മാർച്ച് 03 മുതൽ 15 വരെ ആലപ്പുഴയിലെ ചെട്ടികുളങ്ങര ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിൽ 2026 എതിരേൽപ്പ് മഹോത്സവം ഭക്തിപരമായ സാംസ്കാരിക പ്രദർശനങ്ങളോടെ ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു.
എതിരേൽപ്പ് മഹോത്സവം 2026 ചെട്ടികുളങ്ങര ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം ആലപ്പുഴ | Ethirelppu Mahotsavam 2026 Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple Alappuzha
Ethirelppu Mahotsavam at Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple, Alappuzha is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant festivals in Kerala. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Bhagavathi, this festival is a grand celebration of devotion, music, dance and traditional rituals drawing devotees and tourists from all over the state and beyond.
The festival is marked by elaborate temple rituals that begin early in the morning with the sounding of the Prabhatha Bheri signaling the start of a day filled with religious activities. Devotional chanting known as Harinaama Keerthanam fills the temple premises creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the Mahotsavam is the Urulichu Varavu, a unique ritual procession where devotees offer their hair to the Goddess as a symbol of surrender and devotion. The procession is accompanied by a spectacular display of Panchavadyam, Thalappoli, Velakali, Kuthiyottam, Chenda Melam, Band Melam and other traditional musical ensembles, creating a mesmerizing symphony of sound and rhythm. Devotional songs such as Thottam Pattu and Pulluvan Pattu are performed along with Sopan Sangeetham enriching the spiritual experience for all participants.
The festival also features cultural programs including classical and folk dances, Kathakali performances and traditional art forms that reflect Kerala’s rich heritage. Special events such as fireworks, educational scholarship distributions and community offerings are conducted as part of the celebrations highlighting both religious and social aspects of the festival. The temple and its surroundings are beautifully decorated and devotees actively participate in rituals, processions and artistic performances.
EVENTS/PROGRAMS
• 3:00 PM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 3:15 PM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 3:30 PM: Usha Pooja
• 4:00 PM: Bhagavatha Parayanam
• 4:15 PM: Sopan Sangeetham – by Sri Akhil Yashwanth, Harippad
• 4:30 PM: Punyarasrikam Navamadhyama – collective prayers to the Goddess
• 5:00 PM: Urulichu Varavu accompanied by Amman Koodam, Panchavadyam, Velakali, Thalappoli, Pampamela, Karakam, Thira, Chenda Melam, Band Melam, Kuthiyottam. Procession departs from Koyikkathara to temple premises.
• 6:30 PM: Classical and folk dance performances in honor of Devi
• 6:00 PM: Thottam Pattu, Pulluvan Pattu
• 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana and Deepakazhcha
• 7:00 PM: Grand fireworks display
• 7:30 PM: Distribution of educational scholarships and honors
• 8:00 PM: G_Live Music Band performance
• Youth arts contributions by Kalaashree Cheppad Tulasikrishnan & Rama Puram Girikrishnan
• Offering by Kotrakala Peetham Sri Pangkanulangara Sreeraj, coordinated by Sri Bhagya Sreekumar
• 4th March – Floral decorations by Kanaka Jewelers, Chettikulangara
04-03-2026 – Kumbham 20
• 3:00 PM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 3:15 PM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 3:30 PM: Veda Parayanam
• 4:00 PM: Sopan Sangeetham – by Vadyakalanidhi Gokul Marar
• 4:15 PM: Bhagavatha Parayanam
• 4:30 PM: Urulichu Varavu procession with Panchavadyam, Velakali, Kood, Kavadi, Amman Koodam, Karakam, various Kavadi forms, Pampamela, Velakali, Kathakali costumes, Shingari Kavadi (women), Shingari Melam (women), Aghoris, Bommas, Bommattiyam, Bali Melam, violin fusion, Shingari Melam, Kuthiyottam, Thalappoli, Temple Melam. Procession passes through convention site and completes Karapradhakshinam before returning to temple.
