Cochin Carnival

Introduction

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 during the same time.

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.