Jagannatha Festival

Jagannatha Festival in Kerela

Celebrated In  : Kannur, Kerala
Centre of Activity : Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu
Held In : February / March
Duration of Festival : 8 Days

Jagannatha Utsavam is held in Madathilparambu, close to Kannur, every year during 17–25 February. The quite township bursts into a flurry of activities with religious conferences, fireworks, cultural programs and of course, elephant pageantry.

The Jagannatha Temple is one of the most revered Hindu shrine in this part of Kerala. The temple draws much of its fame from conducting inter-caste marriages, which is still considered a taboo in many parts of India.

Sree Narayana Guru, a celebrated social reformer of Kerala, founded the temple toward the beginning of the past century. It enshrines the idol of Lord Jagannatha (Siva). A statue of the founder is also housed in the temple.

Jagannatha Festival continues for eight days of celebration. The seventh day is considered the most auspicious. Seven elephants decked in gorgeous fineries and clothes make a procession. Hundreds and thousands of devotees throng at the temple from every part of Kerala on the occasion of Jagannatha Festival.

Another unique part of the Jagannatha Festival is the religious conferences. Scholars and social leaders from various corners of the state come to take part in the conferences.

Here also you would find the glorious showcasing of the cultural richness of the region. Mind-blowing performances of traditional music and dances are staged which bring forth the heritage of the region. Add to that the gastronomic delights. No festival in India, let alone Kerala, is complete without the celebration of its unparalleled culinary heritage. Jagannatha Festival gives you a good opportunity to savor the mouthwatering traditional delicacies of Kerala.

The event highlights religious conferences participated by eminent scholars and social reformers, elephant processions, fireworks display and cultural programmes.