Malappuram: The spiritually vibrant Mahamagha Mahotsavam, popularly hailed as Kerala’s Kumbhamela, begins today at Tirunavaya on the sacred banks of the Bharathapuzha, with elaborate rituals marking its ceremonial opening. The revered festival will be observed from January 19 to February 3, drawing devotees from across the State and beyond.
The Kumbhamela will be formally inaugurated on January 19 at 11 a.m. at the Navamukunda Temple premises by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
The opening day rituals commence on Friday morning under the spiritual leadership of Swami Abhinava Balananda Bhairava, during which devotees will perform devata vandanam (offerings to deities) and pitrukarmas (ancestral rites). On Saturday morning, a solemn Vedic shraddha ceremony will be conducted under the guidance of renowned scholar Vallabhan Akithirippad of Cherumukku, formally heralding the start of the Tirunavaya Kumbhamela.
Confirming that all preparations are in place, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavan Bharati, President of the Mahamagha Sabha, said comprehensive arrangements have been completed to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the festival. He added that although the Revenue Department had earlier issued a stop memo on certain construction activities along the riverbank, the matter was resolved following discussions with the District Collector, who granted verbal approval to continue the works and conduct the ceremonies as scheduled.
With centuries-old traditions, sacred rituals, and the serene flow of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirunavaya Mahamagha Mahotsavam once again promises to be a profound spiritual confluence for thousands of devotees.
