Kandothidam Sree Someshwari Temple

About this event

Kandothidam Sree Someshwari Temple, at Kandagali in Payyanur, Kannur district, hosts the annual Pattu Mahotsavam, an eight-day festival held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January). The temple is regarded as an ancient shrine in the Payyanur region, and the festival is conducted in honour of Goddess Someshwari. The name Kandothidam is traditionally associated with the belief that the goddess was discovered at this place, while local tradition attributes the installation of the deity to Soman, a saint associated with a palace. The Pattu Mahotsavam combines daily temple rituals with traditional music, percussion, processions and cultural programmes, making it an important expression of the ritual culture of northern Kerala. Ceremonial observances during the festival include Valezhunnellathu, Special Navakam, Uchapooja, Thidambezhunnellathu, Sreebhoothabali, processions to the kavu and Kavil Pattu. Thayambaka is a prominent feature of the festival, while music, dance, drama and folk-song programmes provide a wider cultural component. An Akshara Slokham competition is also associated with the celebrations. The final two days feature additional traditional performances including Ettam Pattu, Kalathilari, Thidambunirtham and Kaliyattam. These activities bring together ritual worship and performing arts within the temple’s traditional setting, allowing devotees and visitors to experience several elements of northern Kerala’s living cultural heritage. The festival is organised according to the temple’s annual ritual calendar and attracts substantial local participation. Kerala Tourism records approximately 15,000 participants and classifies the festival as a local event. The temple is located in Kandagali, within Payyanur Municipality, and its setting forms part of the cultural landscape around Payyanur, a region known for its long-standing temple traditions and ritual arts. Visitors attending the festival should remember that the ceremonies are religious observances and should follow the customs of the temple and directions from those conducting the rituals. The Pattu Mahotsavam is therefore best experienced as a living temple festival combining devotional worship, traditional percussion, ritual processions and regional performing arts rather than simply as a cultural stage programme. Its eight-day format and distinctive combination of religious and artistic practices make it a significant annual celebration associated with Kandothidam Sree Someshwari Temple.

🚆 Railway: Payyanur Railway Station – approximately 2 km from Kandothidam Sree Someshwari Temple.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport – approximately 152 km from the temple, according to Kerala Tourism.

🚌 Bus: The nearest bus point listed by Kerala Tourism is Kandankali Post Office, approximately 220 metres from the temple. Local road transport from Payyanur is also available.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges and homestays are available in Payyanur and the surrounding area. Accommodation should be confirmed in advance during the eight-day festival.

✅ Notes: The verified event is Pattu Mahotsavam, not a generic “Kandothidam Sree Someshwari Temple Festival.” It is held annually for eight days during Dhanu (December–January). Thayambaka, traditional rituals, cultural programmes and Kaliyattam are among the documented festival features. Dates for the specific year should be confirmed with the temple before travelling.