2026 ഫെബ്രുവരി 15 മുതൽ 24 വരെ ഇടവ പാലക്കാവ് ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിൽ കാർത്തിക തിരുനാൾ മഹോത്സവം സമ്പൂർണ്ണ പാരമ്പര്യ ശാസ്ത്രീയ ചടങ്ങുകളും സാംസ്കാരിക പരിപാടികളും ഭക്തി അനുഷ്ഠാനങ്ങളും ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തി ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു.
കാർത്തിക തിരുനാൾ മഹോത്സവം 2026 ഇടവ പാലക്കാവ് ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം തിരുവനന്തപുരം | Karthika Thirunal Mahotsavam 2026 Edava Palakkavu Bhagavathi Temple Trivandrum
The Karthika Thirunal Mahotsavam at Edava Palakkavu Bhagavathi Temple in Trivandrum is one of the most vibrant and spiritually enriching temple festivals in Kerala. Celebrated annually during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, this grand 10-day festival attracts devotees from across the state and beyond.
The festivities are marked by a unique blend of religious rituals, cultural performances and traditional art forms offering visitors a deep insight into Kerala’s rich temple heritage.
Each day of the festival begins with the Nirmalya Darshanam allowing devotees to witness the divine aura of the goddess in the early hours. This is followed by various poojas and homams including the Ganapathi Homam, Ushah Pooja and Kumkuma Abhishekam performed by skilled priests following strict tantric traditions. The daily Sopana Sangeetham and Bhagavata Parayanam add a serene musical dimension to the rituals creating an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.
A distinctive feature of the festival is Thottampattu, a devotional ritual song performed in praise of the goddess accompanied by traditional percussion instruments. Cultural programs such as classical dance performances, folk music revivals and drama enactments are staged on different days, highlighting Kerala’s artistic legacy. The festival also includes flag hoisting ceremonies, lamp lighting rituals and processions that involve the active participation of local communities.
One of the highlights of the Mahotsavam is Annadanam, the offering of free meals to devotees which is conducted on all ten days reflecting the temple’s commitment to service and charity. Special arrangements are made for the comfort of visitors including seating, parking and accommodation facilities. Contributions to the festival can be made online through official accounts making it accessible to devotees from anywhere.
EVENTS/PROGRAMS
• 5:00 AM – Nirmalya Darshanam
• 5:15 AM – Prabhatha Bheri (Morning Drum Procession)
• 5:30 AM – Ganapathi Homam
• 7:00 AM – Ushah Pooja & Kumkuma Abhishekam
• 7:30 AM – Sopana Sangeetham & Panthiradi Pooja
• 10:30 AM – Bhagavata Parayanam & Uchha Pooja
• 2:30 PM – Annadanam (Free Meal Distribution)
• 6:00 PM – Deepa Aradhana (Evening Lamp Ceremony)
• 7:00 PM – Athazha Pooja
16/02/2026 (Sunday)
• 8:00 AM – Classical Dance Performances
• 10:00 AM – Rituals and Offerings
• 4:00 PM – Kaikottikali (Women’s Traditional Dance)
• 6:00 PM – Music Ensembles & Devotional Songs
17/02/2026 (Monday)
• 8:30 AM – Daily Rituals & Poojas
• 10:00 AM – Thiruvathirakali (Women’s Dance)
• 5:00 PM – Stage Program – Cultural Performances
• 6:30 PM – Dreams Voice Music Program
• 7:30 PM – Devotional Music & Sopana Sangeetham
18/02/2026 (Tuesday)
• 11:00 AM – Nagarkkalam (Ritual Floor Drawing & Songs)
• 12:00 PM – Dance Evening – Neenaroyi & Ashwathi
• 5:00 PM – Deeparadhana & Evening Poojas
• 6:00 PM – Tenth Aarattu
• 6:30 PM – Ottanthullal Performance – Kiratham
• 7:00 PM – Horses, Bulls, Chariots, Vel Procession
• 7:30 PM – Valiyaaraattu Procession – Northern & Cherumukham
• 8:00 PM – Eleventh Aarattu, Athazha Pooja, Kalampattu
• 9:00 PM – Tholpavakoothu
• 9:30 PM – Elephant Arrival & Ezunnallippu
19/02/2026 (Wednesday)
• 5:00 PM – Drama Performance – “Vartha” by Padma Shri Thilakan & Aksharajwala
• 6:30 PM – Devotional Music & Stage Performances
20/02/2026 (Thursday)
• 5:30 PM – Thottampattu (Festival Ritual Song)
• 7:30 PM – Superhit Track Musical Program by Edava Sagar & Party
21/02/2026 (Friday)
• 7:30 AM – Thottampattu Lamp Lighting Ceremony
• 10:00 AM – Karaoke Music Program
• 5:00 PM – Gandharva Sangeetham Orchestra, Trivandrum
• 6:30 PM – Devotional Programs
22/02/2026 (Saturday)
• 1:30 PM – Folk Revival & Nadan Pattu (Traditional Folk Songs)
• 2:30 PM – Utsavabali Darshanam (Festival Offering Ceremony)
• 6:00 PM – Thottampattu Lamp Lighting Ceremony
23/02/2026 (Sunday)
• 7:00 AM – Poomadikarmam (Morning Offerings)
• 7:30 AM – Tulaabharam (Weighing Offering) & Lamp Lighting
• 10:00 AM – Pallivetta
• 11:00 AM – Pallividya
• 12:00 PM – Pallinidra
24/02/2026 (Monday)
• All Day – Closing Rituals & Final Annadanam
• Live Coverage – Official Facebook Page of Palakkavu Bhagavathi Temple
For more details about the events please see the notices provided below
Temple Location
Accessibility
🏙️ Nearest Town / Landmark / Junction: Vettakada / Edava Junction – 500 m
🚌 Nearest Bus Station: Edava Bus Stop – 1 Km
🚂 Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Railway Station – 6 Km
✈️ Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport – 45 Km
