Thirunavaya (Malappuram): The Thirunavaya Mahamagha Mahotsavam, widely described as the Kumbh Mela of Kerala, formally commenced on Friday with special pujas and ritual observances. The inaugural day’s ceremonies were held in the presence of Mahamagha Sabhapati Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi and Sri Shakti Shantananda Maharshi, Managing Trustee of the Swami Satyananda Saraswati Foundation and National General Secretary of the Sri Ramadasa Mission Universal Society.
The rituals were conducted under the guidance of Swami Abhinava Balananda Bhairava. Devotees belonging to various Hindu sects from across Kerala participated in deity worship and ancestral rites, performing rituals in accordance with their respective traditions and customary practices.
A key highlight of the day was the Veera Sadhana Kriya of Pitruyanam, performed under the leadership of Ayinipulli Vaisakh Acharya. This sacred ritual is based on the belief that when ancestral souls attain peace and contentment, karmic obstacles in the lives of descendants are removed, paving the way for prosperity and well-being.
Vedic Shraddha rituals today
Vedic Shraddha rituals will be held from 6 am on Saturday under the leadership of Cherumukku Vallabhan Akkithiripad. According to traditional belief, these rites purify ancestral spirits, elevate them to the divine realm, and invoke their blessings for the living. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is scheduled to inaugurate the Mahamagha festival at 11 am on the 19th. On the same day, the Mahameru Rath Yatra will commence from Tamil Nadu and proceed to the Trimurti Sangam at Thirunavaya. The Rath Yatra will be led by Dr. Srinath Karayat, Acharya of the Bharatiya Dharmaprachara Sabha, along with Yatheesanandanathan. Preparations for the festival, which will continue until February 3, are progressing at full pace in and around the Navamukunda Temple premises and along the banks of the Bharathapuzha river.
#WATCH | Malappuram, Kerala: Swami Anandavanam Bharathi Maharaj says, "… It is a spiritual congregation comparable to the Kumbh Mela of South India… The festival is believed to have begun during the reign of Cheraman Perumal and later continued under the leadership of the… https://t.co/xudZaxgpv3 pic.twitter.com/TyDhkWuDzc
— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2026
As part of the Mahamagha Mahotsavam, the ceremonial flag, Dwaja sthambham (flagpole) and lamp will depart from Aliparamba Kalari on Sunday in a grand procession to the festival venue. Swami Anandavanam Bharathi Maharaj will inaugurate the procession and associated programmes at 9 am.
Prior to this, sacred lamps from the Arakkuparamba Ardhanariswara Temple and the Kalikadavu Mahakalik Temple will arrive at the Kalari. Following the recitation of the Sahasranama and Devi Mahatmyam, the procession will commence on the 10th. Cultural programmes will also be held in connection with the mahostsavam. These include a Naga song performance at Aliparamba Kalari at 3 pm on Sunday, a folk rendition associated with Poothan and Thira at 4 pm, dance performances by Lakshmi Nandana at 5 pm, bhajans by Sithani Bhajans at 6 pm, and a Kalaripayattu demonstration by the Atma Kalari Sangham led by Vipin Gurus at 8.30 pm.
