Jagannatha Festival

About Jagannatha Festival

Jagannatha Temple is located in Madathilparambu, Near Thalassery, Kannur District, Kerala.The Jagannath Festival is one the most important festivals of this state as it is celebrated to pay homage to the lord Jaggannath.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.The idol of Lord Siva, the presiding deity was installed here by the famous social reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru on 13th February, 1908. The seventh day of the festival is the most auspicious.This Festival is a very colourful festival which is celebrated from eight days and is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February or March).The quite township bursts into a flurry of activities with religious conferences, fireworks, cultural programs and of course, elephant pageantry.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).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 ofKerala on the occasion of Jagannatha Festival.

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.The seventh day of the festival is the most auspicious.

Interesting things to Visit

Tellicherry Fort:

22 kms from Kannur, the fort constructed in 1708,was the military centre of the British and is now a historical monument. The S.A.I. Gymnastic Centre, an old Muslim Mosque.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach:

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is Located 11 kms from kannur, this beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala. Famous is this beautiful golden color sand beach in kerala. It is truly a loner’s delight. The quietness of the surrounding is an experience in itself. Its one of those rare occassions when silence attracts more attention than noise.

Ezhimala:

At an altitude of 286 m Ezhimala has fascinating scultured stone pillars scattered all over the beach. There is also an ancient mosque on a hill nearby.

Payyambalam Beach Resort:

The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepcti ve of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or’ Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.

Moppila Bay:

Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countriea, in imports. Today , Mopilla bay has turned into a modernised fishing harbour.

Sri Krishna Temple:

This temple is located at Kadalayi about 6 km from Kannur. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. An eight day annual festival is celebrated here. Traditional art performances like the Kathakali, the Ottamthullal, etc., are performed during the festival.

Parassinikadavu:

It is situated about 16 km from Kannur. The charm of this place is added by the serene `Valapattanam River`. The famous Sri Muthappan temple is situated on the beautiful banks, which makes the place a popular pilgrim centre. Boating facility and accommodations are available. An entertaining snake park is situated nearby, with 3 snake pits, 15 glass cases and 2 glass houses exclusively for King Cobras.

Muzhapilangad Beach:

This beach is situated about 15 km from Kannur. It has a stretch of about 4 km along the shallow waters, which is probably the only drive-in beach in Kerala. The clean waters here are the characteristic of this beautiful beach, which is well suited for swimming.

Valapattanam:

The small town on the Valapattanam river is situated about 7 kms from Kannur. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby.

Arakkal Kettu:

Arakkal Kettu, is located about 3 km from Kannur. It was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala.

Meenkunnu Beach:

Meenkunnu Beach, is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala, India. It is endowed with vast stretch of golden sand and coconut trees.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
NH 17, Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Old Police Station
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Edacheri Police Station
SH 54, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Co operative Hospital
NH 17, Koduvally
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Josegiri Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala

Mission Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

General Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Santhosh Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Shreyas Hospital
Kayalode Kadirur Road
Kadirur, Kannur
Kerala.

Unity Hospital
SH 30, Thalassery
Kannur, Kerala.

Useful Links

http://jrmaroli.blogspot.com/2008/09/thalassery.html
http://topics4all.blogspot.com/2008/06/places-of-interest-in-tellicherry.html

Location info

kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Jagannatha Festival

Jagannatha Festival takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Jagannatha Festival

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Jagannatha Festival — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Guruvayoor Temple, Athirappilly Waterfall, Vazhachal Waterfall, Punnathur Kotta, Kerala Kalamandalam, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Vilangan Hills

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Jagannatha Festival

Jagannatha Festival is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Things to do at Jagannatha Festival

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.