The Utsavam at Kottakkal Sree Vishwambhara Temple in Kottakkal, Malappuram is one of the most spiritually vibrant and culturally rich celebrations in the region. Scheduled from April 12 to April 18, 2026, this annual festival attracts a large number of devotees who gather to seek blessings and witness the grandeur of traditional Kerala temple rituals.
The festival begins with the auspicious Kodiyettam marking the official commencement of the Utsavam. Each day is filled with sacred poojas, Utsava Bali, and special deeparadhana creating a divine atmosphere within the temple premises. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and traditional ornaments enhancing the spiritual experience.
One of the major highlights of the celebration is the cultural programs and traditional performances, which may include classical art forms like Chenda Melam, Thayambaka, and devotional music. The processions with caparisoned elephants and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments add to the festive grandeur.
The final day, known as Aarattu marks the ceremonial conclusion of the festival with a holy procession and ritual bath of the deity. This temple festival in Malappuram beautifully reflects Kerala’s deep-rooted traditions, devotion and cultural heritage making it a must-experience event for devotees and visitors alike.
🚩 Kodiyettam
🙏 Utsava Bali
🪔 Deeparadhana
🥁 Chenda Melam
🐘 Ezhunnallathu
🌊 Aarattu
The ceremonial flag hoisting marks the official beginning of the Utsavam with traditional temple rituals and prayers.
Daily ritual offerings are performed to appease the deity and associated spirits during the festival days.
Sacred poojas and evening lamp worship create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for devotees.
Traditional art forms like Chenda Melam and devotional music performances are performed to enrich the festive spirit.
The deity is taken in a grand procession accompanied by traditional instruments and decorations.
The concluding ritual of the festival where the deity is taken for a ceremonial bath marking the end of the Utsavam.
The sacred flag hoisting ceremony marks the grand beginning of the annual Utsavam with traditional rituals.
Daily ritual offerings performed to honor the deity and ensure spiritual harmony throughout the festival.
The mesmerizing lamp worship ceremony creates a divine and serene atmosphere in the temple.
Traditional percussion performances that add energy and cultural vibrance to the festival celebrations.
Traditional sacred floor drawing of Lord Vishnu is performed, marking spiritual preparation for the main rituals of the Utsavam.
The final holy bath ceremony of the deity marking the spiritual conclusion of the Utsavam.
Venue: Kottakkal Vishwambhara Temple, Malappuram
Nearest Town: Kottakkal (2 km)
Railway: Tirur Railway Station (12 km)
Airport: Calicut International Airport (25 km)
Road: Well connected via Kottakkal–Kadampuzha Road and nearby state highways; regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis, and auto services are available to Kottakkal Vishwambhara Temple, Kottappady, Kerala 676503