Kerala's Kumbh Mela in this beautiful historic location from January 18, next year: Pictures
The event is to be held from January 18 to February 3, 2026.
The event is to be held from January 18 to February 3, 2026.
The event is to be held from January 18 to February 3, 2026.
From January next year, Kerala will also host a Kumbh Mela-style spiritual festival, with the North Kerala district of Malappuram as the venue. Kerala's Kumbh Mela will be held on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, near the Navamukunda Temple in Thirunavaya, Malappuram. The event is to be held from January 18 to February 3, 2026. The details of the festival will be decided at a meeting on November 23. Juna Akhara, one of India's oldest religious orders, will lead the event. The event also aims to revive 'Maha Makham,' an age-old traditional festival held in Kerala until about 250 years ago, according to the organisers.
Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, Juna Akhara's Mahamandaleshwar, told Manorama News that the Maha Makha, held during the time of the ruler Cheraman Perumal, was a spiritual event similar to the Kumbh Mela of North India. The Akhara also has plans to hold a mega Maha Makham festival in 2028. The 2026 event will be a spiritual forerunner for that event. The Akahra is planning to hold the festival in association with the Travancore and Malabar Devaswom Board of Kerala, as well.
The picturesque birthplace of Mamankam
For centuries, the Thirunavaya Temple and its serene location on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River have held a prominent place in Kerala culture, whether in literature, spirituality, music, or cinema. The temple and the River are also historically significant as the site of the well-known Mamankam festival of Kerala. It was a platform for power games, performing arts, martial arts, blood feuds, village fairs and also tourism. Just like Kumbh Mela, Mamankam was also held once every 12 years.
The Mamankam was held under the aegis of the Kozhikode rulers, known as Zamorins or Samuthiris, and the local chieftains. The festival, which lasted 28 days, was discontinued in 1755 due to a change in Zamorin's power and ritual significance. However, it continued to enjoy a prominent presence in the collective memory of local people, Kerala's literature and cinema. A Mammootty-starrer movie, titled Mamangam, was also released in 2019, showcasing the legend of the festival.
What the spot offers tourists
Tourists, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts have much to discover in Thirunavaya, as it still showcases many landmarks and remnants of the Mamankam festival. Here are the major spots to explore:
1) Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya
The temple and its premises hosted the Mamankam festival
2) Nilapaduthara
It's the ground beside the Navamukunda Temple where the local ruler sat to preside over the festival.
3) An ancient well named Manikkinar
Chavers or warriors, who were killed during the duels held at Mamankam, were laid to rest here.
4) Bharathapuzha Riverbanks
The serene spot, loved for its sunrises and sunsets, figures in many historic stories, folktales, and mythological tales of Kerala. The Mamankam processions and fairs were also held here.