Onam is one of the greatest festivals of Kerala. It is the festival, which the keralites celebrate unitedly without the difference of caste and religion. Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes and backwaters; the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Colourful aquatic festivals are organized along the sacred rive Pamba.
After three months of heavy rains, the sky becomes a clear blue and the forests a deep green. The brooks and streams come alive, spitting forth-gentle white foam, the lakes and rivers overflow and lotuses and lilies are in full bloom. It is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with the Malayalam New Year, Chingam.
Onam Festival of Kerala Onam Festival of KeralaOnam is the most important harvest festival of Kerala and is an attraction for thousands of people within and outside the state. Ranging from four days to ten days, all the activities during this season are cantered around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and good food. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam (ending of August and beginning of September). This year it falls on 15 September 2005. Onam is a harvest festival, and celebrates the bounty of nature after a year of hard labour. Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake boat races on River Pampa mark the merry-making nature of the festival. Women dress up in new saris and heavy jewellery and make elaborate and intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with coloured rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of their homes.
Onam is a celebration of Ten days. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome the King. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats; Keralites all over the world will be celebrating these ten days will pomp and gaiety. They will wear new dresses, will be visiting almost all temples which they can, they will be performing lot of dances like Thiruvathira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. to name a few and the most important thing is the grant lunch they will be having on the Thiuruvonam day. Which is also called the Fourth Onam. Whatever may happen they will not miss the Grant lunch. There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam" which means, "We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties". They give that much importance to the lunch on the Thiruonam day.
Thrissur Pooram
Aluva Sivarathri
Devotees observe a fast on Aluva Sivarathri and chants the Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” with perfect devotion and concentration. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva sung with great fervor, reading puranas and holy texts will be there throughout night. Special poojas and worshipping Siva lingam pouring with water and milk will held on the festival day.
The sand banks of Aluva attached to the Mahadeva Temple is all set for the Sivarathri Festival. There will be rows of sheds built where merchants exhibit every kind of merchandise for sale. There are cultural programmes like shows, dances etc. meant for keeping the pilgrims awake throughout the night.
The vehicle traffic to the town, including water transports, would be regulated for the smooth conduct of the Sivarathri Festival. Large number of Policemen will be deployed at temple premises.
Attukal Pongala
Goddess Attukalamma is believed to be incarnation of 'Kannaki', the heroine of 'Silappathikaram' written by Tamil poet Illango in 2nd century A.D. Attukal is the place where Kannaki took rest on her northward journey from Madurai to Kodungallur.
'Pongala' means to boil over. It refers to the customary offering of things which please the deity. It consists of porridge of rice, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins.
Festivities begin Thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathi). These religious songs continue for nine days of the festival. On the ninth and the main day of Attukal Pongala thousands of women gather in the temple with materials for cooking Ponkala or Pongala. The ritual of cooking starts early in the morning and by noon, Pongala would be ready. Then the Melsanthi (chief priest) arrives with Devi's sword and bless the ladies by sprinkling holy water and showering flowers. The 'blessed' Pongala is taken back to the house by the ladies.
Later, the idol of Devi is carried to Manacaud Sastha Temple in a colorful procession comprising of Thalapoli, Kuthiyottom, Annam, Vahanam, caparisoned elephants etc. Musical ensembles by famous artistes add to the festivities. En route onlookers greet the procession with Nirapara (a measure filled with paddy and decorated with flowers). The procession reaches back, the next morning, marking the end of the festival.
Athachamayam
Athachamayam Festival, Cochin is held to mark the beginning of the Onam festival in Kerala. The Athachamayam Festival is held in Kochi's Thripunithura. The festival starts on the Atham day of Chingam (Leo), which is a Malayalam month. This Malayalam month usually falls either in August or September.
There are many legends behind the Athachamayam Festival of Cochin. In earlier times, this occasion was utilized by the people to see their king from close quarters. It was a rule among the maharajas of Kochi to travel with the entire group to the fort of Thripunithura.
It is believed by some that on this day the Maharaja of Kochi undertook Athachamayam march from Thripunithura to Thikkakara's Vamana temple. The purpose of the march was to display the regal glory and splendor of the king. With the end of the era of monarchs and kings, this festival had died out but was revived during the period of 1960s.
