Vaikom Ashtami Festival 2023 December 5

Vaikom Ashtami Festival is the major festival celebrated at the famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam district of Kerala. Also known as Vaikkath Asthami, this annual festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November – December). The major attractions of the festivals include Ezhunnallippu of more than 50 elephants, cultural programmes and classical art forms such as Kathakali and Panchavadyam. This year, Vaikathashtami is on 5th December 2023.

Vaikom Ashtami Festival Celebrations

Vaikom Ashtami celebrations last for 12 days, with Ashtami falling on the last day. On the Ashtami night, Thidampu, a symbolic idol of the Lord Shiva is taken out in procession and kept in the Anakkottil (elephant shed). The deities from nearby temples are also taken in procession to the Anakkottil. After this, a ceremony called Kanikkiduka (offering of presents) is performed which is unique to this temple. Classical music and dance performances including Kathakali performances on the eighth and ninth days are the major attractions. The festival concludes with an Arattu (holy bath) at Udayanapuram which is the abode of Lord Subramanya.

Mukkudi Neivedyam offering at Vaikom Temple

A special offering called Mukkudi Neivedyam is made to the lord in connection with the Vaikom Temple annual festival. Mukkudi is prepared using some herbs which are combined and made into a powder using a secret formula. It is considered as a great medicine and is prepared in the Thidappally (kitchen inside the temple where holy offerings are prepared) in a new earthen pot and mixed with fresh butter milk. Mukkudi Neivedyam is offered after the Arattu.