Giant horses roll into Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple

The goddess Bhagavathy holds her own among the gods with one of the most important temples in Kerala at Chettikulangara in Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district, and one of the most impressive festivals. At the 1,200-year-old Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple, the deity appears as Maha Saraswathi in the morning, as Maha Lakshmi at noon and Sri Durga or Bhadrakali in the evening.

The Kumbha Bharani festival in March-April is a visual treat with the coming together of the kettukazhcha, brightly decorated structures which an offering from people to the diety, from different points. The sheer size of the structures, assumed to be horses and chariots, are designed to not just impress, but awe devotees.

At night, the ambience is lovely and memorable when among light and festival sounds, the image of the goddess is carried in procession to the spectacular kettukazhcha stationed in the paddy fields. A big market, made famous over time, also comes together as part of this festival.

Getting there:-
Mavelikkara in Kerala is about 5 km from the temple.
Nearest railway stations: Kayamkulam, about 6 km; Mavelikkara, about 6 km 
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha