The Medathiruvathira Mahotsavam 2026 at the Sree Maha Ganapathi Temple, Kottarakkara in Kollam district, Kerala is a spiritually significant annual festival celebrated with great devotion and grandeur. This auspicious festival begins on April 12, 2026 (Sunday) with the sacred Kodiyettam (flag hoisting ceremony), marking the commencement of the festivities, and concludes on April 22, 2026 (Wednesday) with the holy Aarattu.
During these ten days, the temple becomes a vibrant center of devotion, hosting various poojas, homams, and rituals including Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam, Ganesa Sahasranama Japam, and Mrityunjaya Homam. Devotees from different parts of Kerala gather to seek the blessings of Lord Ganapathi for prosperity and well-being. The festival is also marked by Annadanam symbolizing compassion and community harmony.
The Mahotsavam is enriched with traditional cultural programs such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathira Kali, and classical music concerts performed by renowned artists. Daily Sree Bhoothabali processions, lamp rituals, and grand Panchavadyam performances add to the spiritual atmosphere. The festival beautifully reflects the rich temple traditions and cultural heritage of Kerala making it a must experience event for devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike.
π© Kodiyettam
π₯ Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam
π Ganesa Sahasranama Japam & Mrityunjaya Homam
ποΈ Aarattu
This event will be held on April 11, 2026 (Saturday) at 9:00 PM onwards.
The sacred flag hoisting ceremony will take place on April 12, 2026 (Sunday).
This ritual will be conducted on April 12, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
This homam will be performed on April 12, 2026 at 6:45 AM.
This chanting will take place on April 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Free food will be distributed on April 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM.
The procession and lamp ritual will be held on April 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
The music concert will be held on April 12, 2026 at 8:30 PM.
Devotional songs will be performed on April 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Sacred readings will be conducted on April 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
The traditional dance performance will take place on April 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
The live music concert will be held on April 16, 2026 at 8:00 PM.
This ritual will be conducted on April 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
The Kathakali performance will take place on April 18, 2026 at 9:00 PM.
The live music night will be conducted on April 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM.
This homam will be performed on April 21, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
The Pallivetta procession will take place on April 22, 2026 at 11:45 AM.
The Aarattu ceremony will be held on April 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
The flag lowering ceremony will take place on April 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
The festival begins with the sacred flag hoisting ceremony, marking the start of ten days of devotion and celebration.
Special homams including Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam are performed to seek blessings for prosperity and success.
Devotees participate in the chanting of the thousand names of Lord Ganesha for spiritual growth and divine grace.
The festival features classical dance, devotional music, and live concerts by renowned artists, enriching the cultural spirit.
Daily annadanam is conducted, serving meals to devotees and symbolizing compassion, unity, and service.
The festival concludes with the sacred Aarattu ceremony and grand procession, marking the spiritual culmination of the celebrations.
Venue: Sree Maha Ganapathi Temple, Kollam
Nearest Town: Kottarakkara (1 km)
Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station (25 km), Kundara Railway Station (20 km)
Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (70 km)
Road: Easily accessible via MC Road (SH 1); regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws are available from nearby towns