Sree Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple is one of oldest Bhadrakaali temples in Kerala. The deity here is goddess Bhadra Kaali. Vairankode Temple was constructed by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal about 1500 years ago. It’s believed that the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy crossed the Bharathappuzha river and reached Azhvanchery Mana and they placed Bhagavathy at Vairankode. Vairankode Vela or Theeyattulsavam or is the annual festival conducted in Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple on February month to celebrate the divine presence of the deity in the temple…

Festival Highlights

Maram Muri: The festival begins with the ritual of cutting a jackfruit tree to prepare fire for the Kanalattam ritual.

Cheriya Theeyattu and Valiya Theeyattu: These are two major events, with Cheriya Theeyattu being a common celebration for nearby villages and Valiya Theeyattu being the grand festival on the sixth day.

Processions and Folk Art Forms: Vibrant processions featuring Poothan, Thira, Kattalan, Pulikali, and other folk art forms from nearby villages are a major attraction.

Folk Art Extravaganza: The festival is a spectacle of traditional folk art forms. Processions from various villages converge on the temple, showcasing performers of.

Music and Splendor: Each procession is accompanied by loud, synchronized percussion ensembles (Chenda Melam), traditional lamps (Thalappoli), and colorful ceremonial parasols (Thithyerikuda).

​The spectacle of multiple kodivaravukal converging on the temple grounds, each trying to outdo the others in terms of artistry, music, and the size of their effigies, creates an electrifying atmosphere unique to the Vairankode festival.

Poothan and Thira: Performers in traditional masks and attire representing divine or mythological figures.

Katalan: A character representing a mythological hunter or soldier of Lord Shiva.

Pulikali: The famous tiger dance, where performers are painted and dressed as tigers.

Kodivaravukal (Flag Processions): Massive, colorful processions from surrounding villages featuring traditional percussion (Chenda Melam) and unique folk arts.

Processions (Varavu): Large, vibrant processions featuring various traditional folk art forms like Vaikkolpoothan, Vaikkol (വൈക്കോൽ): Means “Straw”. Poothan (പൂതൻ): Refers to a “Demon,” “Spirit,” or a “Mythical Figure” (similar to a ‘Bhootham’). Thira, Kattalan, and Pulikali (a type of tiger dance).

A particularly popular attraction is the freshwater fish market, which draws fishermen from across the region showcasing their best catches. Notably, unlike many other temple festivals in Kerala, the Vairankode festival does not feature elephants. Instead, the festive atmosphere is created through traditional decorations using plantains, coconut leaves, flowers, lamps, and lights. The entire event offers a vivid portrayal of Kerala’s rural temple culture and provides an immersive experience into the deep-rooted traditions and collective spirit of village life.
A notable highlight of the festival is Eratta Kaala, featuring decorated effigies of bullocks. The final and most dramatic ritual is Kanalattam, held at midnight, where devotees—primarily from forward castes—walk barefoot across burning embers as a mark of devotion and endurance. 

Timing: The festival takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, which typically falls in February. The start date is the first Sunday of the month, with the main celebrations spread over the following days.