Deepawali in Kerala
- P Venugopalan
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Kerala, famed for its tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage, holds a distinct place in India’s festive calendar. While many parts of India celebrate Deepawali (Diwali) with grandeur, Kerala’s version of this festival carries a serene and spiritual charm.
### Deepawali in Kerala
In Kerala, Deepawali is not an extravagant public festival but a warm, family-centered celebration. The festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November), signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Locally, it is linked to Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, an event commemorated as *Naraka Chaturdasi*. The day begins before dawn with the traditional oil bath, symbolic of purification, followed by prayers, new clothes, and sharing of sweets [1][4][6].
Unlike the northern regions where fireworks dominate, Kerala’s celebrations are marked by devotion. Rows of earthen lamps—*vilakku*—illuminate courtyards and temples, while families offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Traditional delicacies like *neyyappam* and *avalose unda* made of rice, coconut, and jaggery add local flavor to the festivities [1][4].
### A Festival of Reflection
Though Kerala’s Deepawali is understated, it beautifully upholds the spirit of the festival—light conquering darkness, knowledge triumphing over ignorance, and peace blooming within families. For visitors, witnessing Deepawali in Kerala offers an intimate glimpse into the state’s blend of spirituality and simplicity, where tradition glows as gently as the lamps that light its homes [4][6].
Sources
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[3] Ultimate Guide to Diwali in Kerala: History, Celebrations ... https://www.klcottages.com/ultimate-guide-to-diwali-in-kerala-history-celebrations-and-2025-dates/
[4] Celebrating Diwali 2025 in Kerala: A Tourist's Guide https://www.klcottages.com/celebrating-diwali-2025-in-kerala-a-tourists-guide-kumarakom-backwaters/
[5] Diwali - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
[6] Do Hindus in Kerala Celebrate Diwali? https://www.concordor.com/Do-Hindus-in-Kerala-Celebrate-Diwali-
[7] Diwali in Kerala - Diwalifestival.org https://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-in-kerala.html
[8] Celebrating Diwali in Kerala https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2018/06/30/celebrating-deepavali-in-kerala.html
[9] Apparently according to India Today, Kerala doesn't celebrate Deepavali https://www.reddit.com/r/Kerala/comments/17s2oq3/apparently_according_to_india_today_kerala_doesnt/
[10] Diwali, Gifts, and Promises https://matheikal.blogspot.com/2012/11/diwali-gifts-and-promises.html
[11] How is Diwali celebrated in Kerala ? https://www.reddit.com/r/Kerala/comments/yceez7/how_is_diwali_celebrated_in_kerala/
[12] Our Diwali - A Little Bit Of North, A Little Bit of East https://www.nabanitadhar.in/our-diwali-a-little-bit-of-north-a-little-bit-of-east/
[13] The Missing Lights: Why Doesn't Kerala Celebrate ... https://swarajyamag.com/culture/the-missing-lights-why-doesnt-kerala-celebrate-deepawali
[14] Deepavali over the Years!! | The September Queen https://theseptemberqueenblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/17/deepavali-over-the-years/
[15] Diwali Traditions & Customs https://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-traditions-customs.html
[16] Essay on Diwali: 100, 150, 250 & 500 Words https://leverageedu.com/discover/school-education/essay-on-diwali/
[17] Diwali in Kerala https://www.reddit.com/r/Kerala/comments/qme7g1/diwali_in_kerala/
[18] WHY KERALA DOES NOT CELEBRATE DIWALI OR DEEPAWALI — CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL https://captajitvadakayil.in/2022/02/24/why-kerala-does-not-celebrate-diwali-or-deepawali-capt-ajit-vadakayil/
[19] Traditional festivals of Kerala https://www.keralatourism.org/event/traditional-festivals/
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