Thiruvutsavam at Onamthuruth Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Kottayam is a grand annual temple festival celebrated with deep devotion, traditional rituals, and vibrant cultural programs that reflect the rich heritage of Kerala temple customs. The festival is conducted in the sacred premises of the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna known as Onamthuruthappan and attracts thousands of devotees from different regions.
The celebrations begin with the sacred Kodiyettam on May 2, 2026, marking the official start of the festival. From this day onwards, the temple becomes a hub of spiritual activities including daily poojas such as Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Sree Bhoothabali. Each ritual is performed with utmost devotion creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
The festival reaches its peak with traditional art forms and cultural programs like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Ottan Thullal, Thiruvathira, and classical music concerts. Powerful percussion performances such as Panchavadyam, Chenda Melam, and Nadaswaram add divine energy to the celebrations. Key highlights include the sacred Pallivetta on May 8, 2026 symbolizing the divine hunt, followed by the grand Arattu ceremony on May 9, 2026 where the deity is taken in a majestic procession accompanied by elephants, melam, fireworks and devotional chants.
🔥 Kodiyettam
🎭 Pallivetta
🚩 Arattu
🎶 Panchavadyam & Melam Performances
🪔 Deeparadhana & Special Poojas
Held on May 2, 2026, this marks the ceremonial beginning of Thiruvutsavam with Kodiyettam, temple rituals, and devotional offerings.
On May 2, 2026, the day includes Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, Suprabhatha rituals, Bhagavatha Parayanam, Kalasha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Bhakti concerts.
Evening programs on May 2–3, 2026 include classical bhajans, violin concerts, flute performances, and traditional devotional music sessions.
On May 4–5, 2026, events include Thiruvathira, Kaikottikali, Ottanthullal, Aksaraslokam, Bhajan programs, and classical dance performances.
On May 2–6, 2026, major cultural highlight includes Kathakali (Nalacharitham & Kuchelavritham), Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and fusion dance performances.
From May 3–7, 2026, traditional Panchavadyam, Chenda Melam, and Nadaswaram performances create a divine festive atmosphere.
Held on May 8, 2026, this grand ritual includes Pallivetta procession, Panchari Melam, fireworks, and traditional temple rituals.
On May 9, 2026, the festival concludes with Arattu procession, five elephant procession, Panchavadyam, and sacred rituals at the temple tank.
Held on May 9, 2026, the festival ends with Kodiyirakkam, fireworks, devotional gatherings, and final blessings.
The festival begins with the sacred Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) on May 2, 2026, marking the divine start of Thiruvutsavam.
Special rituals including Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, Usha Pooja, and Sree Bhoothabali are performed throughout the festival days.
Classical performances like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Thiruvathira, and Bhajans enrich the festival atmosphere.
Powerful traditional percussion including Panchavadyam, Chenda Melam, and Nadaswaram create a divine temple ambiance.
The festival concludes with sacred rituals like Pallivetta on May 8, 2026 and the grand Arattu on May 9, 2026.
Grand elephant processions, temple fireworks, and devotional gatherings mark the grand finale of Thiruvutsavam celebrations.
Nearest Town: Neendoor (2 km)
Railway: Kottayam Railway Station (10 km)
Airport: Cochin International Airport (85 km)
Road: Well connected via Kottayam–Vaikom Road and Neendoor–Onamthuruth routes; regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis and auto services available to Onamthuruth Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Onamthuruth, Kerala 686602