Republic Day weekend: Kumbalangi's Kavaru, Thrissur's theatre fest, 'Nila Aarti' await tourists

The new year's first long weekend is just a few days away, and Kerala's regular tourist hotspots like Munnar, Vagamon, beaches and backwaters would definitely attract tremendous crowds. However, for tourists looking to explore new, fun experiences, the state has quite a few options in store for them as well. This year's Republic Day falls on a Monday, and all you need to do is some quick planning to make the most of the long weekend in Kerala. Check out these spots:

Kumbalangi's 'kavaru' season begins
What to see: 'Kavaru,' or the electric blue bioluminescence emitted by organisms in backwaters, becomes visible when the water is disturbed, late at night. It is known as 'kavaru' in local parlance and is a sought-after attraction in the summer season. This year, the season began a few days ago and is expected to go on for a month or two. 
Optional spots: Mundamveli, Chellanam, Anjilithara
Best time to visit: Late at night, after the neighbourhoods switch off their lights. Kavaru is best experienced without light pollution. That said, kavaru spots can get quite crowded, at times. 
Food options nearby: Local eateries and snack bars in Kumbalangi and Chellanam.

Nila Aarti in Thirunavaya
What to see: As part of Kerala's Kumbh Mela, held in Thirunavaya, Malappuram, a ritual named 'Nila aarti,' modelled after Varanasi's Ganga Aarti, will be held on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River till February 3. At dusk, priests from Varanasi's Dasaswamedh Ghat perform the ritual in Thirunavaya. Large multi-tiered oil lamps are moved in a choreographed manner, chanting prayers, during the Nila Aarti.
Exact location: At the ritual pavilion set up in the middle of the Bharathapuzha River in Thirunavaya.

Best time to visit: Be at the venue by around 5.30 pm. The ritual begins around 6.45 pm and goes on for about 45 minutes. 
What else to know: KSRTC is organising trips to Tirunavaya as part of its budget tourism cell tours. A trip costs Rs 460 per person. For details, contact 9447436967. 
Food options nearby: 'Annadanam' or free community meal is offered at the Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya. There are also a few local eateries in the region. 

International Theatre Festival of Kerala 
Dates: Jan 25 to Feb 1
What to see: 23 plays, including 9 international groups
How to book tickets: Visit ITFoK website (Rs 90)
Venue: Multiple venues at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Chembukkavu, Thrissur. 
Food options: Hotel Bharat, Hotel Saphire and Akshaya Hotel in Poonkunnam (All of them are around a 3 km radius from the ITFoK venues.)