Festivals & Celebrations
Experience the divine festivities and cultural richness of Guruvayur Temple throughout the year
Annual Festival Calendar
Explore events by month
Vaikuntha Ekadasi
DecemberAuspicious day for Lord Vishnu worship with fasting, Japa, and overnight vigils.
Kuchela Dinam
DecemberDevotees offer Avil (beaten rice) to honor Kuchela's devotion to Lord Krishna.
Saraswathy Pooja
SeptemberNavarathri's final three days dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy with Vidyarambham for children.
Navaratri
SeptemberNine nights of devotion to the Divine Mother with special poojas and cultural programs.
Major Annual Festivals
Guruvayoor Utsavam
February 28 - March 9, 2026
The grandest festival featuring Anayottam (elephant race), cultural programs, and the spectacular Arattu ceremony.
Guruvayoor Ekadasi
November 30 - December 1, 2026
Commemorates Lord Krishna's teachings and features elephant processions, Vilakku ceremony, and Chembai Sangeetholsavam.
Mandala Pooja
November 15 - December 26, 2026
Sacred 41-day period with special Abhishekam, Krishnanattam performances, coinciding with Sabarimala season.
Ashtami Rohini
September 4, 2026
Lord Krishna's birthday celebration with special offerings, midnight prayers, and grand feast distribution.
Thiruvonam
August 26, 2026
Kerala's harvest festival at Guruvayur — Thiruvonam special poojas, grand Onasadya feast, and festive darshan crowds.
Vishu
April 14, 2026
Kerala's New Year with special Vishukkani arrangements, traditional poojas, and auspicious darshan.
Chembai Sangeetholsavam
November 18–30, 2026
India's largest Carnatic music festival — 2,000+ musicians perform at Guruvayur, concluding with the grand Ekadasi finale.
Cultural Programs & Performances
Krishnanattam
Classical dance-drama depicting Lord Krishna's life stories, performed during major festivals.
Chenda Melam
Traditional percussion ensemble that accompanies temple processions and rituals.
Kalam Ezhuthu
Traditional ritualistic powder drawing dedicated to temple deities.