The 72nd annual festival of Sree Mahaganapathi Temple located inside Central Jail, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram will be celebrated with great devotion and traditional rituals from March 18 to March 20, 2026. Devotees are warmly welcomed to participate in the grand celebration filled with spiritual ceremonies, temple rituals, cultural programs, bhajans, music performances, elephant procession, panchavadyam, annadanam, and deeparadhana.
The festival is conducted in a devotional atmosphere with traditional temple music, rhythmic percussion, colorful lights, and ceremonial processions accompanied by caparisoned elephants. Devotees from different places visit the temple during these days to receive the blessings of Lord Mahaganapathi.
First Day Festival – March 18, 2026 (Meenam 04, Wednesday)
The first day of the festival begins early in the morning with Palliyunarthal and Nirmalya Darshanam followed by Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam. Kodimaram Murikkal and Thrikodiyettu are the main rituals marking the start of the festival.
Kalasa Pooja, Kalasabhishekam, and Ucha Pooja are performed in the morning. In the evening, the temple opens again for devotees and bhajans are performed. Cultural programs such as Bharatanatyam, Kaikottikali, dance performances, and cinematic dance are conducted at night.
Alankara Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja conclude the first day rituals.
Second Day Festival – March 19, 2026 (Meenam 05, Thursday)
The second day starts with morning rituals including Nirmalya Darshanam and Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam. Narayaneeyam recital, Kalasa Pooja, Kalasabhishekam, and Ucha Pooja are performed.
Annadanam is arranged for devotees at noon. Evening programs include bhajans, musical offerings, and Ganamela. Special deeparadhana is performed in the evening followed by night pooja.
The day is filled with devotional music, chanting, and temple rituals attracting many devotees.
Third Day Festival – March 20, 2026 (Meenam 06, Friday)
The final day of the festival includes Kalasa Pooja, Mahaganapathi Homam, Kalabhishekam, and Ucha Pooja. A special attraction of the day is Aanayootu (feeding of elephants) which is considered very auspicious.
In the evening, cultural programs, Thiruvathira, dance performances, and traditional art programs are conducted. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession with decorated elephants, Panchavadyam, and temple percussion.
The procession returns to the temple where devotees can offer Nirapara and receive blessings. The festival ends with Alankara Deeparadhana and final pooja.
Special Attractions of the Festival
The festival includes many traditional Kerala temple rituals and cultural events. Panchavadyam, elephant procession, annadanam, deeparadhana, homam, bhajans, dance programs, and musical performances are the main attractions.
The temple committee invites all devotees to attend the festival with family and receive the blessings of Lord Mahaganapathi.