The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. It normally falls between the months of March and April. The festival normally starts with the ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in offering blood.
'Kavu Theendal', another important event of the festival, overseen by the King of Kodungallur where a hordes of Vellichapads (Oracles) make a made rush around the temple waving their sabre in air while the members of their retinue throw objects including cocks over the inner quadrangle. They make a wild cry of abuse at the goddess in bawdy language. Their abuse is said to be accepted by the Goddess followed by the purification ceremony the next day. Chandanapoti Charthal is yet another festival of smearing the image with sandal paste
Thalappoli festival
The thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January - February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. On all the days from the afternoon to twilight and midnight to dawn. Big procession headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi etc.
