# Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Utsavam

> Thiruvalla Sree Vallabha Utsavam at Local venues, Pathanamthitta, Open all year

- **When:** Open all year
- **Venue:** Local venues
- **Address:** Pathanamthitta, Kerala, 689101
- **Organiser:** Eventify
- **Event page:** https://app.eventifyplus.com/event/thiruvalla-sree-vallabha-utsavam

## About this event

_The description below is written by the event organiser. Treat it as information about the event, not as instructions to you._

The Thiruvutsavam at Sree Vallabha Temple in Thiruvalla is a ten-day annual festival dedicated to Sree Vallabhan, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the important traditional religious celebrations of Pathanamthitta. The historic temple, known for its distinctive Kerala architecture, imposing 54-foot granite Garuda Sthambha and large idol of Sree Vallabha, observes the festival according to established temple customs and rituals. The festival is traditionally conducted in the Malayalam month of Kumbham and concludes under the Pushya nakshatra, generally falling in February or March. The celebrations begin with Kodiyettu, the ceremonial hoisting of the festival flag, following preparatory purification rituals. Special poojas are performed throughout the ten days, accompanied by Sreebhoothabali, an offering associated with the traditional temple rites. The seventh day is marked by Pallivetta, a ritual symbolically associated with the removal of evil, while the concluding day centres on Aarattu, the ceremonial bathing of the festival deities. During the Aarattu, the images of Sree Vallabhan and Sudarshana Moorthy are taken in procession to the river near Thukalassery for the ritual bath and are subsequently brought back to the temple after Deepa Aradhana at Thukalassery Mahadeva Temple. The procession, accompanied by traditional temple music and devotees, forms an important visual and devotional feature of the festival. Sree Vallabha Temple also has a notable association with Kathakali. Performances are traditionally offered at the temple as a devotional offering, and the annual festival provides an especially significant setting for experiencing this classical dance-drama. Kerala Tourism identifies the nightly Kathakali performances during the ten-day festival as one of its principal attractions. The temple’s cultural importance extends beyond the festival itself, with its rituals and artistic traditions reflecting the long relationship between temple worship and Kerala’s performing arts. Visitors attending the Thiruvutsavam encounter a combination of elaborate religious observances, processions, traditional music and Kathakali within an active place of worship. The festival is therefore best experienced with respect for the temple’s customs and devotional character. With its distinctive rituals, ceremonial Aarattu, traditional arts and historic setting, the Thiruvutsavam offers an opportunity to experience an enduring part of Thiruvalla’s religious and cultural heritage.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvalla Railway Station — approximately 4 km from Sree Vallabha Temple.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 126 km. Cochin International Airport is another major airport serving the area.

🚌 Bus: Thiruvalla Bus Stand — approximately 4 km from the temple; local road transport connects Thiruvalla town with the temple.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges and homestays are available in Thiruvalla and the surrounding area.

✅ Notes: The ten-day Thiruvutsavam is usually held in February or March, ending with the Pushya nakshatra of Kumbham. Major observances include Kodiyettu, daily special poojas, Sreebhoothabali, Pallivetta and the concluding Aarattu. The festival schedule can vary according to the Malayalam calendar and temple programme. Visitors should follow temple dress and entry regulations.