Ochirakkali
Ochirakkali, a festival of martial arts, is the annual festival of Ochira temple located 34 km north of Kollam town, dedicated to Parabrahmam. It is celebrated to commemorate the historical battle fought between the erstwhile rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha. Celebrated on the first and second of the Malayalam month Mithunam (i.e in June), Ochirakkali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (battle field). During the festival, young and old men from the east and west parts of Ochira, form themselves into two groups and perform their martial art i.e Kalarippayattu standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. Cattle and agricultural fair is held on the following three days and it attracts a large throng. Read more...

Another festivals held in the Ochira temple are Vrischikotsavam and Irupethettam Onam. The 12 day carnival Vrischikotsavam also known as Panthrandu Vilakku (the festival of twelve lamps), starts from the 1st day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam (November-December). This festival draws thousands of pilgrims even from far away places. Huts called 'Kudil' is specially made in the Padanilam and during the festive days devotees can stay here irrespective of their social status. Various entertainments like circus, magic, miniature gambling etc and several cultural programs including spiritual talks by famous personalities are held during the festival.

Irupethettam Onam, usually falls in the month of September- October, is celebrated on the 28th day of annual Onam festival with a procession known as kalakettu. Kala is assumed to be the vehicle of Parabrahmam. During the festival, different groups of people from all the sides of Ochira will make dummies of Ochirakala. These are brought to the padanilam and a competition is arranged for the best model.

Kollam Pooram
One of the most colourful festivals of Kerala, Kollam Pooram is connection with the 10 day long annual festival of the Asramam Sri Krishnaswamy Maha Temple held in the month of April. The pooram which is organised on the tenth day of the festival at the Asramam maidanam attracts a large crowd. Started off as Arattu Utsavam in late 70’s, this festival shot to limelight and came to be in the present form in 1996 after the official inauguration of ceremony by the His Lordship, Sree Marthanda Varma.

The deities of the nearby temples partake in this festival and on the pooram day, in the morning, these deities come on caparisoned elephants to pay homage to the Sree Krishna deity at Ashramam. This is known as cherupooram. The grand spectacle of the festival, Kudamattam ceremony is carried out by late afternoon. It is a ritual in which 30 tuskers split into two groups of 15 each, representing Thamarakulam Sri Mahaganapathi Temple team and the Puthiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple. Kudamattam which is held to the beats of traditional melam is followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Several cultural programs like ganamela, kathakali etc are organised during the festive days.

Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku
Chamayavilakku is a unique festival celebrated in Kottamkulangara Sri Devi Temple at Chavara (13 kms from Kollam) held annually in the month of March/ April. It is celebrated at night and the most remarkable feature of the festival is that hundreds of sturdy men dress themselves as women as part of the offerings made to the deity. These well dressed damsels come to the temple as a procession holding lighted lamps in their hands to propitiate the presiding deity.

Crafts Festival
The annual craft festival, organised by the Kollam District Tourism Promotion Council in association with the State and Central Governments, is held during the month of December-January. This festival features the work of craftsmen from all over the country. Apart from the display and sale of variety of arts and crafts items, there were folk and tribal art performances which enthralled visitors.