• 5:00–5:30 PM: Dance performances
• 5:30–6:00 PM: Thiruvathira by Sree Sivashailam Dance Academy, Kandiur (Sree Bhadra Thiruvathira Samithi, Altharamoot, Pattur)
• 6:00–6:30 PM: Thottam Pattu, Pulluvan Pattu
• 7:00 PM: Grand fireworks display
• 7:30 PM: Musical evening conducted by Sri Thekkadi Rajan, Kumari Praveena & Smt. Jyothi Santosh, featuring classical film music
• Special contributions by Smt. Suma Chandran & Smt. Sunila Priyavadan, Vazhakaraal, Ranni
• 9:30 PM: Service by temple scholar Sri Ochira V. Shivadasan and Kanchikamkodi Peetham scholars
• Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha
• Ethirelppu Varavu procession continues
05-03-2026 – 07-03-2026 (Sunday) Kumbham 21
• 5:30–6:00 AM: Prabhatha Bheri & Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:00 AM: Usha Pooja & Bhagavata Parayanam
• 4:00 PM: Urulichu Varavu processions with Kood, Kavadi, Karakam, Amman Koodam, Pookkavadi, Panchavadyam, Pampamela, Thalappoli, Kuthiyottappattu, Velakali, Theyyam, Shingari Melam, Band Melam. Processions depart from regional temples and reach Chettikulangara Devi Temple via traditional routes.
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Thiruvathirakali performances by various troupes
09-03-2026 – Kumbham 25 (80th Number Hindu Convention)
Morning:
• 6:30 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 6:30 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:00 AM: Usha Pooja
• 7:30 AM: Bhagavata Parayanam by Satheesh Kurup, Pelay
Evening:
• 4:00 PM: Urulichu Varavu – procession with Kood, Kavadi, Karakam, Amman Koodam, Pookkavadi, Pampamela, Panchavadyam, Kuthiyottam, Theyyam, ritual visual displays, Thalappoli, and other musical ensembles. Starts from Pallampichira, proceeds via Ottathengummoodu, Neduveli Mook, Eerrekulangara, Vayanashala, Panachamoodu to the temple.
• 4:30 PM: Dance performances – Pela Natyashree Nrithavidyalayam
• 6:00 PM: Thottam Pattu & Pulluvan Pattu
• 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha
• 7:00 PM: Nadhaswaram by Ochira V. Shivadasan & party
• 8:00 PM: Ethirelppu Varavu continues
• Flower offerings – Shri Mohanan Pillai & Bindu Mohanan, Supurna Traders, Ochira
Note: Temple committee reserves full authority to make changes; unauthorized events are not allowed.
11-03-2026 – Kumbham 27 (43rd Number Hindu Convention, Aanjilipra)
Morning:
• 4:30 AM: Offerings start
• 5:00 AM: Aalvilakku – Thanuj, Vaishakh, Tayil
• 6:00 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 7:00 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:30 AM onwards: Bhagavata Parayanam – Ashok Kumar Navaneetham, Kallumala
Afternoon / Evening:
• 3:30 PM: Urulichu Varavu – Kood, Kavadi, Pampamela, Amman Koodam, Ambalamela, Panchavadyam, Shingari Melam, Thira, Kalari Payattu, Kaliyattam, Mayoor Nritham, various North Kerala art forms, Thampolam, Thalappoli, Kuthiyottapattu. Starts at Puthussery Ambalam, returns via Thattarambalam to temple
• 7:00 PM: Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha by Sreemayi Pooja Rajesh, Tayil Thara, Aanjilipra
• 7:30 PM: Grand fireworks
• 8:00 PM: Musical offerings – Sri Omanakuttan P.N. Industries, Aanjilipra; contributions from expatriate Aanjilipra community
• 10:30 PM: Service & special rituals – Shri Vikraman & party, Chettikulangara; Shri Vinu Vikraman, Chettikulangara
• 11:00 PM: Ethirelppu Varavu continues
• Aalvilakku & flower offerings – Ramadevi Kuttattukulam, Shri Jith Menon (Ernakulam), Shri Biju (Chettikulangara Amman Jewelers)
Note: Temple committee has full authority; unauthorized events not allowed.
12-03-2026 – Kumbham 28 (81st Number Hindu Convention, Mattam Vadakku)
Morning:
• 5:00 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 6:00 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:00 AM: Bhagavata Parayanam – Thuralidharan Pillai
Afternoon / Evening:
• 3:30 PM onwards: Urulichu Varavu – Kood, Kavadi, Amman Koodam, Pampamela, Panchavadyam, Chenda Melam, Theyyam, Rath, ritual visual displays, Thalappoli, Shingari Melam, Kuthiyottam. Starts at Mattam Vadakku, passes via Altharamutt, Thattarambalam, Panachamoodu to temple
• 4:00 PM: Religious discourse
• 6:00 PM: Thottam Pattu & Pulluvan Pattu
• 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha
• 7:00 PM: Grand fireworks
• 7:30 PM: Nrithanilavu – dance performances by Nataraanu Nrithavidyalayam, Kaitha Vadakku, Chettikulangara (Choreography: Archana Anilkumar & Devika Rajesh)
• 9:30 PM: Nadhaswaram & music awards – Vidwan Nadalaya Prathibha Vandanam, special contribution by Evur Sumesh Pathiyoor & Sanju R. Pillai
• 11:00 PM: Ethirelppu Varavu concludes
Note: Temple committee reserves full authority; unauthorized events not allowed.
