The Thrikodiyettu and Pathamudaya Pongala Mahotsavam 2026 at Mekkolla Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram is a vibrant and spiritually enriching annual festival celebrated with deep devotion and traditional grandeur. Scheduled from April 17 to April 24, 2026 (Medam 4 to 11), the festival begins with the auspicious Thrikodiyettu marking the commencement of the sacred rituals.
Throughout the festival days, devotees can witness a series of important ceremonies including Sree Bhootha Bali, Utsava Bali, and various poojas and homams conducted as per temple traditions. One of the major highlights is the Pathamudaya Pongala where hundreds of devotees offer Pongala to seek blessings for prosperity and well being.
The festival also features traditional art forms, devotional music and cultural programs that add to the festive atmosphere. The grand finale is the Thiru Aarattu on April 24, 2026, a sacred ritual bath of the deity accompanied by a magnificent procession, marking the conclusion of the celebrations.
๐ฉ Thrikodiyettu
๐ฅ Pathamudaya Pongala
๐ช Kalathil Pongala & Special Rituals
๐ Thiru Aarattu
Held on April 17, 2026 (Friday). The day begins at 5:30 AM with temple opening and Nirmalya Darshan, followed by Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM, Vishnu Sahasranama chanting, and Mahamrityunjaya Yajna. In the evening at 6:30 PM, Deeparadhana is performed, followed by the sacred Thrikodiyettu at 7:00 PM, marking the official start of the festival along with cultural programs and Bhootha Bali procession at 9:30 PM.
Conducted on April 18, 2026 (Saturday). Morning rituals start at 5:30 AM with Abhishekams and Ganapathi Homam, followed by Navakalasha Pooja and Utsava Bali. Utsava Sadhya is served at 1:00 PM. Evening includes Lalitha Sahasranama chanting at 4:30 PM, Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM, Thiruvathira, bhajans, and Bhootha Bali procession at 9:30 PM.
Observed on April 19, 2026 (Sunday). The day includes Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM, Mahamrityunjaya Yajna at 8:00 AM, Navakalasha and Navagraha Poojas at 9:30 AM, followed by Bhootha Bali. Evening programs begin at 6:30 PM with Deeparadhana, followed by bhajans, fusion Thiruvathira at 8:00 PM, and night procession at 9:30 PM.
Taking place on April 20, 2026 (Monday). Rituals begin at 5:30 AM, followed by Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM. Akhanda Ramayana Parayanam starts at 8:30 AM. Navakalasha Pooja at 9:00 AM and Bhootha Bali at 10:30 AM. Evening rituals include Lalitha Sahasranama at 4:30 PM, Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM, and night Bhootha Bali at 9:30 PM.
Celebrated on April 21, 2026 (Tuesday). Morning rituals begin at 5:30 AM with Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM and Navakalasha Pooja at 8:00 AM. Utsavabali Darshan is held at 9:00 AM. Evening includes Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM, bhajans at 7:00 PM, Guruthi ritual at 7:30 PM, and Bhootha Bali procession at 9:30 PM.
Held on April 22, 2026 (Wednesday). Morning includes Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM, Navakalasha Pooja at 9:00 AM, Nagarootu at 9:30 AM, and Bhootha Bali at 10:00 AM. Evening rituals begin with Lalitha Sahasranama at 4:30 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM, fusion Thiruvathira at 7:00 PM, and dance drama at 8:00 PM.
Observed on April 23, 2026 (Thursday). Pongala rituals begin at 8:30 AM followed by Pongala Nivedyam at 10:30 AM. Bhajanamritham at 9:00 AM and Bhootha Bali at 10:00 AM. Evening includes Kaikottikali at 7:00 PM, Athazha Pooja at 8:00 PM, Pallivetta procession at 9:00 PM, and ritual hunt at 9:30 PM.
Final day on April 24, 2026 (Friday). Aarattu Bali at 4:30 PM followed by flag lowering at 5:00 PM. Procession to Aarattu Kadavu and sacred bath at 6:00 PM. Return procession at 7:00 PM with traditional music and rituals. The festival concludes with Kalasha Abhishekam at 8:30 PM and final poojas.
The festival begins on April 17, 2026 with the sacred Thrikodiyettu at 7:00 PM, marking the official commencement of the grand celebrations with traditional rituals and Deeparadhana.
The grand Pongala offering is held on April 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM, where hundreds of devotees prepare offerings seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Each day begins at 5:30 AM with Nirmalya Darshan, followed by Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 AM, Mahamrityunjaya Yajna, and various special poojas performed throughout the festival period.
Evenings from April 17 to April 24, 2026 feature traditional performances including Bhajans, Thiruvathira, Kaikottikali, and dance dramas starting from 7:00 PM onwards.
The traditional Pallivetta takes place on April 23, 2026 at 9:30 PM, symbolizing the divine victory of good over evil.
The festival concludes on April 24, 2026 with the sacred Aarattu at 6:00 PM, followed by a grand procession and final temple rituals.
Venue: Mekkolla Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Trivandrum
Nearest Town: Neyyattinkara
Railway: Neyyattinkara Railway Station โ (5 km)
Airport: Trivandrum International Airport โ (25 km)
Road: Well connected via Dhanuvachapuram and Neyyattinkara routes with easy access from NH 66; regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis and auto services are available to Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Mekolla, Dhanuvachapuram P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala