Kerala Piravi or Kerala Day is celebrated to commemorate the foundation of Kerala. This day is celebrated as the state’s birthday since it became an independent state in 1956. Kerala Piravi 2023 will be celebrated on November 1, 2023 (Wednesday).
Festival Name | Date | Day | State | Holiday Type |
Kerala Piravi 2023 or Kerala Day 2023 | 1 November 2023 | Wednesday | Kerala | Regional |
What is Kerala Piravi?

Kerala Piravi
Kerala Piravi is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm to mark the foundation of Kerala as an independent state in the country. Before the unification, the three parts of Kerala were divided as Travancore, Malabar, and Cochin. On 1 November 1956, Kerala became an independent state with the merger of the three parts. People celebrate this day as Kerala Piravi meaning the birth of the state Kerala.
The word ‘piravi’ translates to birth in the Malayalam language which is why this day is also known as Kerala state’s birthday and Kerala Day.
History of Kerala Piravi
Even after the years of independence of India, Kerala was not considered a state but recognised as a different region, Cochin, Travancore, and Malabar. The southern region was occupied by Travancore, the middle section by Cochin, and the Kasaragod, Kannur, and Thalassery were administered by Malabar. In 1956, Under the State Reorganisation Act, all three regions were merged to make a state, Kerala. Ever since people have celebrated this day as Kerala Day or Kerala Piravi.
Celebrations of Kerala Piravi 2023
People celebrate this event by wearing traditional attire like satavu sarees, settu mundu, and dhoti shirts. Kerala Day is celebrated in a grand manner by institutions and schools around Kerala. Various competitions are organised every year like Malayala Bhasha Varam, quizzes about Kerala Piravi, debates and other related Kerala Piravi activities.
The famous President’s Trophy Boat Race competition in Kovalam is also a main attraction of this festival. There are cash prizes and trophies for the winners and runner-ups.
Kerala Piravi 2023 Wishes
On Kerala Piravi, people greet each other with wishes like Happy Piravi, Happy Kerala Day, Happy Kerala Piravi Aasamsakal, etc. People exchange sweets with each other to celebrate the day.
About Kerala
God’s own country, Kerala embraces itself with beaches and hill stations that feature the state’s natural beauty. From spice plantations and coffee to waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries, the many awe-inspiring attractions in Kerala will entice you in no time and sweep away all your worries. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala:
1. Munnar
Located at an altitude of 5027 feet, this quaint hill station in Kerala is all about green forests, pristine valleys, tea plantations, vantage points, and exotic flora and fauna.
- Famous for: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tata Tea Museum
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
2. Wayanad
This beautiful hill station in Kerala has nestled among the Western Ghats and is a treat for nature lovers. Wayanad has a variety of attractions for all types of travellers, such as spice plantations, serene hills, lakes, waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and pre-historic caves. People at the hill station can engage in river rafting, trekking, and other adrenaline-pumping activities.
- Famous for: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
3. Alleppey
Alleppey is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its enchanting backwaters and paddy fields. Experience the paradise with a houseboat cruise through the tranquil waters, surrounded by the unmatched beauty of Kerala’s landscape.
- Famous for: Backwaters, houseboats, beaches
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
4. Kochi
Kochi boasts a mix of rich history and architectural styles. Visit the iconic Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the beautiful Mattancherry Palace. This city offers a glimpse into the colonial past and contemporary culture.
- Famous For: Colonial architecture, cultural experiences, historical sites
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Kochi
5. Kovalam
Famous for crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, Kovalam is a peaceful beach destination in Kerala. Relax at Lighthouse Beach or unwind at Samudra Beach.
- Famous for: Beaches, lighthouse, water sports
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Kovalam
Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
New Year | Sunday | 1 January | Public |
Lohri | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
Makar Sankranti | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
Pongal | Sunday | 15 January | Restricted |
Basant Panchmi | Thursday | 26 January | Restricted |
Republic Day | Thursday | 26 January | Public |
Guru Ravidass Jayanti | Sunday | 5 February | Restricted |
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wednesday | 15 February | Restricted |
Mahashivratri | Saturday | 18 February | Restricted |
Losar | Tuesday | 21 February | Restricted |
Holi | Wednesday | 8 March | Public |
Ram Navami | Thursday | 30 March | Restricted |
Mahavir Jayanti | Tuesday | 4 April | Restricted |
Good Friday | Friday | 7 April | Public |
Easter | Sunday | 9 April | Restricted |
Vaisakhi | Friday | 14 April | Restricted |
Eid Ul Fitr | Saturday | 22 April | Public |
Buddha Purnima | Friday | 5 May | Public |
Rabindra Jayanti | Tuesday | 9 May | Restricted |
Rath Yatra | Tuesday | 20 June | Restricted |
Eid Al Adha | Thursday | 29 June | Restricted |
Muharram | Saturday | 29 July | Public |
Independence Day | Tuesday | 15 August | Public |
Parsi New Year Navroz | Wednesday | 16 August | Restricted |
Onam | Tuesday | 29 August | Restricted |
Raksha Bandhan | Wednesday | 30 August | Restricted |
Janmashtami | Thursday | 7 September | Restricted |
Ganesh Chaturthi | Tuesday | 19 September | Restricted |
Id E Milad | Thursday | 28 September | Public |
Gandhi Jayanti | Monday | 2 October | Public |
Shardiya Navratri | Sunday | 15 October | No Holiday |
Durga Puja | Friday | 20 October | No Holiday |
Dussehra | Tuesday | 24 October | Public |
Valmiki Jayanti | Saturday | 28 October | Restricted |
Halloween Day | Tuesday | 31 October | No Holiday |
Karva Chauth | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
Karnataka Rajyotsava | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
Kerala Piravi | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
Ahoi Ashtami | Sunday | 5 November | No Holiday |
Dhanteras | Saturday | 11 November | No Holiday |
Diwali | Sunday | 12 November | Public |
Kali Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
Lakshmi Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
Govardhan Puja | Monday | 13 November | Public |
Bhai Dooj | Tuesday | 14 November | Restricted |
Chhath Puja | Sunday | 19 November | Restricted |
Guru Nanak Jayanti | Monday | 27 November | Public |
Kartik Purnima | Monday | 27 November | No Holiday |
Christmas | Monday | 25 December | Public |
FAQs
Q. Is it the 66th Kerala Piravi?
A. In 2023, the 67th Kerala Piravi will be celebrated on November 1st.
Q. What is the English name of Kerala Piravi?
A. The English translation of Kerala Piravi is the birth of Kerala or Kerala State Formation Day.
Q. What is the oldest name of Kerala?
A. The oldest notable name of Kerala is Cheras (Keralaputra) by the Maurya emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
Q. What is the meaning of Kerala Piravi Day?
A. Kerala Piravi or Kerala Day is celebrated to commemorate the foundation of Kerala.
Q. Who landed in Kerala first?
A. Vasco da Gama in 1498 landed near Calicut, Kerala for the first time.