The grand festival "Arattu Utsavam" starts from the 1st day of Meenam month of Malyalam calendar. That falls in March-April of Gregorian calendar.Thirunakkara Arattu utsavam is a ten day festival which is celebrated in the third week of March every year in the famous Mahadeva temple in Kerala.Thirunakkara Aratu Utsavam is a famous Kerala temple festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam, at Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple in Kottayam district of Kerala, India. Arattu festival is bathing ceremony held as part of annual festival in Hindu Temples of Kerala.Here is Some Fact about Thirunakkara Arattu utsavam.
Location: Kottayam
Date time: Every Year March month
Duration: 10 Days
Venue: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam district.
How to Reach by Air: The Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport (76 KM).
How to Reach by Rail: The Nearest Railway station is Kottayam station.
How to Reach by Road: There are many public and private vehicles available to reach here.
More Information about Thirunakkara Arattu utsavam
Thirunakkara Arattu is held at the last day of the 10 days annual festival at Thirunakkara Shiva Temple. The major attraction of the festival is the nine caparisoned elephants take part in the Arattu procession, which starts in the afternoon. Folk arts and dances such as Mayilattom (peacock dance) and Velakali will be staged in the temple compound in the evening.
The annual 10-day festival at the Thirunakkara Temple draws to a close with the Arattu ceremony. Usually nine caparisoned elephants take part in the Arattu 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 performances on the third and fourth days of the festival.
Numerous pilgrims throng this part of the country, irrespective of their caste, creed, age and sex, to take part in the festivities. The Mahadeva Temple which plays an important role in the festival is located on Thirunakkara Hill in Kottayam town. This temple is known for its ornate architecture. In this festival, different types of agricultural and industrial artefacts are exhibited. Various cultural events are observed through the festive days which add to the glory of this festive event.
