Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku Festival 2026

The famous Chamayavilakku Festival 2026 at Major Sree Kottankulangara Devi Temple, Chavara, Kollam will be celebrated from March 11 to March 25, 2026 (Kumbham 27 to Meenam 11). This temple comes under Travancore Devaswom Board and is one of the most unique temples in Kerala known for its world-famous Chamayavilakku ritual.

The festival is conducted with traditional temple rituals, tantric ceremonies, cultural programs, processions, and special offerings with the participation of devotees from different parts of Kerala.

About Kottankulangara Devi Temple

Kottankulangara Devi Temple is an ancient temple where Goddess Veerabhadrika is worshipped as a self-manifested deity. The temple has a special place among the major temples under Travancore Devaswom Board.

According to legend, the temple originated when cowherd boys struck a coconut on a stone and blood flowed from it. Later it was revealed through divine signs that the Goddess resided in that stone, and the temple was built there.

Even today, coconut offering called Kottan Nivedyam is an important ritual in this temple.

Chamayavilakku Festival Speciality

Chamayavilakku is one of the most famous temple festivals in Kerala. During this ritual, men dress as women and carry lamps as an offering to the Goddess.

This tradition started from the ancient belief that young boys once dressed as girls and offered lamps to the Goddess while worshipping the divine stone. This ritual continues even today with strict observance of vows and purity.

Thousands of devotees stand in long rows from Kunjalummoodu to Arattu Kadavu holding lamps and praying for blessings.

Festival Dates and Main Events

The festival begins on March 11, 2026 with flag hoisting and continues with daily rituals, poojas, and cultural events.

Important events include

• Thiruvabharanam procession

• Devi Ezhunnallathu

• Pongala

• Chamayavilakku on Meenam 10 and 11

• Arattu ceremony

The festival ends with Arattu ceremony on March 25, 2026 early morning.

Thiruvabharanam

On March 14, 2026, the sacred ornaments of the Goddess will be brought in a grand procession from Anandavalleeswaram Temple, Kollam to Kottankulangara Temple.

The procession passes through many temples and roads with traditional music, floats, elephants, and cultural performances before reaching the temple.

Devotees gather in large numbers to receive the blessings of the Goddess during this procession.

Pongala and Devotional Offerings

Special Pongala will be held at Kadathattuvayal on March 22, 2026 morning. Devotees should arrive with Pongala items and participate in the ritual.

Other important offerings include
Kottan Nivedyam
Pantheerunazhi
Payasam
Naranga Vilakku
Chandrapongala

These offerings are believed to bring prosperity, health, and success.

Chamayavilakku Instructions for Devotees

Devotees participating in Chamayavilakku must follow temple rules.
Men should wear proper traditional dress in female costume.
Lamps should be taken only after Deeparadhana.
Devotees must stand in rows along the road as instructed.
Only Chamayavilakku is allowed during these days.

Police, medical, fire force, and drinking water facilities will be available during the festival.

Invitation to Devotees

All devotees are requested to participate in the festival with devotion and cooperation. The festival is conducted by temple committee, festival committee, and devotees from Chavara, Puthukkadu, Kulangarabhagam, and Kottaykkakam areas together.

May Goddess Veerabhadrika bless all devotees with prosperity, health, and happiness.

Festival notice attached below.