The festival of Athachamayam, which is celebrated today, is very colorful. The festival includes procession with decorated elephants, group of musicians, and various art forms. There is a spectacular procession during the festival. The tourists to Kochi can witness the rare bundle of temple and folk arts of Kerala during this festival, which are done by professional artists.
The art forms that are seen during the festival include Panchavadyam, Theyyam, Pambamelam, Chendamelam, Mayilattom, Karakattam, Aattakavadi, Ammankudam and Pulikali.
The sacred jewellery, Thiruvabharanam, brought from the Pandalam palace in a customary ceremonial procession reached the Sannidhanam by 6.32 pm. Devaswom Minister, V.S. Sivakumar, Travancore Devaswom Board president, M. Rajagopalan, Nair and other TDB authorities received the sacred attire at the temple premises.
The Guruswami who carried the wooden jewellery box took it to the temple sopanam and handed it over to the chief priest (Tantri). The Tantri, Kandararu Maheswararu, assisted by Melsanthi, N. Balamurali, took the Thiruvabharanam to the sanctum sanctorum and the Ayyappa idol was adorned with the sacred jewellery prior to the deeparadhana performed at the temple at 6.42 pm.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Ayyappa devotees were patiently waiting at the temple premises with folded hands, awaiting the sighting of Makaravilakku, a bright flame, as part of the ritualistic deeparadhana held atop Ponnambalamedu immediately after the deeparadhana performed at the Ayyappa shrine.
The entire Sannidhanam was charged with devotion as ‘Swami Saranam’ mantra rented the air. Devotees were taken to some sort of a divine ecstasy with the sighting of Makaravilakku atop Ponnambalamedu around 6.42 pm.
Guruvayoor Ekadasi
The LORD OF GURUVAYUR is no distant elusive Deity, but one who is accessible to all devotees, learned and unlearned. As the Lord said to Arjuna in the Gita, "I am responsible for the welfare of those who think of me to the exclusion of all else and who remain devoted to me all the time", Guruvayurappan comes to the rescue of his Bhakthas in distress and manifests his grace in infinite ways
Chembai Sangeetholsavam
The Guruvayur Devaswom decided to take charge after his death in 1974, and renamed it as Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory. About 2000-2500 musicians participate in this festival every year, and it is held for about 12-15 days culminating on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day, when all the musicians sing 5 favourite songs of Chembai and also the Pancharatna Kritis of Thyagaraja.
Maramadi
The Maramadi is an annual festival (known as Maramadi Mahotsavam), held during the post harvest season in the villages of Kerala. It is a bull racing competition and the freshly ploughed fields (in which paddy is not yet sown) are put to best use by creating a racing track for the oxen and bulls.
The fields, known as kandams are filled with water and the muddy water splash about as the bulls are raced by their guides. The villagers gather around these fields keeping safe distance. The air is rent with excitement fervor as there is stiff competition over these races.
Every pair of oxen or bulls is managed by about three farmers who act as the guides. They enter the competition as one unit. Almost 30 such units compete in these races. The audience cheers the favorite entries and emotions run high throughout (noon to sundown) as long as the competition lasts.
These guides, like Matadors are adept in managing the bulls and steer them in the right direction during the course of the competition. Nowadays, different categories have been introduced. These are the 'Idathu Kayar' category, the `speed' category and the 'champion' category.
The bulls and oxen to are specially bred and trained. They are well fed and well groomed. On the race day they are dresses in colors and their horns specially painted.
The most famous among the Maramadi races is held in Anandapali village Pathnamthitta District near Adoor City (1km away) in Kerala. Here it is held around August 15th every year and coincides with the Onam celebrations. 'Maramadi' is also a major attraction in the festival, 'Kakkoor Kalavayal' held every year at Kakoor village of Ernakulam district.
What is astounding that by 2004, the bulls of Mr. Thomas Geevarghese of Odanavattam had won the Maramadi races held here for eight consecutive years. The popularity of the spot and the competitive spirit is festers can be well imagined by this fact itself. The Kakkoor Kalavalal is held around Feb. – Mar. every year.
The Maramadi is sometimes also known as Kala Poothu.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam
The Chariot Festival is celebrated every year in the month of November. It is a ten day event. Over the years the festival celebrations have gained immense popularity in the state of Kerala.
The celebrations at the festival includes Vedic recitals and cultural programs for the first four days and through the last three days Chariots for the Lord are decorated by devotees. Devotees from all across India gather here during the Festival.
