Thirunakara Festival

The celebrated Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam, on the Thirunakkara Hill at the very centre of the Kottayam Municipal town is one of the important Siva temples, famous for its historical importance, antiquity and sanctity. It is also famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture. The Idol here is considered as ‘Swayambhoo’ that is self manifested. The festival commences on March 14 and concludes on March 23 and gives you glimpses of Kerala’s traditional sublime rituals. The ten day annual festival concludes with Aarattu. Usually nine caparisoned elephants take part in the Aarattu procession which begins in the afternoon. Folk arts like Mayilattom (peacock dance), Velakali etc are presented in the temple compound in the evening. A major attraction is the all night Kathakali presentation on the third and fourth days of the festival. The fair, held in connection with the festival features exhibitions and agricultural products besides the usual fair ground stalls.