One of Kerala’s most intense and unconventional festivals, the Kodungallur Bharani is celebrated annually at the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in the Malayalam month of Meenam. It is world-renowned for the Kavu Theendal ritual, where thousands of sword-wielding oracles (Velichappadus) dressed in scarlet robes storm the temple in a trance-like state to pay homage to the Goddess. A unique and controversial tradition of this festival is the singing of Bharani Pattu, provocative and bawdy ballads believed to appease the deity’s fierce energy. Historically, this festival was a landmark for social equality, as it was one of the few occasions where all castes were permitted to enter the temple long before the general temple entry proclamations. The 2026 festivities are expected to reach their peak between April 4 and April 10, drawing a massive congregation of devotees to witness this raw display of ancient faith and energy.