• 6:15–6:45 PM: Thottam Pattu, Pulluvan Pattu, Deeparadhana, Deepakazhcha, fireworks
• 7:00–8:30 PM: Music concerts & devotional performances
• 8:30–10:30 PM: Scholarship distribution, medical aid & community offerings
• 11:00–11:30 PM: Ethirelppu Varavu concludes with floral decorations & ritual offerings
13-03-2026 – Kumbham 29 | Mattam South
• 6:00 AM: Preparations begin
• 6:30 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 7:00 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam & Lalitha Sahasranamam
• 7:30 AM: Usha Pooja
• Bhagavata Parayanam
• 8:00 AM: Thiruvathira
• 3:00 PM: Urulichu Varavu (procession) – Kood, Kodi, Kavadi, Karakam, Pampamela, Amman Koodam, Thalappoli, Pendamela, Panchavadyam, Shingari Melam, Rath, Kathakali costumes, ritual visuals, Kuthiyottam
• 4:30 PM: Classical & folk dance (Choreography: Smt. Sree Pradeep)
• 6:00 PM: Thiruvathira
• 6:00 PM: Thottam Pattu & Pulluvan Pattu
• 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha – Harikrishnan & Dr. Hariharan
• 7:00 PM: Grand fireworks
• 7:15 PM: Thiruvathira – Durga Devi Thiruvathira Samithi, Nangyarkulangara
• 8:30 PM: Sopan Sangeetham
• Nadhaswaram – Ochira V. Shivadasan & Prasanna Shivadasan
• Special contributions – Shri Mavelikkara B. Harikumar & Chettikulangara Akash Madhu
• 11:00 PM: Ethirelppu Varavu concludes
14-03-2026 – Kumbham 30 | Menampally
• 5:00 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 5:30 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:00 AM: Usha Pooja
• 8:00 AM: Bhagavata Parayanam
• 3:30 PM: Urulichu Varavu procession – Kood, Kavadi, Karakam, Amman Koodam, Pookkavadi, Pampamela, Panchavadyam, Shingari Melam, Velakali, Thira, Arjuna Nritham, Madhura Nritham, Panchara Melam, Theyyam, Poomudi, Thalappoli, Kuthiyottam
• 4:00 PM: Thiruvathira
• Folk Theyyam performances – Kannur region
• Thottam Pattu & Pulluvan Pattu
• Deeparadhana, Deepakazhcha, & fireworks
• Nadhaswaram & music contributions – Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Erumeli, Kanchikamkodi Peetham
• Medical assistance & charity distribution
15-03-2026 – Meenam 01| Nadakkavu
• 5:00 AM: Prabhatha Bheri
• 5:30 AM: Harinaama Keerthanam
• 7:00 AM: Usha Pooja
• 8:00 AM: Bhagavata Parayanam
• 3:00 PM: Urulichu Varavu procession – Kood, Karakam, Amman Koodam, Ambalakavadi, Pookkavadi, Panchavadyam, Velakali, Pendamela, Shingari Melam, Thalappoli, Kuthiyottam
• 6:00 PM: Procession reaches temple
• 6:30 PM: Thottam Pattu & Pulluvan Pattu
• 6:45 PM: Deeparadhana & Deepakazhcha
• 7:00 PM: Grand fireworks
• 7:30 PM: Cultural performances – Madhusudanan Nair, Karuvelil Peedikayil, Kochi Kalarasik Team, Pathanamthitta
• 10:00 PM onwards: Nadhaswaram & devotional services – Priyesh & Pramod, Evur
• 12:00 AM: Ethirelppu Varavu concludes
Temple Location
📍 Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple, Mavelikara, Alappuzha, Kerala 690106.
Accessibility
🏙️ Nearest Town/ Landmark/ Junction: Mavelikara Town - 4 Km
🚌 Nearest Bus Station: Mavelikara Bus Stand - 5 Km
🚂 Nearest Railway Station: Mavelikara Railway Station - 5 Km
✈️ Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport - 120 Km
