Kerala having a long history and fine mixed culture is celebrating number of colorful festivals. Some of the popular festivals of Cochin are
Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham or the 8th day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Kochi.
Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days. Cochin Carnival is held every year during the last week of December in Fort Kochi in Kerala. It is a merry making festival attended by hundreds of people. The carnival is as old as the days of the colonial rule when the Portuguese New Year revelry was held. Today it has more of a party like atmosphere enjoyed by the youth. Games, competitions and illumination during these days give Fort Kochi a festive look. The highlight of the carnival is the massive procession on the New Year Day. The procession is led by a caparisoned elephant and accompanied by drums and music, spectacular floats, different folk art forms, Panchavadyam and several Indian dance forms.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a colorful water sport-cum-festival held every year. It is organized during the last week of December in the backwaters of the Cochin city of Kerala. In fact, the tradition of holding boat races is not just confined to Kochi. Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling back waters of Kochi. It is fitting finale to the tourism Fair, which attracts travelers from all parts of the globe.
Jewish Festival
The Jewish community in Kerala settled mainly in and around Mattancherry, Kochi. The Jews of Kerala are believed to have migrated to this place in the first century following the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem in 72Ad. They brought with them the Jewish customs and festivals. The Passover Festival is celebrated annually to commemorate the liberation of Jews from Egyptian slavery followed by the Pentecost Festival and the feast of the Tabernacles. Then, there are their New Year celebration in September or October and Hanukkah, the 'festival of lights' too.
Malayatoor Perunnal
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday following Easter, in the months of March/April. Atop the 2000 feet high Malayatoor Hill, about 52 km from Kochi. This church is dedicated to the famous apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas. It is often referred to by the name of the St Thomas Malayattoor Church also. It is believed that St Thomas prayed at this church when he landed in Kerala. Situated near the Malayatoor St Thomas Church is a hill that is supposed to have his footprints on a rock Malayatoor. Perunnal is one of the major festivals of Kochi and draws devotees from around the globe. During the celebration of the festival, pilgrims of all faiths walk uphill chanting the name of the Apostle. The fervor with which the devotees pray during Malayatoor we can say that Perunnal is simply spreading. Tourists and locals come here to seek spiritual happiness and satisfaction amidst the calm and serene locales of Malayatoor.