FESTIVALS

Bharani festival

The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagavathi temple is one of the major celebrations of Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Meenam. It normally falls during the months of March and April. The festival usually starts with a ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. Another major part of the festival is 'Kavu Theendal'. Bhadrakali being the patron of the royal family of Cranganore, the raja of Kodungallur plays an active part in the celebrations. Standing upon a platform built around a banyan tree, the Raja spreads out a silken parasol soon after the door of the Devi shrine is opened. This gesture represents a permission given for all castes to enter the precincts of the temple for worship. It can be seen that this festival is probably the first of its kind involving people from all walks of life irrespective of cast and creed – a real secular festival.

Thalappoli festival

The Thalappoli festival is conducted from the first day of Makaram till the fourth, that means four days from commencement of Winter Solestice (during 14-20 of January) . The four-day Thalappoli commences from the evening of “Makara Sankranthi” (coincides with the Pongal Festival of Tamil Nadu) with religious rituals. On all the four days, Bhagavathi takes a Joy Ride (Keleeyaathra) from the temple to another structure about 500 meters towards the South. The return journey, is marked by processions headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Keralite Percussion systems - Pancha Vadyam, Paandi, Atantha and Panchari Melams. Once again this is a festival for the entire land of Kodungallur and adjacent places

Navarathri festival

Navarathri is a multifaceted festival celebrated across the State annually. Typically falling either in the month of September or October, these 9 days are reserved for the special worship of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti / Devi. The final three days of Navarathri are Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami are set apart for the worship of Goddess Saraswati – the Goddess of wisdom and learning. Followers dedicate these days to Goddess by keeping their work tools, books and other study materials in the temple for pooja (worship). On the day of Vijayadashami , the day of learning children who is at the age of three is welcomed to the world of learing . This practice is known as Vidhyarambam which means starting of knowledge “Vidhya” means “knowledge” and “Arambam” means “start” meant to introduce them to the world of knowledge.

Chandattam

Famous chandattam is conducted on the day of karthika on the month of medam in Malayalam era. The idol of goddess is made of chandu, which is a combination of teak, Screaming and musk. Touching the swinging chand is ideal for women for long married life.