Arattu Festival in Janardhanaswamy Temple

The Arattu Festival, celebrated at the revered Janardhanaswamy Temple in Varkala, Kerala, is a grand religious event that reflects the state’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Known for its elaborate rituals, processions, and a profound sense of devotion, the festival attracts devotees and visitors from across the country. The Arattu Festival is celebrated twice a year, once during March-April and again in October-November, making it a significant event in Kerala’s festival calendar.

Venue of Arattu Festival 

Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala

Arattu Festival 2025 Dates

The Arattu Festival is celebrated twice annually:

• March-April 2025 (Spring Edition): The exact dates usually align with the Malayalam calendar, often falling during the months of Meenam (March-April).
• October-November 2025 (Autumn Edition): The second celebration occurs during the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November).

Devotees and visitors are advised to check local temple schedules closer to the festival for specific dates and timings.

About The Arattu Festival

Arattu Festival is celebrated in Janardhana Swamy Temple which displays the magnificent and vibrant colours of this place. It starts on the Karthika Day of the Malayalam Calendar with Kodiyettu (Flag Hoisting) and ends on Uthram Day (another auspicious day) with Arattu. The festival is observed in the month of Meenam (March-April) and is a ten-day affair.

The fourth and fifth day of the festival includes all-night performances like the traditional Kathakali dance. A procession of five richly decorated elephants through the streets mark the end of the festival. The elephants are adorned with ornamental silk umbrellas and beautiful fans. The Arattu or the holy bath of Lord Vishnu is held on the Uttaram Day in the Arabian Sea which is near the temple.

Rituals at the Arattu Festival

Arattu is a ceremonial procession for Lord Vishnu which marks the end of the ten-day festival. The night before the parade, there is another procession inside the fort called 'Pallivetta'.

On the day of Arattu, His Highness, the Ex-Maharaja enters the temple. After performing some rituals, the procession moves out through the eastern gate, accompanied by drums, nagaswaram etc. 

His Highness leads the procession with a sword in his hand and is escorted by armed guards, infantry, mounted police till the Sanghumugham beach. An elephant goes in front with a drum on its back. The drum is beaten to indicate the arrival of God according to ancient beliefs. 

The procession leaves the gate at around 5:00 PM with a 21 gun salute. The ceremonial bath is taken once the parade reaches the sea.

Main Attraction at Arattu Festival

The Dutch Bell
A major attraction of the temple is the Dutch Bell which is believed to be cast in 1757. It was offered by a Dutch sailor to the temple as an oblation. The story behind it is that a Dutch ship refused to move as it passed by the temple. The captain heard the chiming of a bell from the temple. He promised to give a bell in his ship to the temple as an oblation if the Lord allowed his ship to sail further. Soon a wind came which moved the ship safely. The caption returned and kept his promise.
Procession of the Deity
The festival’s highlight is the grand procession where the idol of Lord Janardhana is carried on a beautifully decorated pallakku (palanquin). Accompanied by priests, devotees, musicians, and caparisoned elephants, the procession creates a mesmerizing spectacle.

Sacred Bath (Arattu Ritual)
The main ritual involves immersing the idol of Lord Janardhana in a water body for a ceremonial bath. This act of purification is considered highly auspicious and draws large crowds of devotees eager to witness this sacred moment.

Traditional Music and Dance
The Arattu Festival features performances of Kerala’s traditional art forms, such as:

Kathakali: Classical dance-drama based on Hindu epics.
Chenda Melam: Percussion ensemble creating rhythmic beats.
Panchavadyam: A traditional orchestra featuring five instruments.

Cultural Programs
During the festival, the temple organizes various cultural programs, including music concerts, folk dances, and devotional song recitals. These events showcase the artistic heritage of Kerala.

Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular display of fireworks, lighting up the night sky and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Community Feast (Annadanam)
A large-scale annadanam (community feast) is organized during the festival, where devotees and visitors are served delicious vegetarian meals as a gesture of service and gratitude.

Significance of the Arattu Festival

The term “Arattu” translates to “sacred bath” in Malayalam. This festival is characterized by a grand procession where the idol of Lord Janardhana is taken to a nearby water body (often the sea or a sacred pond) for a ceremonial bath. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal and is believed to bless devotees with prosperity and peace.

The Arattu Festival also signifies the connection between the divine and nature, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of spirituality and the environment. It is a time for devotees to offer prayers, seek blessings, and celebrate their faith.

About The Janardhana Swamy Temple

The Janardhanaswamy Temple, located in the coastal town of Varkala in Kerala, is one of the most prominent temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, the temple is often referred to as the “Dakshin Kashi” or the Benares of the South. Its serene location near the Varkala cliffs and the Arabian Sea makes it a spiritual haven for devotees and a popular destination for tourists.

The Arattu Festival, celebrated here with great fervor, is dedicated to Lord Janardhana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and is marked by grand rituals, processions, and cultural performances.

History Of The Temple

There are many legends associated with the Janardhana Swamy Temple. The most famous legend is of Lord Brahma. It is believed that Lord Brahma once descended on the earth to perform a sacrifice and chose Varkala as his Bhoomi (place of sacrifice). He became so engrossed in his sacrifice that he forgot his job of creation. Lord Vishnu was aware of this and came to Varkala in the disguise of an old man. The Brahmins offered him food, but nothing satisfied his hunger. Lord Brahma realised this and came to see him. Lord Vishnu then requested him to stop his sacrifice and recommence his duty of recreation. Hence, the temple was built to commemorate this legend.

Thus, to experience the true essence of Kerala, it is essential to witness a festival there, and there could be nothing better than the Arattu festival itself! Its splendid architectural features are worthy of admiration, and it has been attracting an average of ten thousand people during this season. The temple and the festival echo the traditions of South India and are worth a visit.