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Uthralikavu Pooram, Wadakkanchery
Three villages bring their processions to the goddess in the paddy fields
Uthralikavu Pooram is the annual festival of the Uthrali Sree Rudhira Mahakali Kavu, a small Bhadrakali shrine among paddy fields near Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, Kerala. It falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, in February or March, and its last day brings a procession of 21 caparisoned elephants, percussion ensembles and fireworks. Next date: 2 March 2027 (expected).
The date follows the rule, so it is known ahead; the Wadakkanchery local holiday is announced a few days before.
The legend
The small Mahakali temple at Uthralikavu stands among paddy fields 2 km from Wadakkanchery, ringed by hills, its grounds shaped like an arena.
The festival flag goes up on the second Tuesday of Kumbham, the day of nearby Machad Mamangam, and the pooram itself follows a week later.
Processions from three neighbouring village temples come to the goddess: Engakkad, Kumaranellur and Wadakkanchery.
Customs
Nadappura panchavadyam
Leading percussionists of central Kerala play the panchavadyam, a five-instrument ensemble, in the temple's nadappura gallery.
Kuthira vela
Village communities bring out a procession of large wooden horses.
Fireworks
Fireworks go off twice, around 4 pm and again at 4 am the next day, with the hills around the valley carrying the echo.
What the pooram looks like
Kerala Tourism describes the kavu (sacred grove) as a small shrine in the middle of a wide stretch of paddy, shaded by banyan trees; the presiding deity is Bhadrakali, the fierce form of the goddess. The annual festival lasts eight days, with special programmes, folk art forms and Kathakali each day. The panchavadyam, pandi and panchari melams, the great percussion ensembles of central Kerala, are part of what the festival is known for.
On the pooram day processions come from the neighbouring villages of Engakkad, Kumaranellur and Wadakkanchery, and on the last day 21 elephants line up together, a display Kerala Tourism says is known across Kerala for its splendour, colour and rhythm. The fireworks go off twice, in the afternoon and again before dawn, and the hills around the valley carry the sound.
The festival flag goes up on the day of the nearby Machad Mamangam, and the pooram follows a week later. A local holiday is usually declared for the Wadakkanchery municipal area on that day.
Getting there
The temple stands about 2 km from Wadakkanchery town, in the north of Thrissur district.
- By train
Kerala Tourism names Thrissur as the nearest railway station, about 21 km away.
- By air
The nearest airport is Cochin International, about 72 km away. See Kochi airport for getting out of it.
Etiquette and safety
The pooram is a temple festival first. A few things help.
- Keep clear of the elephants — Stand behind the line the crowd keeps and follow the mahouts' and police instructions. Do not walk between the animals for a photo.
- Fireworks — Watch from the distance the organisers and police set; the display is loud.
- Temple dress — Modest clothing, shoes off where the temple asks. Follow what local devotees do.
- Crowds — Agree a meeting point and keep your phone and money in a front pocket. General advice: is India safe.
Other poorams of the season
Uthralikavu is one of the poorams of the Thrissur area. Kerala Tourism notes that festival dates follow the Malayalam calendar and local custom and should be treated as approximate, so confirm with the temple. Nearby festivals worth combining: Machad Mamangam a week earlier, Peruvanam Pooram and, later in spring, Thrissur Pooram.
FAQ
When is Uthralikavu Pooram?
2 March 2027 (expected). It falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, a week after Machad Mamangam, in late February or early March.
Where is the Uthralikavu temple?
In the paddy fields about 2 km from Wadakkanchery, Thrissur district, Kerala. Thrissur railway station is about 21 km away.
Which deity is worshipped at Uthralikavu?
Bhadrakali, a fierce form of the goddess. The shrine is called Uthrali Sree Rudhira Mahakali Kavu.
How many elephants take part?
On the last day 21 caparisoned elephants take part in the procession, according to Kerala Tourism.
How long does the festival last?
Kerala Tourism describes an eight-day temple festival; the flag goes up a week before the pooram day.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.