According t the Legends the Festival is traced to be about 700 years old. The temple of Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy dates back to 1425 A.D. The temple is known to be the oldest Siva temple in Malabar. It is situated at the Southern bank of river Neela Bhagirathi.
The annual Chariot Festival is a tribute to the Indian culture and traditions that has been well preserved by the people of Kerala. The Festival is a must watch spectacle, and even the weather of the place during the time of Festival is absolutely favorable.
Thrikarthiaka
Thrikarthika is widely celebrated in southern Kerala. It is on the same day that our next door pals at Tamil Nadu celebrate Tiruvannamalai Maha deepam. Today, conventionally, the Kerala family houses which have cattle, rejoice the occasion by decorating the cow sheds and other places used by the animals.
An exquisite delicacy that is prepared on this day is the Karthika Puzhukku, made out of fresh tapioca, elephant yam and other tubers with dollops of grated coconut. Though no mythological tales are related to the festival, Malayalees attribute this divine occasion to worship the Shakti or Bhagavati. Another section claims the day to be the birthday of Lord Subramanya and hence special prayers are conducted in the Subramanya temples today.
Tonight as the gorgeously lit streets wink at the fully round moon- the queen of the night- the viewers will have a bewitching spectacle to enchant their eyes and soul!
Aranmula Vallamkali
Vallamkali refers to the boat race competition that is held during the last two days of the festival. The participants, who are trained to row these boats, compete not merely for winning the competition but to celebrate the anniversary of the Sri Krishna idol installation, the main diety at the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. As according to history Lord Krishna crossed river Pamba, the race is conducted in the Pamba River in front of the temple to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.
This annual event attracts tourists from all over the world. The snake boats that participate in this colorful carnival are called Palliyodams. The structure of these boats resemble snakes and are about 100 feet in length, with its front tapering, hood raised and the rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft. During the races, about 39 to 41 of such boats participate in the event each accommodating about 120 people including oarsmen, singers and helmsmen. Colorful flags are fixed at the head of the boat and the colorful parasols at the center make it a spectacular show of pageantry too.
Apart from the famous boat races, other rituals include offering prayers to Lord Krishna early in the morning on the day of the boat race. At this time all boats assemble near the temple to seek blessings of Lord. After the morning prayers and other rituals, the race starts from the afternoon, with groups of men and singers all shouting and singing in a rhythmic manner.
A series of songs called “Vanchipattu” are sung throughout the races, while group of men row up and down the River. Decorated silk banners and golden umbrellas are carries along with the participants that provide a mystical environment to the festival of Aranmula Vallamkali. Palliyoda Seva Sangam is the main organizer behind the annual water festival. Over the years even the Central Tourism Ministry has been providing financial assistance for preserving and promoting this legendary snake boat race, believed to be in existence for the past 1,000 years.
Traditionally, it is commanded by a Kaarnavan / Karanaadhan (Village leader) with First Adanayampu and under him there will be 3 main oarsmen who control the movement of the boat along with 12 feet long main rudder-oar (Adanayampu). Sitting two in row along the length of the Boat there will be the oarsmen, they row in rhythm of the vanchipattu (boatman's song). Standing on the platform in the middle of the boat, the main singer will lead the vanchipattu. A few singers will be with the main leader while others will stand at the middle between the oarsmen.
Manarcad Perunnal
During the festival devotees generally fast and stay at the church from morning till night. The last three days of the festival marked by grand processions carrying golden crosses with colorful embellished umbrellas. These last three days mark the festivity of the festival to its peak when thousands of followers participate in the processions.
As an offering decked parasols are offered to Lord Muthukkuda. During Manarcad Perunnal the golden cross and the holy tank of church specially honored by the devotees.
These eight days of festive celebrations filled ardent devotion and grandeur in the atmosphere of the Manarcad.
Neelamperoor Pooram
As the festival of Neelamperoor pooram Patayani is celebrated in the month of Onam, it adds an exponential scale of glitter and glory to the celebrations. The festival is very popular among the localites here.
Although the festival of Patayani is celebrated all across Kerela, yet the festive celebrations of Neelamperoor is quite different and elaborate compared to other parts. What makes the festival special in Neelamperoor is the grand procession carrying effigies of mythological characters. These effigies are prepared at local level by the artists of the state, who engage in these preparations months before the festival.
