Kerala to Host Kumbh Mela in January; Thirunavaya to be the Venue
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to host the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu congregation that traditionally takes place only once every twelve years. This grand pilgrimage, usually confined to sacred sites like Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, will now also be witnessed in Thirunavaya, Malappuram district.
The Kumbh Mela in Kerala is scheduled to take place from January 18 to February 3, 2026. The revered venue will be the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, located in front of the historic Nava Mukunda Temple in Thirunavaya. A crucial meeting will be held on November 23 to establish a reception committee responsible for organizing the event.
The Juna Akhara, recognized as the largest monastic order in India, will spearhead the organization of the Kerala Kumbh Mela. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi of the Juna Akhara confirmed this development to The New Indian Express. Swami Anandavanam Bharathi recently visited the Thirunavaya temple on Wednesday to review the preparations for the upcoming event.
Swami Anandavanam Bharathi’s journey is noteworthy; he was formerly an SFI leader in Thrissur before embracing monastic life. His ascension to the rank of Mahamandaleshwar made headlines, marking him as the third Malayali to achieve this esteemed spiritual position.
Highlighting the historical and cultural resonance of the chosen site, Swami Anandavanam Bharathi emphasized that Thirunavaya possesses a rich tradition of grand celebrations akin to the North Indian Kumbh Mela. During the reign of Cheraman Perumal, a magnificent festival known as ‘Maha Makham’ was conducted here every twelve years. This ancient event served as a platform for various yajnas, yagas, and also played a pivotal role in the selection of new rulers. Over time, this ceremony evolved into ‘Mamankam’, a festival that incorporated martial arts displays. A similar heritage, he noted, also existed in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Efforts to revive the Mamankam rituals in Thirunavaya have been ongoing for several years. These efforts began in 2016 when the chief priest of the temple initiated ‘Nadi Pooja’ ceremonies on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. These rituals have been performed annually since then, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic period.
The current plan envisions a grand ‘Maha Makham’ (Kumbh Mela) celebration in 2028, building upon the foundation laid by the rituals commenced in 2016. The 2026 Kumbh Mela is being organized as a precursor, a preparatory event leading up to the more extensive celebration in 2028.
For the upcoming festival, the Juna Akhara intends to seek cooperation from various religious and administrative bodies, including the Malabar and Travancore Devaswom Boards, numerous ashrams across Kerala, and devotees affiliated with other Akharas, to ensure the successful conduct of this significant religious gathering.