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Muslim Festivals

Chandankudam at Beemapally

The Chandankudam at Beemapally near Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most colourful Muslim festivals in Kerala. It is said to be the death anniversary of Beema Beeevi, a devout pilgrim lady who came to Kerala from Mecca. The festival begins on the 1st of Jamadul Akhar of the Hijira Era (October) and lasts ten days. Carrying earthen ports smeared with sandal wood paste ,the mouth covered with while cloth and with a garland around the neck and three incense sticks fixed into the cloth covering, thousands of pilgrims go around the mosque and the hallowed tomb of the devout lady in procession. Then the earthen port with money is placed at the tomb as an offering.

Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu, Ernakulam

Built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin, the Kanjiramattom mosque is the place where this festival is held. During the 'Chandanakkudam' ritual at night the pilgrims carry pots covered with sandalwood paste and proceed in a procession to the mosque. You can get to see a glimpse of the six caparisoned and ornamented elephants and folk performances add color to the performance. You can see traditional Muslim song and dance performances like 'Duffmuttu', 'Kolkali', Oppana and Mappilappattu during the festival.
One of the famous Muslim festivals of Kerala, the Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu is held 25 km from Ernakulam in the month of January. Celebrated in Kanjiramattom the Kodikuthu Festival draws number of tourists from all over. People dress in their best clothes and offer their prayers in the Kanjiramattom mosque during this festival.

Puthenpalli Chandanakudam

Puthenpalli Chandanakudam is a two-day festival held in Changanassery . It takes place at Puthenpalli, a mosque dating back to 400 years ago. This annual festival, observed in the month of December, is celebrated by people from across all strata and religion.
The highlight is a colorful procession of five to seven tuskers beginning from the mosque. Various cultural performances and musical ensembles are staged during the festival. A show of dazzling fireworks marks the grand finale.