Often hailed as the “Mother of all Poorams,” the Arattupuzha Pooram is regarded as the oldest temple festival in Kerala, with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Held at the Sree Sastha Temple in the village of Arattupuzha, it is celebrated as a “Devamela” (Conclave of Gods), where deities from 23 neighboring temples are believed to gather to pay homage to Lord Ayyappa. The grandest highlight occurs on the final night when nearly 60 to 80 caparisoned elephants assemble in a massive line-up, creating a breathtaking visual against the rhythmic backdrop of the Sasthavinte Melam (a percussion ensemble of over 200 artists). The festival concludes at dawn with the Arattu, a ceremonial holy dip of the deities in the Karuvannur River, symbolizing spiritual purification. For 2026, the main festivities are expected to reach their peak on April 3, drawing thousands of devotees to witness this ancient tradition of divine congregation.
