Pathanamthitta is a culturally rich district in Kerala, known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations. Here are some of the popular festivals celebrated in Pathanamthitta:

Sabarimala Festival - The Sabarimala Festival is one of the most important and revered festivals in the state of Kerala, celebrated annually at the Sabarimala Temple in the Pathanamthitta district. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad.

The Sabarimala Temple is located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats and can only be accessed by trekking through a dense forest. The pilgrimage season, known as the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, starts in the month of November and lasts for about two and a half months, culminating in the Makaravilakku festival in January.

During this period, devotees undertake a rigorous 41-day fast, abstaining from alcohol, meat, and other worldly pleasures. They wear black or blue traditional clothing and carry an irumudi, a cloth bag containing offerings for Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage culminates with the Thiruvabharanam procession, which carries the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa from the Pandalam Palace to the Sabarimala Temple. The Makaravilakku festival, held on January 14th, is the main highlight of the festival, during which a divine light is believed to appear on the hilltop, marking the end of the pilgrimage season.

The Sabarimala Festival is known for its unique rituals and traditions and is a symbol of devotion and faith for millions of devotees. It is a major cultural and religious event in Kerala and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Aranmula Boat Race - The Aranmula Boat Race is an annual event held in the month of September on the Pampa river, near the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The boat race is an important cultural event and is attended by thousands of people from across Kerala and beyond.

The boat race is held during the Onam festival season and is known for its spectacular display of snake boats or chundan vallam, which are traditional long boats used for racing. The boats are decorated with colorful silk umbrellas and ornaments, and the rowers, dressed in white dhotis and turbans, sing traditional boat songs as they race down the river.

The race is a test of strength, stamina, and coordination, and the competing teams train hard for months in advance. The boats are powered by more than a hundred oarsmen, who row in unison to the rhythm of a drummer and a singer who sits at the helm.

The Aranmula Boat Race is unique in that it is not a competition but a symbolic event that celebrates the ancient culture and traditions of Kerala. The boats are considered to be the sacred vessels of Lord Krishna, and the race is conducted as part of the temple festival.

The Aranmula Boat Race is a must-see event for anyone visiting Kerala during the Onam festival season. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and the extraordinary skills and traditions of its people.

Onam - Onam is a major festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, including in the Pathanamthitta district. It is a harvest festival that falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and is celebrated with great pomp and splendor by people of all religions and communities.

The festival is associated with the legend of King Mahabali, who was believed to have ruled over Kerala in ancient times. It is believed that during his reign, Kerala was a land of prosperity, peace, and happiness, and people of all communities lived in harmony. Onam is celebrated to commemorate the return of King Mahabali to his kingdom for a day, to bless his subjects and partake in the festivities.

The celebrations last for ten days and are marked by a variety of cultural events and activities, including traditional dances such as Thiruvathira and Kaikottikali, and sports such as Vallamkali or the snake boat race. The festival also features elaborate floral decorations called Pookalam, which are made using colorful flowers and petals arranged in intricate designs.

Onam is a time of feasting and people prepare a sumptuous vegetarian meal known as Onam Sadhya, which is served on a banana leaf. The meal consists of a variety of dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam, among others.

Onam is a festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and its traditions of hospitality and inclusiveness. It is a time when people come together to forget their differences and celebrate the spirit of unity and harmony.

Vishu - Vishu is another important festival celebrated in the Pathanamthitta district, as well as throughout Kerala. It is the traditional new year of Kerala and falls on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). The festival is a time of joy and renewal, as people welcome the new year with new hopes and aspirations.

The day of Vishu begins with the Vishukkani, which is an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, coconut, flowers, and gold coins, arranged on a platter the previous night. The platter is the first thing people see upon waking up on the day of Vishu, and it is believed that the first thing one sees on Vishu sets the tone for the rest of the year.

The day of Vishu is also marked by the giving of Vishukkaineetam or monetary gifts to children and family members, as well as the preparation of traditional dishes such as Vishu Kanji, a porridge made of rice, coconut milk, and spices, and Vishu Sadya, a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.

Another important aspect of Vishu is the Vishu Kani Kazhcha or the procession of the Kani, which is a ritualistic parade of elephants carrying decorated parasols, known as Ezhunnallippu, through the streets of Pathanamthitta and other parts of Kerala. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances and is a sight to behold.

Vishu is a festival that celebrates the cyclical nature of life and the importance of new beginnings. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to let go of old grudges and resentments, and to welcome the new year with renewed hope and optimism.

Maramon Convention: The Maramon Convention is an annual Christian gathering held in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is one of the largest Christian conventions in Asia and is attended by people of all denominations from across the world. The convention is held on the banks of the River Pamba and is organized by the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

The convention was started in 1895 by the late Abraham Malpan, who was a priest of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Over the years, the convention has grown in size and stature, and today it attracts hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the world.

The Maramon Convention is a week-long event that takes place during the month of February. It is marked by a variety of religious discourses, sermons, and musical performances. The convention features some of the best-known Christian preachers and theologians from across the world, who deliver inspiring and thought-provoking messages on a range of topics.

The musical performances are an important aspect of the convention and feature some of the best-known Christian singers and choirs from India and abroad. The convention is also known for its social and charitable activities, which include providing food, shelter, and medical care to the poor and needy.

The Maramon Convention is a symbol of the rich cultural diversity of Kerala and its commitment to religious harmony and tolerance. It is a celebration of the spirit of love and brotherhood that unites people of all faiths and communities.

Overall, the festivals in Pathanamthitta reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the district and provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Kerala.