Event Information

he Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathi Temple in Palappuram, near Ottapalam in Palakkad district, hosts one of Kerala's most vibrant and unique temple festivals, the Chinakkathoor Pooram. Celebrated annually on the Makam asterism in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March), this festival draws crowds from near and far to witness its grand spectacles and rich cultural performances.

Believed to have been started by the Zamorin in the 18th century, the Chinakkathoor Pooram is steeped in history and tradition. The festival showcases a captivating blend of folk art forms and traditional rituals that reflect the cultural heritage of Kerala. One of the most striking features of this festival is the grand procession of 27 caparisoned elephants. These majestic tuskers, adorned with decorative coverings, march through the streets accompanied by the rhythmic beats of panchavadyam and pandimelam, traditional orchestras that add to the grandeur of the occasion.