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Temple Festivals

Vaikom Ashtami

Vaikkathashtami is one of the main festivals of Vaikom temple in Kottayam district.This 12-day festival ends on ashtami day, giving it the name - Vaikkathashtami. On ashtami, late in the evening, Lord Mahadeva, the principal deity of the temple is taken out in procession, which is joined by processions from the neighboring temples also. The ritual immersion of the the principal deity (aaratt) is held at Udayanapuram Subrahmanya temple. Holy ‘Pratal’(mid day food offering) of vaikom shiva temple is very famous and is offered to devotees,after the daily prayer.

Chottanikkara Makam

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is a famous Bhagavathy temple in kerala. Two main deities are presiding here which can be seen in Melekkavu and Keezkkavu. Makom Thozhal’ (worship on the Makom day) is the main festival of the temple, celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February - March). After the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes. Only to re-open at 2 p.m for the "Makam Darsana". Chottanikkara Devi appears at this moment clad in glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram (Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees. It is fervently believed that Darsanam at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and cherished desires.

Padayani

Padayani is a ritual art form performed at Bhadrakali temples . It is uique to Central Travancore. According to mythology, this ritualistic dance commemorates the dance performed by Lord Shiva and the other Gods to appease Goddess Durga, whose anger could not be quenched even after annihilating the demon, Darika. Kolam thullal is the major portion of Padayani performance. Kolam is a masque made by drawing images on the leaves of the arecanut palm. Wearing this Kolam, padayani dancer performs the ritual dance in devotion.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam, also called as Kalpathi Chariot Festival is an annual Hindu Festival celebrated mainly in the Kalpathi village in the state of Kerala.It 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.