Pappanji (IPA: [pɐpːaːɲːi], also spelled as Pappaanji, Papanji or Papanhi) is an effigy of an old man, prepared as part of the New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi, Kerala.

[4] Some other believes that the myth of Pappanji was originated from the Jewish culture of the coast of Kerala, which has a history of over two thousand years.

[5] The historic Paradesi Synagogue at Mattancherry, near Fort Kochi, records the arrival of Jewish settlers in 70 AD.

[5] The Pappanji burning ceremony takes place on the eighth day after Christmas Eve, similar to the festival of Enoch.

[4] Wearing a coat, suit, hat and shoes, Pappanji looked like an old European man smoking a cigar.

The Cochin Carnival was started in 1985 by a group of young people in Kochi following the Beach Fest held as part of the United Nations 'Youth Year' celebrations.

[12] Following this, to control the crowd, the authorities are mulling to hold the burning of Papanji, which attracts thousands to Fort Kochi, at multiple beaches in Ernakulam, including Vypin, Kuzhupilly and Cherai.