Flag Hoisted (Kodiyettu) for Guruvayur Festival; Cultural Programs Begin with Kathakali
The annual festival of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple for the year 2026 commenced with the ceremonial flag hoisting (Kodiyettu) held on Saturday evening. The sacred flag was hoisted on the golden flagstaff at around 8:45 PM under the Pooyam star.
The rituals were led by the temple Tantri, Brahmasree P.C. Dineshan Namboothiripad. Devaswom Chairman Dr. V.K. Vijayan, Devaswom governing body members Brahmasree Mallissery Parameswaran Namboothiripad, C. Manoj, K.P. Viswanathan, Manoj B. Nair, K.S. Balagopal, Administrator O.B. Arunkumar, Devaswom staff, media representatives, and devotees were present on the occasion.
The day commenced with an elephant-less Seveli procession held around 6:30 AM, led by Keezhshanthi Cheruthayur Ajith Namboothiri carrying the Lord’s golden Thidambu. Thousands of devotees witnessed the spiritually uplifting procession.
The traditional Anayottam (elephant race) was held at 3 PM, officially marking the start of festival celebrations. Selected elephants completed the ceremonial run, with the leading elephant entering the temple and performing seven circumambulations in reverence to Lord Guruvayurappan.
In the evening, Acharya Varanam rituals were conducted followed by the ceremonial flag hoisting.
Following the Kodiyettu, the festival cultural programs were inaugurated at the Melpathur Auditorium. Devaswom Chairman Dr. V.K. Vijayan inaugurated the events by lighting the ceremonial Bhadradeepam. A traditional Kathakali performance marked the start of the cultural celebrations.
Over the next nine days, the sanctum of Lord Guruvayurappan will become a vibrant venue showcasing traditional temple arts, special cultural performances, and classical instrumental performances.
Krishna!
Sri Guruvayurappa!