Sri Kuttiyankavu Sankrama Vela 2026 | Thiruthiparambu Desam Ambalapuram Thrissur

ശ്രീ കുട്ടിയങ്കാവ് സംക്രമ വേള 2026 തിരുത്തിപ്പറമ്പ് ദേശം അമ്പലപുരം തൃശൂർ | Sri Kuttiyankavu Sankrama Vela 2026 Thiruthiparambu Desam Ambalapuram Thrissur

The Kuttiyankavu Sankrama Vela is one of the most celebrated and vibrant temple festivals in Thrissur, Kerala showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The festival is held annually in the Thiruthiparambu Desam of Ambalapuram and is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi. It is marked by an elaborate series of rituals, performances and processions that attract devotees and tourists alike from across the state. Preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, with traditional decorations cleaning of the temple premises, and the arrangement of elephants and musical instruments. The festival opens with the flag hoisting ceremony known locally as Vela Kodiyeettam which signifies the formal commencement of the celebrations. The atmosphere comes alive with the sound of Panchavadyam, a classical Kerala orchestra featuring five types of traditional instruments. This is accompanied by rhythmic Thimila and Maddalam performances, creating a pulsating and energetic environment.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Veeranatyam, a heroic dance performance that narrates mythological stories with vigorous movements and dramatic expressions. Alongside, the Pootham and Thira ritual dances add color and vibrancy to the festival with performers wearing elaborate masks and traditional costumes. These processions are led by beautifully adorned elephants, each decorated with Aanachamayam ornaments which form an iconic visual spectacle of the festival. The festival also features Kudamattam, a thrilling ritual where participants exchange colorful umbrellas in synchrony with percussion ensembles, symbolizing community harmony and devotion. In the evenings, the sky lights up with spectacular fireworks while devotees gather for Deeparadhana and Sandhya Vela ceremonies near the temple premises. Cultural performances by local groups, traditional percussion ensembles and contributions from neighboring desams add grandeur to the event. The Kuttiyankavu Sankrama Vela not only preserves traditional art forms but also strengthens the community spirit creating an experience that blends devotion, culture and entertainment seamlessly. For visitors it is a unique opportunity to witness Kerala’s temple festivities in their most authentic form.

EVENTS/PROGRAMS
January 30, 2026
• 7:00 PM – Vela Flag Hoisting and Procession
• 9.00 PM: Veeranatyam performance by Njarakkal Veeranadu team, Peruvalloor
• Venue: Ambalapuram Desa Vidyalayam
• 2.30 PM: Ponthudi Kalasangham, Thrikkadeeri Ottappalam

February 12, 2026
• 12.30 PM: Procession with Panchavadyam from Manakkulam Kovilakam
• 1.30 – 2.30 PM: Panchavadyam at Ambalapuram Centre
• 2.30 PM: Ponthudi Kalasangham, Ottappalam along with Pootham and Thira accompany the Vela from Ambalapuram Centre
• 3.00 PM: Panchavadyam from Athani Centre
• 3.30 PM: Procession reaches Anedath Mahavishnu Temple
• 4.45 PM: Arrival at Vela Pandal
• 5.00 PM: Kutti Ezhunnallippu, temple front percussion, Kudamattam, Harijan Velakal, Deeparadhana, Sandhya Vela
• 8.00 PM: Fireworks at Minaloor Desam
• 8.30 PM: Sariga Kalasamithi, Kairali Band, Shinkari Melam and Theyyam performance at Ambalapuram Centre

February 13, 2026
• 1.00 AM: Procession starts from Anedath Mahavishnu Temple to Athani Centre
• 2.00 AM: Panchavadyam at Athani Centre
• 4.30 AM: Arrival at Vela Pandal
• 5.15 AM: Kutti Ezhunnallippu, temple front percussion, Harijan Vela

Temple Location

📍 Kuttiyankavu Bhagavathi Temple, Athani, Minalur, Kerala 680581.

Accessibility

🏙️ Nearest Area/ Landmark: Athani, Minalur, Thrissur District – 200 m
🚌 Nearest Bus Station: Athani Junction Bus Stop – 200 m
🚂 Nearest Railway Station: Mulangunnathukavu / Wadakkanchery Railway Station – 12 km
✈️ Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Kochi) – 70 km