Behold this sight: Still waters reflecting a sky full of playful clouds and stars. There enters procession of colourful, illuminated canoes carrying huge replica of Elamkavu Bhagavathy temple rippling the water while it slowly floats towards the temple. You just witnessed Attuvela Mahotsavam; Kerala’s annual floating festival, a feast for the eyes, indeed!

Attuvela Mahotsavam

Attuvela Mahotsavam, according to legends, is a ceremony to welcome the Goddess of Kodungalloor who comes to visit her sister, the Goddess of Elamkavu.

Spanning over two days, this grandiose procession starts from Attuvela Kadavu, 2 km away from the Elankavu Bhagavathy temple which is located at Vadayar village in the Kottayam district in Kerala. It is dedicated to the Goddess and is celebrated in the ‘Meenam’ month of the Malayalam calendar which falls during March-April in the Gregorian calendar.

Kerala’s temple festivals are well known for their elephant displays and loud percussion. However, the Attuvela Mahotsavam, is unusually serene and delightfully quiet. The hordes of decorated small canoes accompanied by traditional temple music create a divine spectacle like the Goddess herself has descended to glide through the river waters to unite with her sister.

A visual treat for the all the visitors, Kerala’s Attuvela Mahotsavam attracts thousands of people every year, and rightfully so!