This display of wan effigies is termed as “Annam Kettu”. The procession carrying these effigies is normally organized in nights. Many tourists and visitors gather here during the festival celebrations and have a remarkable experience of Indian culture and traditions.
Payippad Boat Race
The Payippad boat Race of Kerala is held in Payippadu near Harippad in Kerala. The boat Race is a time to have fun and indulge in festivity in galore. It attracts thousands of tourists every year with its charm of vivacity and galore.
As the name suggests this festival has a major attraction of boat Races. The boats used in this festival are termed as Snake boats as they resemble snakes in their appearances. These 100 feet long boats can accommodate around 100 people at a time. A single boat generally comprises of oarsmen and musicians who sing and shout throughout the event making the environment rise in verve and energy.
The event lasts for three days and organized in the month of September. Apart from the boat Races, there are a number of cultural and folk performances that are organized by the state administration. The basis of the festival lies in the commemoration of the installation of the idol at the Subramanyan Swamy Temple in Haripad.
Parumala Perunnal
The Festival of Parumala Perunnal is basically an annual feast that is arranged as a compulsion in order to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. During the auspicious occasion a grand feast is organized and rituals are performed.
A major attraction of the Festival remains the Grand procession that travels from one part of the town to another. It is attended by thousands of devotees. Devotees also offer prayers for seeking blessings from the deity.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Kerala are known for their splendor and grandeur. Apart from the prayers and rituals numerous stalls are arranged throughout the grounds of the church, selling articles, food, utensils and jewellary.
Kerala also known as “God’s own country” is acknowledged for its culture and traditions. During the celebrations of Perunnal Festival life and routines come to a standstill in the state as all localites engage in festive preparations. The jubilations during this time are a true eye-candy for spectators.
Vaikathashtami Festival
The festival of Vaikathashtami or Vaikkath Asthami, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November – December). It is majorly a Hindu Festival. Lord Shiva, the main deity in the temple appears in three forms in a day namely- morning he is Dakshinamoorti, noon he is Kiratamurti and in the evening he is Sambhashivan along with Goddess Parvati.
The temple of Vaikom Mahadeva is held in very high esteems among the Hindus. The Shivalinga established here is five feet in height, and is believed to have formed during the Treta Yuga.
Although the festival of Vaikathashtami is celebrated for a period of 12 days, but the Ashtami is the most important day. The sacred Ashtami day celebrations are held during the dark lunar fortnight of the Malayalam month Vrischikam (Sagittarius).
Colorful processions are carried out from one place to another, joined by different deities. The festival celebrations also include Dance performances and musical shows spreading throughout the night. Popular dance forms like Kathakalli are also performed here.
Chinakkathoor Pooram
Localiite performs traditional art forms like Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothanum thirayum, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela on the Panchavadyam or the temple orchestra. The popular ritualistic show puppetry, Tholppavakkoothu, is performed at the temple premises every evening. This show continues for 17 days before conclusion of the festival i.e. pooram. Sixteen decorated models of the kuthira (horse) and eight kaala (bull) are brought ceremoniously to the temple by devotees in a grand procession.
Holiday is declared by the District Collector in all government offices and educational institutions of Ottappalam municipality and the Lakkidi-Perur grama panchayat.
Pariyanampetta Pooram
The image of goddess is drawn on floor and songs are sung along with it; this ritualistic drawing is called Kalamezhuthu Pattu and is performed on all the seven days of the festival.
Religious and folk arts like Kaalavela (bull motif display) and Kuthiravela (horse motif display), Poothanum thirayum etc are demonstrated in the procession on the last day.
A cultural celebration is also held on the occasion in which there are performances of the famous Kathakali and Chakyarkoothu. The ancient folk art of shadow puppetry called Tholpavakoothu, is performed at night on all festival days.
The pooram day is on the 7th of month of Kumbam according to the Malayalam calendar. It falls approximately on the second week of February. A procession of 21 caparisoned elephants is a spectacular on the last day of the festival.
Elephants are considered holy in holy in Kerala; so people hoard around the procession to seek blessings from them. The elephant and traditional musical performances are inherent parts of religious festivals in South India- Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The traditional folk and traditional performances like the Tholpavakoothu, Kalamezhuthupattu, Pootham, Thira, Karivela, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu brings a cheerful smile to the faces of people.
Arattupuzha Pooram
The celebration takes place before the 3,000 year old Sree Sastha Temple. The occasion is known as conclave of Gods.
