Uthralikkavu Pooram

About this event

Uthralikkavu Pooram is the annual festival of the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple at Engakkad in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur district, dedicated to Goddess Rudhiramahakali, and is one of the prominent Pooram celebrations of central Kerala. The eight-day festival is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, usually in February or March, with the principal Pooram taking place on the second Tuesday of Kumbham. The festival begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and builds towards the main celebration, which features elephant processions representing three neighbouring village temples—Enkakkad, Kumaranellur and Wadakkanchery. The principal procession traditionally presents around 21 caparisoned elephants, adorned with nettipattam, colourful parasols, venchamarams and aalavattams, with the central elephant carrying the ceremonial representation of the deity. Daytime and nighttime processions form a major part of the festival, accompanied by traditional percussion ensembles including Panchavadyam and Pandimelam. The rhythmic performances are an important part of the Pooram's character, showcasing Kerala's highly developed temple percussion traditions. Uthralikkavu Pooram also includes folk and ritual art performances, while the festival programme features the Kuthira Vela, a procession involving decorated wooden horse figures. A distinctive feature of the festival is the friendly rivalry between the participating villages, each presenting its own procession and ceremonial display. This community-based character gives the Pooram a strong local identity beyond its religious observances. Fireworks are also traditionally held as part of the celebrations, including displays associated with the main Pooram and the following morning, although their conduct is subject to prevailing safety regulations and official permissions. The temple itself is situated amid paddy fields and a rural landscape near Wadakkanchery, providing a distinctive setting for the festival. Kerala Tourism describes Uthralikkavu Pooram as an eight-day celebration with day and night elephant processions, traditional percussion and temple and folk-art performances. The 2026–27 Kerala Tourism Digital Event Calendar lists Uthralikkavu Pooram for March 2027. Festival dates are determined according to the Malayalam calendar and local temple traditions, so the published date should be confirmed with the temple authorities before making arrangements. The festival remains an important expression of devotional practice, village participation, traditional arts and the cultural heritage of the Thrissur region.

🚆 Railway: Thrissur Railway Station — approximately 21 km from Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport — approximately 72 km from the temple according to Kerala Tourism.

🚌 Bus: Wadakkanchery is the relevant nearby town and is connected by regular bus services with Thrissur and surrounding areas. Local road transport provides access to the temple at Engakkad.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur and surrounding areas. Advance booking is advisable during the Pooram period.

✅ Notes: Uthralikkavu Pooram is a verified annual festival and is held in Kumbham, generally in February or March. Kerala Tourism lists the 2027 edition for March 2027. Large crowds are expected, and traffic, crowd-control and access arrangements may be introduced during the main Pooram. Confirm the exact date and programme with the temple authorities before visiting.