Thayineri Sree Kurinji Temple

About this event

Kaliyatta Mahotsavam at Thayineri Sree Kurinji Temple in Payyanur, Kannur district, is an annual traditional festival centred on Theyyam, ritual worship and community participation. Held according to the Malayalam calendar during Makaram, generally in January or February, the celebration brings the temple precinct to life with a series of ritual and cultural observances associated with the local sacred traditions of northern Kerala. Thayineri Sree Kurinji Temple is particularly noted for its Theyyam festival and the distinctive presence of the Meleri, a ceremonial fire pit lit within the temple compound. The festival features several important Theyyam performances, including Poomaruthan, Madayil Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, Vishnumoorthy, Ottakkolam and Puthiya Bhagavathy. These ritual performances combine elaborate costumes, striking headgear, detailed face painting, rhythmic movement, chants and traditional percussion, creating an intense ceremonial atmosphere in which the performers represent the respective deities. The festival programme extends beyond Theyyam and can include cultural meetings, spiritual discourses, seminars, drama, musical programmes, Thalappoli and other community activities. Kerala Tourism records the main Theyyam performances of Poomaruthan and Madayil Chamundi as important features of the celebration, while the temple's setting and traditions reflect the close relationship between sacred groves, local communities and ritual worship in North Malabar. A distinctive legend associated with the temple tells of a Kurinji sapling brought by the head of the Punnaakkan joint family and planted at the site after being imbued with divine significance; the growth of the sapling into a grove is connected with the identity and traditions of the shrine. The festival therefore represents more than a sequence of performances: it is a living ritual tradition in which worship, folklore, music, visual art and community participation come together. The Theyyam ceremonies are conducted according to established local customs, and the festival calendar changes according to the Malayalam calendar. The annual celebration provides an opportunity to observe several important Theyyam forms within the same sacred setting while experiencing the distinctive ritual culture of Payyanur and northern Kerala. As with other Theyyam festivals, visitors should approach the ceremonies respectfully and follow instructions from the temple authorities and organisers, particularly during active rituals and processions.

🚆 Railway: Payyanur Railway Station — approximately 3 km from Thayineri Sree Kurinji Temple.

✈️ Airport: Kannur International Airport — approximately 54 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: The temple is accessible from Payyanur via the BKM Hospital Road, off the Payyanur–Perumba Old Bus Stand route. Payyanur is the nearest major transport centre.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and lodges are available in Payyanur, with additional accommodation options in nearby towns.

✅ Notes: Kaliyatta Mahotsavam at Thayineri Sree Kurinji Temple is a confirmed annual festival. Kerala Tourism lists it as a traditional/religious festival usually held in January or February. The 2026 festival was held from 10–13 February 2026, with Theyyam performances including Poomaruthan, Madayil Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, Vishnumoorthy, Ottakkolam and Puthiya Bhagavathy. Exact dates change annually according to the Malayalam calendar.