Vishu festival at Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple

The Thiruvangad Sree Rama Swamy temple at Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala has a centuries-old history. Dedicated to Lord Rama, the temple is locally known as chempadicha melkoora (brass pagoda) because of its roofing with copper sheeting. The temple houses exquisitely carved sculptures. It is believed to be the oldest among the four temples dedicated to Lord Sri Rama in the state.

The annual festival of the temple starts on the Vishu day, the first day of the month of Medom (April- May) according to the Malayalam calendar. Called Vishu Mahotsavam, the festival is a colourful one with elephant pageantries, processions, fire works and traditional temple orchestras like Panchavadyam.

According to history, the temple was an outpost of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. The temple premises had often hosted conferences between the officials of the East India Company and local leaders.