തൃശ്ശൂർ ചേലക്കര ശ്രീ അന്തിമഹാകാളൻകാവ് ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ പ്രസിദ്ധമായ അന്തിമഹാകാളൻകാവ് വേല, കുറുമല ദേശത്തിന്റെ ആഭിമുഖ്യത്തിലുള്ള പ്രശസ്തമായ കാളവേലയോടും മറ്റ് ആചാരപരമായ ചടങ്ങുകളോടും കൂടി 2026 മാർച്ച് 28 ശനിയാഴ്ച അതിഗംഭീരമായി ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നു.
അന്തിമഹാകാളൻകാവ് വേല 2026 ശ്രീ അന്തിമഹാകാളൻകാവ് ക്ഷേത്രം തൃശ്ശൂർ | Anthimahakalankavu Vela 2026 Anthimahakalankavu Temple Thrissur
The Anthimahakalankavu Vela is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant temple festivals in Central Kerala specifically in the Thalappilly Taluk of Thrissur district. Celebrated annually at the Sree Anthimahakalankavu Temple in Chelakkara, this festival serves as a grand tribute to the presiding deities, Lord Anthimahakalan and Goddess Bhadrakali.
Rooted deeply in the agrarian traditions of the region, the Vela is not just a religious event but a collective celebration of prosperity, community bonding and the rich folklore of the "Thattakam".
The festival is most famous for its spectacular Kalavela, a unique procession featuring massive exquisitely decorated pairs of bull effigies known as Kaala. Five traditional Desams (villages) Chelakkara, Kurumala, Thonnurkara, Pangarapilly and Venganellur compete in friendly rivalry to bring the most magnificent and towering bull structures to the temple courtyard. These effigies often reaching heights that require immense physical effort to maneuver are accompanied by the thunderous rhythms of traditional percussion ensembles like Chenda Melam and Shinkari Melam.
Beyond the visual spectacle of the bull procession, the festival is steeped in ritualistic depth. Significant ceremonies include the Kali Darika Nigraham and the soulful Kalam Pattu where intricate floor drawings of the deity are made using colored powders and accompanied by devotional songs. As night falls, the atmosphere is electrified by world-class fireworks displays, a hallmark of Thrissur's festival culture.
For the year 2026, the main festivities reach their zenith on March 28 (Meenam 14). The days leading up to the main Vela are filled with cultural programs including classical dances like Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, folk arts and community feasts. This blend of spiritual devotion, rural artistry and social harmony makes the Anthimahakalankavu Vela an unforgettable experience for thousands of devotees and tourists who gather to witness the glory of Kerala’s heritage.
EVENTS/PROGRAMS
24-02-2026 (Monday)
• 04:30 PM – 06:00 PM - Combined Ezunnallippu
• 05:30 PM – Parapurappad at Kottaram Methrikovil Shiva Temple
• 10:00 PM – 11:15 PM - Thayambaka Performance
• 11:15 PM – 11:30 PM - Kaivilakku, Pandhal & Lights Decoration
• 11:30 PM – 11:40 PM - Kombu Pattu Performance
25-03-2026 (Wednesday)
• 07:00 PM – Inauguration of Cultural Stage
• 08:00 PM – Classical Dance by Anushree Manikandan
• 09:00 PM – Thiruvathirakali followed by Annadanam
26-03-2026 (Thursday)
• 07:00 PM – Kala Sandhya (Cultural Evening)
• 09:00 PM – Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution
28-03-2026 (Saturday - Main Vela)
• 05:00 AM – Temple Rituals and Nirmalyam Darshan
• 02:00 PM – Commencement of Desakalam Processions
• 05:00 PM – Shinkari Melam (Aattam Kala Samithi) & Mirror 30 Doll
• 07:00 PM – Grand Meeting of the Kaalas (Ox Effigies)
• 10:00 PM – Kali-Darika Nigraham Ritual
• 12:00 AM – Grand Fireworks Display (Vedikkettu)
29-03-2026 (Sunday)
• 01:00 AM – Musical Program by Keezhillam Sangeeth
For more details about the events please see the notices provided below
Temple Location
📍 Anthimahakalankavu Temple, Temple Rd, Chelakkara, Kerala 680586.
Accessibility
🏙️ Nearest Town / Landmark / Junction: Chelakkara – 1 Km
🚌 Nearest Bus Station: Chelakkara Bus Stand – 1.2 Km
🚂 Nearest Railway Station: Mullurkara Railway Station – 7 Km
✈️ Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) – 85 Km
