Every October, Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram becomes a lively gathering place for music, dance, cultural performances and traditional celebrations. The Poojappura Navaratri Mahotsavam 2026, scheduled from 11 to 21 October, will bring together a varied programme of stage performances, community activities and heritage traditions.
Organised under the Sri Saraswathi Devi Temple Janakeeya Samithi, the annual event offers visitors opportunities to experience the area's cultural atmosphere, with activities planned across three major venues.
The Sri Swathi Thirunal Saraswathi Mandapam will host the Navaratri Sangeetholsavam, featuring classical music presentations by established musicians and accompanying artists. Local music and dance institutions will also have opportunities to showcase traditional art forms.
The wider programme includes Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Thiruvathira, flute and violin fusion, bhajans and group singing. Spiritual discourses and traditional recitations form part of the schedule as well.
From 17 to 20 October, Poojappura Round Park will host evening cultural programmes, including Karaoke Ganamela, fusion performances and open singing sessions. These events add a more informal, participatory element to the celebrations, giving visitors different ways to enjoy the festival beyond auditorium performances.
The festival also features ceremonies connected with Kerala's cultural and educational traditions. Poojappura Vidyarambham, held on Vijayadashami, is among the major events, introducing children to the first steps of learning through a traditional initiation into writing. Music Vidyarambham will also take place.
Other scheduled highlights include the Vaanimani Award, Kavadi procession, Kavadi Abhishekam and Pallivetta. The Kavadi procession on 21 October will travel from Chenkalloor Sri Mahadeva Temple to the Saraswathi Mandapam, followed by the associated ceremonies and the return procession of Lord Velimala Kumaraswamy.
Visitors can also observe special rituals and offerings at the Sree Saraswathi Devi Temple throughout the festival. These include Bhagavathi Seva, Pushpabhishekam, Navadurga Pooja and several homams and other traditional poojas.
The celebrations follow a schedule of important dates, with cultural programmes and traditional observances taking place across the festival period.
The main venues are the Sri Swathi Thirunal Saraswathi Mandapam, Sri Chithira Thirunal Auditorium and Poojappura Round Park. Together, they accommodate the festival's auditorium performances, ceremonies and outdoor cultural activities.
The Poojappura Navaratri Mahotsavam brings together public performances, community participation and longstanding cultural practices in one annual programme. With events spread across several venues and evening activities running during the festival's final days, Poojappura is expected to offer a lively setting for visitors throughout the celebrations.
1. When is Poojappura Navaratri Mahotsavam 2026?
Poojappura Navaratri Mahotsavam will take place from 11 to 21 October 2026 in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Where will the Poojappura Navaratri cultural programmes take place?
The main venues are Sri Swathi Thirunal Saraswathi Mandapam, Sri Chithira Thirunal Auditorium and Poojappura Round Park.
3. What performances can visitors experience at the 2026 festival?
The programme includes classical music, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Thiruvathira, flute and violin fusion, Karaoke Ganamela and open singing sessions.
4. When are the cultural programmes at Poojappura Round Park?
Evening programmes are scheduled at Poojappura Round Park from 17 to 20 October 2026, featuring music and fusion performances.
5. When will Poojappura Vidyarambham take place in 2026?
Vidyarambham is scheduled for 21 October 2026, Vijayadashami, at Sri Swathi Thirunal Saraswathi Mandapam and Sri Chithira Thirunal Auditorium.
6. What are the main dates during Poojappura Navaratri Mahotsavam?
Durgashtami falls on 18 October, Mahanavami on 19 October and Mahakanakasabha Pooja on 20 October. Vijayadashami and Vidyarambham follow on 21 October 2026.
