Uthralikavu Pooram Festival in Kerala

Uthralikavu Pooram is the main festival celebrated in Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Wadakanchery, Thrissur District. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.The pooram is held during the month of February. The procession of the caparisoned elephants, during the day and night, accompanied by the resounding Panchavadyam and the Pandimelam is awe-inspiring. There are colorful events along with rituals and folk art performances in the evenings. The glow of the traditional temple lamps…

About Uthralikavu Pooram

Sree Ruthira Mahakaalikavu Temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The annual festival here is the most famous event in the region and is called the Uthralikavu Pooram. The eightday celebration is highlighted by elephant processions by day and night. The concluding day of the festival is celebrated as Pooram day, when twentyone elephants in traditional caparisons line up in the maidan (grounds) with mahouts sitting atop them holding colourful parasols and swaying white tufts and peacock feather fans.

Traditional musical ensembles like Panchavadyam, Pandimelam etc. add rhythm to this enchanting spectacle. The allnight Pooram is conducted in the glow of the traditional temple torches called Theevatti , which heightens its ethereal aura. The cultural fare during the festival includes temple and folk art performances.

Uthralikavu Pooram is famous for is its unique Fireworks, Panchavadyam and pageantry of Elephants, apart from many other events of attraction.The Nadapura Panchavadyan at Wadakanchery Siva temple is considered to be second best panchavadyan events among kerala festivals; the first being the famous Madathil varavu of Trichur pooram. Similarly, the fireworks at Uthralikavu Pooram is very much popular for its uniqueness. People from far off places come exclusively to enjoy it.

The pooram Ezhunallippu to Uthralikkavu from Lord Siva temple Wadakanchery has a historical background too. In earlier days theMaharaja of Kochi used to attend the festival along with the Ezhunallipu of Wadakanchery desam. During that two armed policemen used to escort the elephant carrying the Kolam of Devi. Though the dynasty of Maharajas ended half a centaury back, the tradition of armed policemen following the Ezhunallippu still continues.

Pooram may appear to an onlooker as a seasonal festival , a day of joy and merry making. But for a Wadakancherian it is a day of great meaning and purpose, a day of importance and significance, and a day of great many things for which he has been anxiously looking forward. In fact he feels on top of the world and his earthly Wadakanchery excels paradise if there is one.

The temple of Kali sitting under a Poovam tree is situated among paddy fields on the Thrissur - Shornur highway 2 kms. away from Wadakanchery town, becomes the focal point of attraction. The three desams surrounding the temple, viz. Wadakanchery, Enkakad and Kumaranellur participate in the pooram in competitive spirit and try to excel each other in the number of Elephants, in panchavadhyam and chendamelam, in putting up huge arches and gopurams specially for the festival, in the fireworks etc.

Getting there
Parithipra is just 2 km from Vadakkancherry on the way to Shornur.
Nearest railway station: Vadakkancherry.
Nearest airport: Kochi international airport, about 52 km from Thrissur town.

Interesting things to Visit

Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ’ Thrissur Pooram ’ the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.

Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.

The Church of Our Lady of Dolors
The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, Thrissur is also known as the New Church and is the biggest church in South Asia.

Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur
The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur is a depository of graceful stone sculptures, antique jewelry and intricately carved wooden handicrafts.

Thrissur Zoo
Thrissur Zoo houses a number of wildlife animals and attracts locals and tourists alike.

Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is ‘Punnathur Kotta’, the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.

The Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace, also known as Vadakkekara Palace was constructed by the great ruler of Cochin, Shakthan Thampuran and rebuilt in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran. The style of architecture bears considerable Dutch influences.

Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake.

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form.

Kerala Sahitya Academy
Kerala Sahitya Academy in collaboration with the Kendriya Sahitya Academy in New Delhi aims at encouraging Malayalam language and promoting its literature especially to the younger generations.

Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim tripto Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India’smost important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy
Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy (1962) was established in an attempt to promote the performing and fine arts of the state which had fallen into a decline.

Vilangan Kunnu
Vilangan Kunnu in Thrissur is a recreational center and a picnic spot where various amusement devices for children have been constructed.

Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy
Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy in Thrissur was established to promote dance, theater and music in Kerala. Thanks to its efforts Thrissur can now boast of a theatre with all modern amenities.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty , and is of 80 feet high.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Viyyoor Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala, India 0487 2363608

Peramangalam Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Anthikkad Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur, Kerala, India 04884 233100

Police Station
Guruvayoor, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police station
Kattoor Town, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Puvathur Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Police Station
Kodakara, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Nearest Hospital:

Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post, Thrissur, Kerala 680664, India 0480 2802022

Nilayoram Resorts & Ayurvedic Centre
Painkulam Post, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Kerala 679531, India 09847044244

Sree Chithra Ayur Home
Manathala, Chavakkad, Thrissur, Kerala 680506, India 09895091639
Category: Ayurveda Hospitals

Danya Hospitals
Thrissur, Kerala, India

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass, Ernakulam, Kerala 682304, India 0484 2302666

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam, Kerala 680562, India 0484 2680511

Electronics Diagnostics
Changampuzha Nagar, Opposite Federal Bank Atm, Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Kerala 680104, India 0484 2541951

Specialist Hospital
K C M Mather Road, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 0484 2395952

Janatha Hospital
Market Road, Alwaye Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala 680101, India 0484 2624931

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019, India 0484 2301922

Location info

Address:Sree Ruthira Mahakaalikavu (Uthralikavu) Temple, Parithipra, 2 km from Vadakancherry, Thrissur district, North Kerala.
District: Thrissur District
Nearest City: Wadakanchery
Best time to visit: February/March

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 Uthralikavu Pooram

Uthralikavu Pooram 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 Uthralikavu Pooram

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 Uthralikavu Pooram — 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

History of Uthralikavu Pooram

Uthralikavu Pooram 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 Uthralikavu Pooram

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.