commonly used for traditional boat races?
- Which boat race is one of the most famous events associated with the Onam season in Alappuzha?
- In which lake is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held?
- Which Indian Prime Minister attended the boat race in 1952, giving the race its present name?
- What are the long, narrow snake boats used in Kerala boat races called?
- What is the traditional rowing song sung during boat races called?
- Which district is especially famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
- Which famous boat race is held on the Pampa River near Aranmula?
- What is the name of the traditional boat used in the Aranmula boat race?
- Which Kerala boat race is associated with the Champakulam area?
- Which river is associated with the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race?
- What is the name of the famous boat race held at Payippad in Alappuzha district?
- What is the principal purpose of synchronised rowing in traditional Kerala boat races?
- Which festival season features many of Kerala’s traditional snake boat races?
- Which traditional Kerala boat race is associated with the Champakulam Moolam festival?
Section 5: Vishu, Thiruvathira and Other Hindu Festivals
- Which festival is associated with women performing Thiruvathirakali in Kerala?
- During which Malayalam month is Thiruvathira usually observed?
- Which Hindu deity is especially associated with the Thiruvathira festival?
- What is the traditional circular dance performed by women during Thiruvathira called?
- Which festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is popularly known as Ashtami Rohini in Kerala?
- Which famous Kerala temple is particularly associated with Krishna Janmashtami celebrations?
- Which festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha?
- What is the name of the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva that is observed with night-long worship?
- Which Kerala festival is associated with the worship of Goddess Saraswati and the culmination of Navaratri?
- What is the name of the ceremony in Kerala in which young children are introduced to writing during Vijayadashami?
- Which festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated at the end of Navaratri?
- Which Kerala festival is associated with the worship of serpents in sacred groves?
- What is the name of the traditional sacred serpent grove found in Kerala?
- Which festival is associated with the worship of Goddess Bhagavathy and the offering of Pongala at Attukal?
- In which city is the Attukal Pongala festival celebrated?
Section 6: Attukal Pongala and Other Famous Temple Festivals
- Which temple is the centre of the famous Attukal Pongala festival?
- Which Indian state is home to Attukal Pongala?
- What is the main food offering prepared by devotees during Attukal Pongala?
- Who traditionally prepares the Pongala offering at the Attukal festival?
- Which temple festival in Kerala is famous for the participation of exceptionally large numbers of women?
- Which famous festival is held at the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple?
- Which temple festival is associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage?
- What is the name of the annual pilgrimage season associated with Sabarimala during November and December?
- Which Kerala temple celebrates the famous Guruvayur Ekadasi?
- In which district is the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple located?
- Which temple festival is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
- What is the name of the famous festival celebrated at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple?
- Which Kerala ritual performance is especially associated with Bhagavathy temples in central and northern Kerala?
- Which festival is famous for the colourful Kuthiyottam ritual and the Kettukazhcha display at Chettikulangara?
- Which Kerala festival features decorated structures and ceremonial processions called Kettukazhcha?
Section 7: Theyyam, Poorakkali and Folk Festivals
- In which part of Kerala is Theyyam particularly popular?
- What does Theyyam primarily represent in Kerala’s ritual tradition?
- Which district is especially famous for Theyyam performances?
- Which traditional art form involves performers wearing elaborate costumes and towering headgear to embody deities?
- Which traditional folk art of North Kerala involves ritual performances, music, and elaborate face painting?
- Which traditional Kerala dance form is performed by groups of men moving in a circle and striking sticks rhythmically?
- Which folk dance is associated with the Muslim community of Kerala and commonly performed at weddings?
- Which traditional Kerala art form features performers narrating stories through expressive gestures and speech?
- Which traditional temple art uses leather puppets behind a screen to create shadow images?
- Which Kerala folk performance is traditionally associated with the Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad and neighbouring regions?
- What is the name of the traditional Kerala martial art?
- Which ritual art form of Kerala is closely associated with the worship of Bhagavathy and regional deities?
- Which traditional Kerala art form features group singing and rhythmic stick movements?
- Which folk performance tradition is associated with the Mappila community and includes songs about love, history, and social life?
- Which traditional Kerala art form is associated with the worship of the goddess in the Malabar region and often takes place during temple festivals?
Section 8: Christian Festivals and Church Feasts
- Which Christian festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ?
- On which date is Christmas celebrated each year?
- Which Christian festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
- What is the period of fasting and prayer observed by many Christians before Easter called?
- Which Kerala Christian feast commemorates the arrival of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles?
- Which famous Kerala pilgrimage centre is associated with St. Alphonsa?
- In which Kerala town is the annual feast of St. Alphonsa especially celebrated?
- Which famous Marian pilgrimage centre is located at Malayattoor?
- Which saint is especially associated with the annual pilgrimage to Malayattoor?
- Which Christian feast is known as the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is celebrated on 15 August?
