The Arattu Festival is a ten-day festival celebrated at the Janardhanaswamy Temple in Varkala, Kerala, India. The festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). The festival starts with a Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) ceremony, and ends with a procession of five decorated elephants through the streets. During the fourth and fifth days of the festival, the celebrations include all-night performances such as traditional Kathakali dancing. The arattu (holy bath) of the deity is conducted on Uttaram day in the Arabian Sea behind the temple.
The Arattu Festival is a major religious and cultural event in Kerala. It attracts thousands of devotees from all over the state. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith. It is also a time for people to enjoy the traditional arts and culture of Kerala.
Here are some tips for visiting the Arattu Festival:
- The festival is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April).
- The best time to visit the festival is during the morning or evening hours, when the weather is cooler.
- Dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- There is a dress code for entering the temple. Men must remove their shirts and footwear before entering the temple. Women must wear a sari or a long skirt and blouse.
- There are a number of shops selling religious items and souvenirs located near the temple.
- There are a number of restaurants located near the temple, where you can get a variety of Indian and international cuisine.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Here is a possible itinerary for a three-day trip to Varkala to attend the Arattu Festival:
Day 1
- Arrive in Varkala and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Janardhanaswamy Temple and witness the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) ceremony.
- Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
- Attend the morning pooja at the Janardhanaswamy Temple.
- Watch a Kathakali performance in the evening.
- Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the beach.
Day 3
- Attend the arattu (holy bath) of the deity in the Arabian Sea.
- Do some shopping at the local markets.
- Have lunch at a beachside restaurant.
- Depart from Varkala.
This itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in learning more about the history of the Arattu Festival, you could visit the Varkala Heritage Museum. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you could stay in a guesthouse or hostel instead of a hotel.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.