Join the Vairankode Vela festival from February 18 to 21, 2025, at the historic Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala. Immerse yourself in traditional performances like Poothan, Thira, and Theyyam, and witness the rich cultural heritage of Malappuram district.
The Vairankode Vela which is also called the Vairankode Theeyattulsavam is a lively annual festival at the Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple in Malappuram district, Kerala. This year, the celebrations are slated to run from February 18 to 21, 2025. The temple, which is believed to be over 1,500 years old, is dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali and holds great cultural and historical importance in the area.
Historical Significance
Constructed by the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal, the Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple is believed to house the sister deity of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy. Tradition holds that when the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal visit the temple, the Goddess rises and bows, leading them to refrain from entering the sanctum. The temple’s affairs are managed by the Koima (principalities) appointed by the Thamprakkal, ensuring that rituals and ceremonies adhere to age-old customs.
Festival Rituals and Cultural Events
The Vairankode Vela Festival extends over some days with some special kinds of religious and cultural performance each day:
- Maram Muri (February 18, 2025): This festival actually kicks off with the Maram Muri ritual in which a jackfruit tree will be cut for the wood preparation for the Kanalattam fire ritual.
- Cheriya Theeyattu (February 20, 2025): On the third day, the Cheriya Theeyattu features processions showcasing traditional folk art forms such as Poothan, Thira, Kattalan, and Pulikali from neighboring villages.
- Valiya Theeyattu (February 21, 2025): The festival concludes with a Valiya Theeyattu featuring Eratta Kaala, which are elaborately decorated effigies of bullocks. At night, the festival would end with Kanalattam ritual in which the devotees walk over the embers to demonstrate their devotion and spiritual stamina.
Cultural Significance
The Vairankode Vela Festival is proof of the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala. The festival grounds turn into a bustling marketplace that caters to local produce, handcraft, traditional snacks, and fresh catches from the vibrant freshwater fish market. In this regard, such a convergence would create a sense of community for the visitors and, thereby, give them an experience into the Keralite traditions in their full splendor.
Visiting Vairankode Vela Festival
For those willing to attend, Vairankode is approachable from Tirunnavaya Railway Station, which is at a distance of 4 km and Tirur Railway Station, which is at a distance of 10 km. The nearest airports to Calicut International Airport and Cochin International Airport are Calicut International Airport and Cochin International Airport. Local accommodations can be found in and around Tirur. The Vairankode Vela Festival provides an insight into the spiritual vigor and cultural vibrancy of Kerala; hence, it is an event to be attended for those visitors who like to dig deeper into the traditions of God’s Own Country.
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