Major Events & Festivals in Mulangodi, Kerala, India
1. Onam Festival
Celebrated in August/September, Onam is Kerala's biggest festival featuring grand feasts, boat races, and traditional dance-dramas like Kathakali.
- Traditional Feast: Enjoy a traditional Onasadya meal, consisting of 12 to 14 courses.
- Boat Racing: Witness the thrilling snake boat races held on Punnamada Lake.
- Kathakali Performances: Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance performances that depict tales from Hindu epics.
2. Vishu Kani
On April 14th, locals rise before dawn to witness the auspicious sight of the first light of day through a yellow mixture of flowers and fruits, signifying prosperity and blessings.
- Yellow Mikanami: Observe the unique custom of displaying the 'Mikanami' – a tray of yellow flowers and ripe fruits.
- Worship at Home: Households welcome Vishu by worshipping God Krishna with offerings such as rice, coconut, jaggery, betel leaves, and areca nut.
- Visiting Temples: Pay a visit to local temples for blessings and prayers on this auspicious day.
3. Thrikarthika
In late October or early November, Thrikarthika celebrates the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and learning. Worshipers offer prayers, light lamps, and participate in traditional music and dance.
- Star-gazing Festival: Thrikarthika is celebrated when the stars of the Pleiades constellation are visible.
- Lamp Lighting Ceremony: Join the enchanting lamp lighting ceremony held on the banks of rivers and ponds.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Experience the rhythmic beats of traditional music and captivating dance performances dedicated to Saraswati.
4. Chettikulangara Bharani
In mid-March, the Chettikulangara Bharani festival takes place at the famous temple of Chettikulangara Bhagavathy. The event features elephant processions, traditional martial arts performances, and a unique ritual called 'Kuthuvilakku.'
- Elephant Processions: Witness majestic elephants adorned in traditional decorations participating in the procession.
- Kuthuvilakku Ritual: Observe the unique Kuthuvilakku ritual, where earthen lamps are placed on a wooden platform and lit together.
- Martial Arts Performances: Experience the powerful martial arts demonstrations of traditional Kalaripayattu during this festival.
5. Mullappally Rajarajeshwara Temple Festival
During the month of Kumbha (February/March), a grand festival is held at the Mullappally Rajarajeshwara Temple, featuring elephant processions, music, and cultural performances.
- Elephant Procession: Witness the awe-inspiring procession of beautifully decorated elephants.
- Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy cultural performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and art.
- Temple Visit: Visit the ancient Mullappally Rajarajeshwara Temple and explore its architectural beauty.
6. Moolam Nakshatram
Celebrated on the Moolam day (Thursday) of the Malayalam month of Meenam (April), this festival honors Lord Vishnu. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, and participate in rituals.
- Visit to Temple: Pay a visit to the local temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu for blessings and prayers.
- Offering Prasadam: Participate in the offering of traditional prasadam (sacred food) to the deity.
- Community Celebrations: Join the local community in celebrating this holy occasion with feasts, music, and dance.
7. Theyyam Festival
A unique spiritual ritual performed by male performers donning elaborate costumes and makeup, representing various deities. Theyyam festivals are held throughout the year but especially during the month of Kanni (October/November).
- Deity Representation: Witness the mesmerizing Theyyam performances, each representing a specific deity.
- Energetic Dances: Experience the powerful and energetic dance movements of the performers.
- Community Participation: Join the local community in participating in or simply observing this unique cultural event.
8. Karachuvattu Festival
Held during the Malayalam month of Meenam (April), Karachuvattu is a traditional shadow puppet theater performance. The stories told are based on Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Shadow Puppet Theater: Witness the intricate art of shadow puppetry, with a storytelling tradition dating back centuries.
- Hindu Epic Stories: Enjoy performances based on timeless Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Artistic Appreciation: Appreciate the intricate designs, vivid colors, and detailed craftsmanship of the puppets.
9. Mullakkal Rajashekara Temple Festival
A grand festival held in honor of Lord Ayyappa at the Mullakkal Rajashekara Temple. The event features elephant processions, cultural performances, and devotional rituals.
- Elephant Procession: Witness the majestic elephant procession adorned in traditional decorations.
- Cultural Performances: Experience a variety of cultural performances showcasing local music, dance, and art.
- Temple Visit: Visit the beautiful Mullakkal Rajashekara Temple and explore its rich history.
10. Vellaramma Festival
Held in honor of Goddess Vellaramma, this festival takes place during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March). Devotees gather at her temple to offer prayers and participate in rituals.
- Visit to Temple: Pay a visit to the Vellaramma Temple for blessings and prayers.
- Offering Prasadam: Participate in the offering of traditional prasadam (sacred food) to the deity.
- Community Celebrations: Join the local community in celebrating this holy occasion with feasts, music, and dance.
11. Nagarakettu Festival
A traditional martial arts competition held during the annual festival at the Thirunelli Temple in Mulangodi. The event features various forms of Kalaripayattu and other martial art performances.
- Martial Arts Competition: Witness the fierce competition between skilled martial artists.
- Traditional Art Forms: Experience a variety of traditional art forms showcased during this festival.
- Temple Visit: Visit the beautiful Thirunelli Temple and explore its rich history.
12. Mullangodi Boat Race
A traditional boat race held annually during Onam festival on the Mulan River. Teams compete in long, colorful boats, showcasing their strength, skill, and teamwork.
- Boat Race: Witness the thrilling boat race along the Mulan River.
- Community Spirit: Feel the excitement and camaraderie of the local community during this annual event.
- Onam Celebrations: Experience the cultural celebration of Onam, with its grand feasts, boat races, and traditional dance-dramas like Kathakali.
13. Mulangodi Jalikattu
A traditional bull-taming sport held during the Pongal harvest festival. Bulls are released into a sand pit filled with eager participants who attempt to tame and hold onto them by their horns.
- Bull-Taming Sport: Witness the exhilarating bull-taming sport, a unique tradition of Kerala.
- Pongal Celebrations: Experience the joy and vibrancy of the Pongal harvest festival, with its various cultural events and rituals.
- Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions during this unique event.
14. Mulangodi Theyyattu Festival
A traditional spiritual ritual held at various temples throughout Mulangodi. Male performers don elaborate costumes and makeup to represent different deities in a trance-like state.
- Theyyattu Performance: Witness the captivating Theyyattu performances representing various deities.
- Trance-like State: Observe as performers enter a trance-like state during their performances.
- Local Deities: Learn about the unique local deities and their significance in the community.
15. Mulangodi Kathakali Festival
A festival dedicated to the traditional dance-drama of Kerala, Kathakali. Performances are held at various temples and cultural centers throughout Mulangodi, showcasing stories from Hindu epics.
- Kathakali Performance: Experience the enchanting Kathakali performances, with their intricate makeup and expressive movements.
- Storytelling Tradition: Learn about the rich storytelling tradition behind Kathakali performances and their significance in Kerala culture.
- Temple and Cultural Performances: Enjoy the Kathakali performances at various temples and cultural centers throughout Mulangodi.