Kerala is famous for its temples and grand festivals associated with it involving traditional rituals, a mass of people, colorful festival umbrellas, processions, and most importantly, elephants. Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, one such temple that is the ground for a vibrant festival that brought fame to Kerala, is indeed a great celebration of Kerala’s rich heritage and performing art forms. Situated in Palappuram near Ottappalam, the temple boasts pooram (the festival) which is exceptional because of the highlight that one can witness a huge procession of 27 elephants, so many of Kerala’s traditional performing art forms like Vellattu, Thira, Theyyam, Poothanum Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, and more exhibited, with the escorts of the temple orchestra Panchavadyam. The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, and a large crowd gathers here every year, including a major part of tourists. Apart from these, the festival is famous also for its Tholpavakkooth- an ancient yet attractive ritualistic show puppetry held continuously for 17 days with the help of decorated models of horses and bulls.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ottappalam, about 5 km
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport
