Governor Inaugurates Maha Magha Mahotsavam 2026 in Thirunavaya
Malappuram: The Maha Magha Mahotsavam, often referred to as the Thirunavaya Kumbh Mela, commenced on the banks of the Bharathappuzha river. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the Maha Magha Mahotsavam at a ceremony held on the premises of the Navamukunda Temple. The festival officially began with the traditional ritual of Dharmadhwajarohanam (flag hoisting).
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati Maharaj, President of the Maha Magha Sabha; Brahmasree Mohanji, Chairman of Mohanji Foundation; K. Damodaran, Working Chairman; K. Keshavadas, Chief Coordinator; K.C. Dileep Raja, a member of the Zamorin family; and Arikkara Sudheer Namboothiri were among those who participated in the ceremony.
The first holy dip (snanam) of the Maha Magha Mahotsavam took place at 9 AM at the Navamukunda Temple bathing ghat, led by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati Maharaj. The rituals were accompanied by Vedic chants, devotional recitations, and traditional musical instruments.
Devotees have started arriving to participate in the Maha Magha Mahotsavam, which will continue until February 3. Daily rituals will include the Nila Snanam (holy dip in the Nila River) in the morning and the Nila Aarti in the evening, led by scholars who perform Ganga Aarti in Kashi.
A chariot procession, carrying the Sreechakra, departed this morning from Thirumoorthy Hills in Tamil Nadu, where the Bharathappuzha originates. The procession is expected to reach Thirunavaya by the evening of the 22nd. Various programs, including rituals, satsangs, scholarly discussions, Kalaripayattu, yoga, and cultural performances, adhering to different worship traditions, will be held until February 3.