It is believed that on this day hundred and one gods and goddesses of the neighbouring villages visited lord Ayyappa, the deity of the Arattupuzha Temple.
The festival is celebrated for seven days. All the buildings of the town were beautifully illuminated by strings of colourful bulbs.
Arattupuzha pooram is the largest devamela in the world. A group of elephants and musicians performing in front of the temple is a common sight during the whole festival.
Many palmists, small vendors etc. are also there. The festival falls in March/April.
On the fifth day of the festival, a procession is held in which drummers, and eight elephants accompany the beautiful elephant carrying idols (‘thidambu’) of 23 deities, including Thripayar Thevar, Oorakathamma Thiruvadi, Cherppil Bhagavathy, Chathakudam Sastha, Anthikad Bhagavathy, Thottipal Bhagavathy, Pisharikkal Bhagavathy, Edakkunni Bhagavathy, Ayyunnil Bhagavathy,
Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy, Kaduppassery Bhagavathy, Choorakkottu Bhagavathy, Poonilarkkavil Bhagavathy, Kattupisharikkal Bhagavathy, Chakkamkulangara Sastha, Kodannur Sastha, Nankulam Sastha, Sreemattil Sastha, Nettissery Sastha, Kalloli Sastha, Chittichathakkudam Sastha and Medamkulam Sastha.
The idol of the deity of the Arattupuzha Sastha temple is taken to the Thottipal temple. It is brought back after the Thottipal Pooram to the Sastha temple and then regular rituals and ‘Sreebhoothabali’ are performed.
An elephant peagent is held on the sixth day which features beautifully ornamented 61 elephants. There were huge crowd of people bearing glowing traditional torches, some were dancing, singing and Panchavadyam, nadaswaram, pacharimelam and pandimelam add to the festive tempo. Lord Ayyappa is given holy bath (arattu) with great pomp and gaiety in the Arattupuzha river on the subsequent day.
The caparisoned elephants bear muthukkudas (silken umbrella) and venchamarams (white tufts) make a delightful sight. Traditional art forms are displayed here. The dazzling fire works bedazzle the onlookers with the beauty of sparks which are like jewels embellished in the darkness of night. This sight is amazing! ‘Grama Bali’ is performed. An elephant race is also held.
This colourful festival attracts spectators from all parts of the state. The ceremonial processions of the images of the deities from 41 neighboring temples to the Arattupuzha temple make it a unique festival.
Paripally Gajamela
Elephants tamed in some of the temples in India bear the images of the gods in temple processions on some special days. Elephants hold important place as they have the privilege of escorting the numerous gods and goddesses.
In early days rich and affluent families in Kerala used to house an elephant and were considered a family member. The people of Kerala keenly observe elephant pageants on their special day.
Paripally Gajamela has the popular and unique elephant pageant that is held as a part of annual festival at Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple in Paripally, Kerala.
The word ‘Gajamela’ is composed of two words- ‘Gajam’ and ‘Mela’. Gajam is another word for elephant in Malayalam and Mela means fair.
An annual elephant parade in which more than 50 elephants take part is held in Paripally town of Thiruvananthapuram on tenth day of the festival is very popular among masses.
The devotees dedicate the elephants at the temple of goddess Bhadrakali in the hope that it will bring in
prosperity and affluence during the procession. The ritual is called ‘nerch’. The procession presents a spectacular view of a string of caparisoned elephants.
The pooram and vela festivals are the best events to gaze at the majestic tuskers in all their caparisoned brilliance. Mahouts atop Colourfully decked up elephants holding high tinseled silk parasols (muthukuda) and swaying white tufts (venchamaram) and peacock feather fans (aalavattom) to the rhythm of the temple orchestra.
The elephant pageant is accompained by the musical harmony of five traditional instruments (panchvadyam) which forms a passionate element of the kudamattam ritual (the synchronised changing of the parasols atop the tuskers). Cultural programmes are held every night all the way through the festival days.
Thirunakkara Arattu
Kerala is the land of high festivities and cheer. Many festivals are celebrated in this beautiful land. One of the famous temple festivals, Thirunakkara arattu is celebrated at Thirunakkara Mahaeva Temple located in the heart of Kottayam district of Kerala. Mahadeva is the presiding deity of the temple.
The passionate celebration continues for ten days and concludes with the bathing ceremony of lord Mahadeva called ‘ARATTU’.
