Attuvela Mahotsavam – Kerala Hindu Festival

The Attuvela Mahotsavam is a grandiose water carnival as opposed to many of usual temple festivals celebrated in God’s own country, Kerala where elephants play an important role and is a center of attraction.

The festival is continued for two days. The Attuvela Mahotsavam is associated with the Elankavu Bhagavathy temple, sited at Vadayar village 3 kilometers far from Vaikom, of Kottayam district in Kerala. Goddess Bhagavathy is installed and worshiped in this temple. The festival is celebrated in ‘Meenam’ month of Malayalam calendar which corresponds to March-April of Gregorian calendar.

The Goddess of Elamkavu is believed to be the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. According to the legend associated with the festival that this day celebrates the welcome ceremony for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy to Elankavu who came to visit the goddess here.

Elamkavu Bhagavathy temple is a visual treat to the eyes of the visitors during festival time. A procession of devotees carrying beautifully decorated and warmly lit canoes, and huge colorful replica of the Elankavu temple navigate down the river Moovattupuzha waters.

In addition, the procession is also accompanied by hordes of festooned small canoes and traditional temple music. This water procession starts from the Attuvela kadavu, 2 kilometers away from the temple.

Attuvela Mahotsavam: Getting There

Vaikom is between Ernakulam (30 km) and Kottayam (40 km).

By Rail:

The nearest railway station is Ernakulam which is about 30 km away from Vaikom.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 50 km away.

Time to Celebrate:

The festival is celebrated in ‘Meenam’ month of Malayalam calendar which corresponds to March-April of Gregorian calendar.