What to know about a December Vacation in South India

This season will see a number of carnatic music concerts by highly competent musicians being organised in different parts of Chennai city every day. Audiences and artists come from across india and international indian diaspora.

A four-week dance festival showcasing classical and folk dances from all over South India. The performances are done in an open-air stage in the fascinating backdrop of the rock cut work of Mamallapuram. The dances on display include Kathakali (Kerala drama), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) and tribal dances.

This is an annual 3 day music event which has been attracting international travellers to Goa ever since its inception. It is a festival of music, shopping and dance with special focus given to food and entertainment. National and International DJ’s of repute perform at the multiple venues.

This is the busiest times in Fort Kochi and Goa with tourist from all over the world gathering to celebrate. Shimmering decorations on the streets, Christmas carols, mid night mass, stars and cribs make this celebration an important time in the festival calendar.

Fort Kochi has this unique tradition of burning an old man effigy set up by the beach at the stroke of midnight. In a way, it signifies burning the past to give light to a year ahead. Kovalam is also famous for its beach parties on New Year’s Eve and same at Goa.

A 10 day celebration with competitions, games and the entire Fort Kochi town decked up like a bride. The highlight of the carnival is the parade on New Year’s Day with embellished elephants, drums, music and partying. A lot of culture at display in the age old tradition at Fort Kochi.

KMB is an international exhibition of contemporary art hosted in Kochi once in two years. It hosts the works of 90 odd artists from 24 countries and generally displays the work for 100 days. It reflects the true cosmopolitanism that a city like Kochi represents.

It is an annual Carnatic Music festival held in Guruvayoor in which about 2000-2500 musicians participate every year.

It is a colourful water sport cum festival held annually in the backwaters of Kochi. It is very similar to the major boat races that happen in Kerala.

This is Asia’s largest shopping event organised annually with unique products, mind blowing offers and discounted prices in Kerala. You will really have a unique shopping experience when you visit any of 10000 odd establishments participating in the festival.

Theyyam, also known as Kaliyattam is a popular ritual art form of North Kerala (Malabar). The performance happens interior villages in the open grounds near temples. This art form is noted for its elaborate headgear, music, mimes and dance which has its origin in tribal culture. Over 400 theyyams are performed over the season in Malabar and some temples like Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple in Kannur has Theyyam performed daily.