Minaloor Pooram is observed at the Sree
Kuttiyankavu Bhagavathi Temple at Minalur near Thrissur in Kerala. Sree
Kuttiyankavu Bhagavathi Temple is located around 12 km from Thrissur
town. The annual festival in the shrine is observed on the last day of Makaram or on the first day of Kumbham and is famous as Kuttiyankavu. The pooram is conducted by two desoms - Minalur and Thiruthiparambu
(Ambalapuram). The rituals and festivities attracts scores of devotees.
The festival is also known as Kuttiyankavu Samkarama Vela as it is held on the Kumbha Sankranti day which falls on the last day of Makaram or the first day of Kumbham month.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. The Upa Devata worshipped in the temple is Sastha or Ayyappa.
Melam, traditional Kerala temple music with five
instruments, is performed as part of the ritual.
Another highlight is caparisoned elephants. Nearly 15 elephants participate in the pooram. The pooram is also noted for fireworks display.
Another highlight is caparisoned elephants. Nearly 15 elephants participate in the pooram. The pooram is also noted for fireworks display.
The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut
leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights.
The festival ends with Arattu. The utsava murti of the deity
is taken out of the shrine for ritual bathing on the final day. Caparisoned
elephants and melam are part of the ritual.
Various unique offerings are made at the shrine during the
period.
Traditional performing arts, music and dance are staged
during the period.