Mannarkkad Pooram is the annual festival observed in Udayar Kunnu
Bhagavathy Temple in Palakkad District in Kerala. Mannarkkad Pooram 2024 date is February 24. The famous pooram festival in
the shrine is observed in Kumbham month. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi.
The shrine is located around 37 km from Palakkad Town.
The festival begins on the Makayiram Nakshatra day in the Kumbham month. This is known as Pooram Purappadu. On the sixth day of the festival cheriya arattu is held. The famous Mannarkkad Pooram and the valiya arattu is held on the seventh day. On the eighth day, chetti vela and nagara pradakshinam are held (21 pradakshinam).
Poothan Thira a unique ritual is held during the festival and this attracts people from distant places.
The highlight of the festival is caparisoned elephants,
melam, velichappadu and fireworks.
Several unique rituals and pujas are performed during the
festival period. Tribals from Attapadi reserve forest visit the shrine during the period.
Traditional performing arts, music, songs and other cultural
activities are held during the period.
The festival ends with arattu on the final day.
About Mannarkkad Udayarkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
The form of Mother Goddess Shakti worshipped in the temple is believed to be the sister of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy.
The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Shiva, Ayyappan, Bhadrakali and Ganapathi.
The annual Pathamudayam festival (April 23) is of great significance in the temple.