- Which famous church in Kerala is associated with the annual feast of St. George and attracts many pilgrims?
- In which district is the Edathua Church, famous for the feast of St. George, located?
- Which Kerala church is famous for the annual feast of St. Sebastian at Arthunkal?
- In which district is Arthunkal Basilica located?
- What is the name commonly given to the annual celebration of a church’s patron saint?
Section 9: Muslim Festivals and Cultural Celebrations
- Which major Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan?
- Which Muslim festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice in obedience to God?
- What is the month of fasting observed by Muslims called?
- Which traditional Kerala Muslim song form is often performed during weddings and cultural celebrations?
- What is the name of the traditional Muslim wedding dance commonly performed by women in Kerala?
Answer Key: 120 Kerala Festivals GK Questions
Answers 1–15: Onam
- Onam
- Chingam
- King Mahabali (Maveli)
- Pookalam
- Onam Sadya
- Vallam Kali
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Oonjal
- Thiruvathirakali
- Tug-of-war (Vadamvali)
- Uriyadi is a traditional game; human pyramids are not a universal Onam custom.
- Kaineettam
- Chingam
- Kasavu sari or settu mundu
- Onam
Answers 16–25: Vishu
- April
- Vishukkani
- Vishukkaineettam
- Jackfruit, mango, or another seasonal fruit
- Nilavilakku
- Lord Krishna is commonly worshipped in many Vishu traditions.
- Vishu fireworks or crackers
- Medam
- It is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
- Aries (Mesha)
Answers 26–40: Thrissur Pooram
- Thrissur Pooram
- Thrissur
- Vadakkunnathan Temple
- Sakthan Thampuran
- Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Cochin
- Kudamattam parasols
- Chenda Melam
- Chenda
- Vedikettu
- Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu
- Ezhunnallippu
- Arattupuzha Pooram
- Thrissur Pooram
- Panchavadyam
- Thrissur Pooram
Answers 41–55: Boat Races
- Vallam Kali
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Punnamada Lake
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Chundan Vallam
- Vanchipattu
- Alappuzha
- Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali
- Palliyodam
- Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
- Pampa River
- Payippad Jalotsavam
- To maintain coordinated rowing and maximise speed
- The Onam season
- Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Answers 56–70: Other Hindu Festivals
- Thiruvathira
- Dhanu
- Lord Shiva
- Thiruvathirakali
- Krishna Janmashtami (Ashtami Rohini)
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Maha Shivaratri
- Navaratri
- Vidyarambham (Ezhuthiniruthu)
- Vijayadashami
- Ayilyam
- Sarpa Kavu
- Attukal Pongala
- Thiruvananthapuram
Answers 71–85: Temple Festivals
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
- Kerala
- Pongala, a sweet offering made mainly with rice, jaggery, and coconut
- Traditionally women devotees
- Attukal Pongala
- Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal is a major observance at the temple.
- Mandala-Makaravilakku season
- Mandala season
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
- Thrissur district
- Kodungallur Bharani
- Chettikulangara Bharani
- Padayani
- Chettikulangara Bharani
- Chettikulangara Bharani
Answers 86–100: Folk and Ritual Arts
- North Kerala, especially the Malabar region
- Ritual embodiment of deities and ancestral or local spiritual figures
- Kannur
- Theyyam
- Theyyam
- Kolkali
- Oppana
- Chakyar Koothu
- Tholpavakoothu
- Padayani is a prominent ritual art of central Travancore, while other regional forms vary.
- Kalaripayattu
- Theyyam
- Kolkali
- Mappila Pattu
- Theyyam
Answers 101–115: Christian Festivals
- Christmas
- 25 December
- Easter
- Lent
- Pentecost
- Bharananganam
- Bharananganam, in Kottayam district
- St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church, Malayattoor
- St. Thomas the Apostle
- Feast of the Assumption
- St. George’s Church, Edathua, is one prominent example; Kerala has several churches dedicated to St. George.
- Alappuzha district
- St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal
- Alappuzha district
- Parish feast or perunnal
Answers 116–120: Muslim Festivals
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha (Bakrid)
- Ramadan
- Mappila Pattu
- Oppana
Conclusion
Kerala’s festivals bring together art, devotion, music, food, and community life. Onam celebrates the harvest and the legend of Mahabali, Thrissur Pooram showcases Kerala’s spectacular temple traditions, and the state’s boat races preserve a distinctive heritage of teamwork and celebration. Church feasts and Muslim festivals further demonstrate the rich diversity of Kerala’s cultural landscape.
Learning about these festivals helps students and readers understand the traditions that make Kerala unique. Use these 120 questions for school quizzes, cultural programmes, family competitions, and educational articles on Nelsapy.
Public note: Festival dates, rituals, and customs can vary by temple, religious community, and local tradition. For competitions or formal publications, verify specialised historical and ritual details with reliable local sources.
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