The Painkuni Festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a major 10-day annual temple festival scheduled from March 24 to April 2, 2026, beginning with the Kodiyettu (flag hoisting) and concluding with the grand Arattu procession to Shanghumugham Beach. The festival features important rituals like the installation of large Pandava effigies, the Palli Vetta (symbolic royal hunt) on April 1, and the final Arattu ceremony where the temple deities are taken in a traditional procession for a ritual sea bath, accompanied by members of the Travancore Royal Family. The event attracts large crowds, follows strict traditional dress codes, and is one of the most significant cultural and religious celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram.
Event Overview
- Festival Dates: March 24 - April 2, 2026
- Duration: 10 Days
- Location: East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
- Final Procession (Arattu): Shanghumugham Beach
Key Dates & Highlights
- March 24, 2026: Kodiyettu (Flag Hoisting - Festival Begins)
- April 1, 2026: Palli Vetta (Royal Hunt Ceremony)
- April 2, 2026: Arattu (Holy Sea Bath & Grand Procession - Festival Ends)
Main Rituals & Attractions
- Pandava Effigies: Large decorative figures placed at the temple entrance
- Palli Vetta: Symbolic royal hunt near Vettakorumakan Temple
- Arattu Procession: Deities taken in a grand procession to the sea, accompanied by the Travancore Royal Family
Darshan Timings (Approx.)
Timings may vary during festival days
- Early Morning: 3:15 AM - 4:45 AM
- Morning: 6:30 AM - 11:10 AM (multiple slots)
- Noon: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM - 7:20 PM
Travel & Traffic Information
- Airport Impact:
- Trivandrum International Airport may suspend operations (~4 PM - 9 PM) on April 2 during Arattu
- Traffic Restrictions:
- Expected: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM on April 2
- Major diversions: Enchakkal Junction, West Fort, Shanghumugham route
- Parking: Not allowed along procession routes
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for darshan during festival days
- Expect heavy crowd, especially on final 2 days
- Follow temple dress code strictly (visit https://spst.in/ for details)
- Use public transport or plan drop-offs due to traffic restrictions
