Temple Festivals in and around Kochi
Kochi's temple festival season runs from November to April, and it is the best way to see caparisoned elephants, percussion ensembles and classical performance without a ticket. It opens at Tripunithura with the Vrischikolsavam of the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, eight days in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, between mid-November and mid-December, with elephant processions, melam, Kathakali and concerts; one study counted more than 40 elephants across the festival. In Makaram, between mid-January and mid-February, the Ernakulam Shiva Temple in the city centre holds its week-long festival, with the Pakalpooram procession to Durbar Hall Ground on the seventh day. Aluva Sivarathri, when pilgrims keep an all-night vigil on the Periyar sandbank at the Manappuram, falls on Saturday 6 March 2027. Chottanikkara, east of Tripunithura, is known for its Makam Thozhal, usually in February or March, and Thrikkakara's ten-day festival belongs to Onam, in September 2027. Exact dates follow the Malayalam calendar and are announced by each temple's Devaswom; those for 2026–27, other than Sivarathri, had not been confirmed when this page was written. The parading of elephants has also been the subject of court orders since late 2024, so formats can change.
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Good to know
- Confirm dates with the temple or the Devaswom board before travelling; they shift every year with the Malayalam calendar.
- Dress modestly. Many Kerala temples expect traditional dress in the inner areas, and some restrict entry to Hindus; the processions outside are open to all.
- Keep a safe distance from elephants, do not use flash, and follow the volunteers' barriers.
- Tripunithura and Aluva are both on the Kochi Metro, which is far easier than driving on festival days.
- Percussion and Kathakali often run late into the night. Check the last train or arrange a ride back.
Frequently asked questions
When is Vrischikolsavam at Tripunithura?
It runs for eight days in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, between mid-November and mid-December. The 2026 dates should be confirmed with the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple.
When is Aluva Sivarathri in 2027?
Maha Shivaratri falls on Saturday 6 March 2027. The vigil at the Aluva Manappuram is held that night.
Can non-Hindus attend temple festivals in Kochi?
The processions, percussion and performances in the outer grounds and streets are open to everyone. Entry to the inner temple is restricted at some temples.
Which temple festival is in Ernakulam city?
The Ernakulam Shiva Temple festival, in the month of Makaram (mid-January to mid-February), with its Pakalpooram procession to Durbar Hall Ground.
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