India’s southern part in May offers a vibrant mix of grand temple traditions and cool breeze with lush greenery. While the summers tend to hit the southern states with heat, the cultural enthusiasm remains high with multiple festivals in line. From Andhra Pradesh to Kerala, there are many festivals that are celebrated in the month of May. Wondering which? Well, here’s a list of the best festivals to attend in South India in May 2026.
South India Festivals May 2026
Kannambra Vela
Kannambra – Rishinarada Mangalam Vela is a grand festival held at the Sree Kurumba Temple in Kerala’s Palakkad. It is also known as Pallakad Vela. This festival is said to be the grand finale of the summer festivals that are celebrated in the Pallakkad-Thrissur area. The festival is led by two competing groups, namely the Kannambra Desam and Rishinarada Mangalam Desam.
This festival is renowned for its massive afternoon fireworks, vibrant elephant pageantry, and traditional music. One of the major highlights of this festival is the majestic elephant procession from the temple to Rishinarada Mangalam Mannam.
Date: May 25, 2026
Chithirai Festival
The Chithirai Festival or Chithirai Thiruvizha is a month-long celebration in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai. The festival is celebrated in the Tamil month Chithirai (April – May) and celebrates the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi. It also celebrates the journey of Lord Kallazhagar or Vishnu to earth.
The first fifteen days of the celebrates the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi as the ruler of Madurai. The festival is famous for its large, colorful processions, massive crowd, and traditional music.
Date: Ongoing Till May 5, 2026
Puthuppally Perunnal
Puthuppally Perunnal is a two-day annual feast that is held at the St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala. The festival is known to attract thousands of devotees and is held in the Malayalam month of Medom.
It is enriched with traditions and rituals, with a colorful procession carrying the holy golden cross from the church to Puthuppally junction. The procession is a vibrant one with ceremonial umbrellas, orchestra, and holy crosses made oit of wood, silver, and gold. A communal feast known as sadya is served to all the attendees on a banana leaf.
Date: May 7, 2026
Ooty Flower Show
The 128th Ooty Flower Show, which is a sub-event of the famous Ooty Summer Festival, is one of the most vibrant and colorful celebrations in the town. It is held at the Government Botanical Garden and features a vibrant display of thousands of rare flowers, floral installations, and potted plants.
This premier event is loved for its beautiful showcase of a variety of flowers. This includes carnations, dahlias, lilies, and more. They also host various cultural programs and shows. The pleasant weather during May adds to the excitement of witnessing thousands of blooming flowers.
Date: May 14, 2026
Veerapandi Sri Kaumari Amman Pongal Festival
Veerapandi Sri Kaumari Amman Pongal Festival is an annual 8-day-long Chithrai festival. It is held at the Sri Gowmariamman Temple in Veerapandi, Tamil Nadu. It is a rural festival which comes under the local Tamil calendar.
The highlight of this festival is devotees offering agni pots to the Goddess as a form of offering special prayers to appease her. It includes a grand chariot or car procession where goddess Kaumari Amman is taken through the streets. During this time, there is a huge influx of visitors from across the country to please the goddess and seek prosperity.
Date: May 12
Summing Up
These festivals are some of the most renowned May festivals in South India. All these festivals, though, are celebrated in different parts of southern India, but have one thing in common, and that is traditions, rituals, and fervor in celebration.
