Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

About Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is a festival held in Kanathoor, Kasargod district, kerala.Theyyam, the colourful ritual dance of Kerala is one of the oldest art forms of India. It incorporates dance, mime and music and the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures, which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits.This is a well recognized form of Theyyam festivals which is held around the time of New Years Eve. It is seen that the tentative date is from 6th December to 6th January. The theyyams at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam which should ritualistically be held from December 28-January 1 are really splendid. It is considered to be a real visual treat for the tourists who flock at the spots during the festive season.Theyyam celebrates primarily the Mother Goddess. Animals, serpents and trees also figure in worship as promising entities. Theyyam festival at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam highlights the worship of deity and that with her associates. Variety of theyyams is presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.

The annual ten-day Theyyam festival held at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams where the colorful ritual dance of Kerala, is recognised as one of the oldest folk art forms of India. An array of theyyams, the fascinating dance form of Kannur, including Chamundi theyyam, Vishnumoorthy theyyam and so on are presented at this festival. This festival is very popular and splendid. The spot is about 20 km from Kasaragod railway station and about 50 km from Mangalore airport. Thefestival gives a real visual treat for the tourists who come from the distant places and flock at the spots during the festival.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police Station
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Ullal, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Bantwal, Karnataka.

Kadri Police Station
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Nearest Hospital:

SCS Hospitals Pvt Ltd
Upper Bendoor, Hospital
Kankanady, Mangalore
Karnataka 575002
Tel: 0824 2225201.

Shankarambal Hospitals
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka
Tel: 080 2221 0323.

AJ Hospital
Kuntikana, Bejai
Mangalore, Karnataka 57500
Tel: 0824 2225533.

Athena College Of Nursing
Athena Hospital Complex
Falnir Road, Falnir
Mangalore, Karnataka 575001
Tel: 0824 2422244.

Indira Hospital Research & Diagnostic Centre
Mother Teresa Road
Falnir, Mangalore
Karnataka 575002
Tel: 0824 243011.

Location info

• Address: Kanathoor, Kasargod district, Kerala, India.

• District: Kasargod district

• Nearest City: Kanhangad, kudlu, Mangalore and Thiruvallam

• Best time to visit: December To January.

Things to do at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Watch the Variety of Variety of theyyams is presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.

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 Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam 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 Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town 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 Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam — 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

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam 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 visit & highlights

The grand procession with caparisoned elephants, the traditional percussion ensembles, the colourful umbrellas and ceremonial fans, the spectacular fireworks displays, the traditional performing arts presented during the festival, and the vibrant festive atmosphere with thousands of devoted participants.

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.