Uthralikavu Pooram 2025 - Tuesday

Another illustrious temple festival of south India is Uthralikavu Pooram celebrated in Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, Parithipra, in Vadakkancherry, Thrissur District of north Kerala. The temple is dedicated to the mighty Goddess Kali

The festival is held annually in the Malayalam month Kumbham or February/March. The festivity continues for eight days.

Uthralikavu Pooram is a vibrant temple festival celebrated in Wadakkanchery, a town in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. This festival is held at the Uthralikavu temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is renowned for its grand display of traditional art forms, cultural events, and the majestic procession of richly decorated elephants.

The elephant processions in the gala are the main highlight all through day and night. Pooram day is celebrated on eighth and last day; procession of twenty one elephants caparisoned with beautiful ornaments along with Panchvadyam and Pandimelam is overwhelming.

These traditionally decorated elephants line up in the ground with mahouts sitting atop them and hold colourful parasols and swaying venchamarams (white tufts) and Aalavattams (peacock feather fans).

The cultural fare during the festival includes temple and folk art performances which provide magical spectacles to the viewers. The colorful events along with rituals and folk art performances in the evenings cast a spell to everyone. The glow of the traditional temple torches called Theevatti provides startling view. The festivities end with the spectacular all-night pooram pageant on the last day, the highlight of the festival. The pageant and festivities lasts until dawn and draws to a close with brilliant fireworks.

Key highlights of Uthralikavu Pooram include:

1. Elephant Procession: One of the main attractions is the parade of elephants, which are adorned with ornate decorations. The procession is accompanied by traditional percussion music, known as Panchavadyam and Pandi Melam.

2. Fireworks Display: The festival features a spectacular fireworks show, which is a major draw for spectators.

3. Cultural Performances: Various traditional art forms, including classical dances and folk performances, are showcased during the festival.

4. Panchavadyam and Melam: These are traditional Kerala orchestras involving a combination of instruments like chenda, ilathalam, kombu, and kuzhal, creating a rhythmic and energetic musical experience.

rooted in the traditions of Kerala. Its significance can be understood on several levels:

Religious Significance

1. Devotion to Goddess Kali: The festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, a powerful deity in Hinduism symbolizing strength and protection. Devotees come to seek her blessings, pray for prosperity, and offer their respects.

2. Rituals and Offerings: Various rituals are performed during the festival, which include offerings and prayers. These rituals are believed to purify the devotees and bring good fortune.

Cultural Significance

1. Showcase of Kerala's Traditions: Uthralikavu Pooram is a platform for showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage. The festival features traditional music, dance, and other art forms that are integral to the state's identity.

2. Elephant Procession: The parade of elephants, beautifully decorated, is a significant cultural element. It symbolizes the grandeur and majesty of Kerala's temple festivals.

3. Community Involvement: The festival fosters a sense of community and togetherness. People from various walks of life come together to participate and enjoy the celebrations.

Economic Significance

1. Tourism: Uthralikavu Pooram attracts numerous tourists, both domestic and international, boosting local tourism and the economy.

2. Local Businesses: The festival provides a boost to local businesses, including vendors, artisans, and performers, who benefit from the influx of visitors.

Social Significance

1. Unity and Harmony: The festival is an occasion where people from different communities and backgrounds come together, promoting unity and harmony.

2. Preservation of Heritage: By celebrating Uthralikavu Pooram, the community helps preserve and pass down traditional practices and cultural values to future generations.

Time to Celebrate

Uthralikavu Pooram is celebrated annually in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, which corresponds to February-March in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of the festival varies each year as it is determined by the Malayalam lunar calendar. The festival is held annually in the Malayalam month Kumbham or February/March. The festivity continues for eight days.

Getting There

Parithipra is a location near Wadakkanchery in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. If you're planning to visit Parithipra, especially for an event like Uthralikavu Pooram, here are the ways you can reach there:

By Air

The nearest airport to Parithipra is Cochin International Airport (also known as Kochi Airport), which is approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Wadakkanchery and then travel to Parithipra.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Wadakkanchery Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India. From the railway station, Parithipra is a short drive away. You can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus to reach your destination.

By Road

1. From Thrissur: Parithipra is about 20 kilometers from Thrissur. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach there. The route usually involves taking the Thrissur-Kunnamkulam Road and then diverting towards Wadakkanchery.

2. From Kochi: The distance from Kochi to Parithipra is approximately 80 kilometers. You can take National Highway 544 (NH 544) towards Thrissur and then follow the same route towards Wadakkanchery.

3. From Palakkad: Parithipra is around 50 kilometers from Palakkad. You can take State Highway 22 (SH 22) towards Thrissur and follow directions towards Wadakkanchery.

By Bus

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses operate frequent services to Wadakkanchery from major towns and cities in Kerala. From Wadakkanchery, local buses or auto-rickshaws can take you to Parithipra.

Local Transport

Once you reach Wadakkanchery, local transport options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available to take you to Parithipra.