A string of nine majestically ornamented and decorated elephants accompany the idol of the lord Mahadeva for bathing in the noon.
They are accompanied by drummers and dancing flock of people.
The mystic traditional dance of Kerala, Kathakali forms an important part of the celebrations. The beautifully and colourfully dressed and masked Kathakali dancers perform all night long on third and fourth night.
Other dances like Mayilattom (peacock dance), Velakali and motif processions are also showcased in the temple compound.
The fêted Mahadeva Temple is situated on the Thirunakkara Hill of the Kottayam town and is one of the important Shiva temples famous for its historical importance, antiquity, sanctity and also for its magnificent traditional architecture.
The grand festival "Arattu Utsavam" starts from the 1st day of Meenam month of Malyalam calendar. That falls in March-April of Gregorian calendar.
Thousands of people, irrespective of caste or creed attend this festival.
Various industrial and agricultural products are displayed and traded in the shops of the fair held in connection with the Utsavam. The cultural programmes and variety entertainments staged during the festive days are the highlights of the festival.
Uthralikavu Pooram
Another illustrious temple festival of south India is Uthralikavu Pooram celebrated in Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, Parithipra, in Vadakkancherry, Thrissur District of north Kerala. The temple is dedicated to the mighty Goddess KaliThe festival is held annually in the Malayalam month 'Kumbham' or February/March. The festivity continues for eight days.
The elephant processions in the gala are the main highlight all through day and night. Pooram day is celebrated on eighth and last day; procession of twenty one elephants caparisoned with beautiful ornaments along with Panchvadyam and Pandimelam is overwhelming.
These traditionally decorated elephants line up in the ground with mahouts sitting atop them and hold colourful parasols and swaying venchamarams (white tufts) and Aalavattams (peacock feather fans).
The cultural fare during the festival includes temple and folk art performances which provide magical spectacles to the viewers. The colorful events along with rituals and folk art performances in the evenings cast a spell to everyone. The glow of the traditional temple torches called Theevatti provides startling view. The festivities end with the spectacular all-night pooram pageant on the last day, the highlight of the festival. The pageant and festivities lasts until dawn and draws to a close with brilliant fireworks.
Attuvela Maholsavam
The festival is continued for two days. The Attuvela Mahotsavam is associated with the Elankavu Bhagavathy temple, sited at Vadayar village 3 kilometers far from Vaikom, of Kottayam district in Kerala. Goddess Bhagavathy is installed and worshipped in this temple. The festival is celebrated in ‘Meenam’ month of Malyalam calendar which corresponds to March-April of Gregorian calendar.
The Goddess of Elamkavu is believed to be the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. According to the legend associated with the festival that this day celebrates the welcome ceremony for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy to Elankavu who came to visit the goddess here.
Elamkavu Bhagavathy temple is a visual treat to the eyes of the visitors during festival time. A procession of devotees carrying beautifully decorated and warmly lit canoes, and huge colourful replica of the Elankavu temple navigate down the river Moovattupuzha waters.
In addition, the procession is also accompanied by hordes of festooned small canoes and traditional temple music. This water procession starts from the Attuvela kadavu, 2 kilometers away from the temple.
Navrathri Music Festival
The Navrathri Music Festival is a nine day musical fiesta held in the state of Kerela. During these nine days the evenings of Thiruvananthapuram are filled with exquisite music and honeyed voices echoing in the atmosphere. This cultural, musical, festive fiesta is a remarkable experience for all visitors. People from all across the country gather here during these nine days to witness some of the best works in the field of Music, dance and entertainment.
The music festival usually features some of the exquisite kritis (compositions) of King Swathi Thirunal, the music maestro and former ruler of Travancore. This cultural fiesta is held every year in the month of September. The nine-day music festival is held at the Navarathri Mandapam, a pavilion beautifully decorated with flowers, located inside the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.
One can imagine the vivacity of this musical extravaganza as the magic of soulful music combined with sweet fragrance of sandalwood lingering in the air is ecstatic. In addition to the exemplary music styles displayed in the Navrathri Music festival, the venue has an indigenous acoustic (A remedy for hearing loss) technology in place. For this purpose, these are earthen pots, which are kept in place by means of coir ropes, with their mouths open down towards the ground. These pots are of different sizes and thickness with their mouths having different measurements. For the purpose of sound reflectors and to prevent echoes, they are kept at different angles
