The rhythm of life along the river is marked by religious feasts, agricultural milestones, and cultural celebrations.
- **St. Alphonsa Feast:** Held in July at Bharananganam, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the riverbank town. - **Ettumanoor Arattu:** A grand Hindu temple festival featuring traditional percussion (Panchavadyam) and caparisoned elephants. - **Onam Water Carnivals:** Following the monsoon, local boat races and water processions take place on the swollen river and Vembanad Lake. - **Kottayam Flower Show:** While broader than the river, it celebrates the rich agricultural and botanical bounty of the Meenachil basin.