Festivals are a way of life in God's Own Country - and we celebrate almost everything. From the birth of gods, to gods vanquishing demons, to giving thanks for all the favours, the list is endless. Discussions on religion, the traditional festivals, here's a glance at the major festivals in the state this month. **Cherukolepuzha Hindumatha Parishad** The Ayroor - Cherukolpuzha Hindumatha Maha Mandalam will conduct the 104th edition of the religious meet on the sand bed of Pampa near Ayroor from February 7 to 14. The week long meet will see people from all walks of life assembling under the same roof. This year, Maha Mandaleswar Swami Divyananda Saraswati of the Kailas Ashram at Rishikesh will inaugurate the meet. The Women's meet will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Human Resources Smriti Irani on February 13 while Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti will inaugurate the valedictory meet on February 14. When: February 7 – February 14 Where? Cherukolpuzha, in Pathanamthitta District **Maramon Convention** About 1.5 lakh people are expected to congregate for the 121st edition of the historical Maramon Convention to be held from February 14 to 21 on the banks of the Pampa river. Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan will lead the prayers to mark the beginning of the convention. Thomas Mar Timotheos will preside over the programme. This is the 121st edition of the convention and Christian scholars and spiritual stalwarts are expected to hold sessions on all the days. When: February 14 – to February 21 Where? Maramon. Pathanamthitta **Ettumanoor festival** The annual festival at Ettumanoor Siva Temple will be held from February 9 to February 16th. One of the three old and famous temples dedicated to Lord Siva in Kottayam, The highlight of the festival is when the seven and a half elephants made of pure gold will be displayed in the temple premises. Seven of these golden elephants are two feet tall, where as the eight one is just a foot long - hence the name 'Ezhara Ponnanna'. Donated by the Maharaja of Travancore, these golden elephants are a sight to behold and weigh nearly 13 kgs. When: February 9 – February 18 The Ezhara Ponnanna will be on February 16 Where : Ettumanoor, Kottayam **Attukal Pongala** The largest single gathering of women for a religious activity is what the Guinness Book of World Records had to say about Attukal Pongala. Women from all walks of life, including foreigners gather at Thiruvananthapuram for this festival. The Pongala is a ritualistic offering of sweet dish and according to the traditions a 'women - only' affair. Women from different parts of the state gather for the festival and offer Pongala even on the sides of the roads around 5 km radius from the temple. Each year sees a fresh bunch of people arriving and offering the pongala in the areas closest to the temple. More about Attukal Pongala [Attukal Pongala](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/essential-kerala/attukal-pongala-thiruvananthapuram-women.html) When: February 23 Where: Thiruvananthapuram **Chottanikkara Makam** The 'Makam' thozhal at Chottanikkara is a very solemn occasion. People from all walks of life gather at the temple and being part of the festivities, it is said, will help you sail through life without any problems. When: February 23 Where: Chottanikkara, Ernakulam
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