The Attuvela Mahotsavam is a two-day water carnival that takes place in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Held in the ‘Meenam’ month of the Malayalam calendar, this festival centres on the Goddess Bhagavathy who is believed to be a powerful goddess of this region and is worshipped with immense respect.
The essence of the Attuvela Mahotsavam festival is the procession of lit up canoes that carry huge temple replicas through the water towards the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple. Goddess Bhagavathy being the presiding idol in this temple is worshipped during this Mahotsavam. Accompanying the procession are many small canoes which are beautifully decorated with vibrant colours, and percussion music from temple is played along with.
The Goddess of Elankavu is said to be the sister of Goddess of Kodungallur. According to a popular belief, Kodungallur Bhagavathy comes to visit her sister goddess Bhagavathy of Elankavu on this day. This occasion is celebrated as a welcome ceremony to her sister’s land in a special way.
The Attuvela Mahotsavam Festival is attended by thousands of people making the event even more beautiful as the illuminated canoes carrying Elankavu temple replica become a visual treat to the eyes of the on-seers.
Attuvela Mahotsavam - Venue
The Attuvela Mahotsavam Festival will take place at the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple which is 3 kms away from Vaikom, in the Kottayam district of Kerala. You can take a flight to the nearest airport, Cochin International Airport, which is 50 kms away from Vaikom. If coming by train, Ernakulam is the nearest railway station which is 30kms away from the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple. The temple is well connected via roads to other parts of the state. Read more on How to get to Kerala
