The uncertainty surrounding the Mahamagh Kumbhmela has come to an end, with the Malappuram district administration granting conditional permission to resume preparations for the mega religious event scheduled from January 18, 2026 to February 3, 2026. The decision follows days of anxiety among organisers and devotees after authorities issued a stop memo halting construction-related activities at the venue.
With the Revenue authorities now allowing work to continue, preparations have restarted for the Kumbhmela–Mahamagh Maholsavam at Tirunavaya, on the banks of the Bharatapuzha, the second-longest river Kerala.
The permission was granted after a meeting convened by the Malappuram district Collector with the event organisers, during which it was resolved to allow preparatory works, including the construction of a temporary bridge on the sandy river banks, subject to strict conditions.
Reports indicate that the Collector issued detailed guidelines, with the safety of participants and conservation of the river cited as the primary concerns. The latest development assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent action by the Tirunavaya Village Officer, who had issued a stop memo terming the temporary construction works illegal.
The order had stated that the construction of the temporary bridge without prior permission and the removal of sand from the riverbed using earth movers were violations. However, the organisers opposed the move, protested against the stop memo, and declared that the programme and festival would go ahead as scheduled.
More than ten lakh devotees are expected to participate in the Kumbhmela. The event is being led by Juna Akhada, one of the oldest Hindu monastic orders in the country. The initiative aims to revive the Maha Makham, an ancient festival that was held in Kerala until around 250 years ago.
Rituals and poojas are set to begin on January 16, marking the official commencement of the event. The rituals will be guided by Swami Abhinava Balananda Bhairava. Devotees from various Hindu orders in Kerala will perform rituals and ancestral rites in accordance with their respective customs.
The Veerasadhana Kriya of the Pitru Yana will be performed under the guidance of Ayinipulli Vaishakh, while the Vedic Shraddha ritual will be guided by Cherumukku Vaidikan Vallabhan Akkithirippad on January 17.
‘Mahamagha Sabhapati’ Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati stated that every step has been taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals, ceremonies and programmes, and to facilitate the participation of the maximum number of devotees.
Over the past few days, devotees from across the state had been anxious about whether the Kumbhmela would take place as planned. Given that the event is being organised after more than 250 years, enthusiasm remains high. With the impasse now resolved, devotees have expressed relief and renewed eagerness to participate in the historic gathering.
Maha Makham was historically observed at Thirunavaya during the period of Cheraman Perumal and took place once every twelve years. Regarded as the southern counterpart of the Kumbh Mela of north India, the sacred congregation was later shifted to Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The forthcoming ‘Kumbh Mela’ at Thirunavaya is being organised under the supervision of the Swami Anandavanam Bharathi–led Juna Akhara, the largest monastic order in India and a key body associated with the Kumbh Mela tradition.
