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Vaikathashtami - 23 November 2024

Vaikathashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated annually at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kerala, India. This year the festival will be celebrated on 23 November 2024. It falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the lunar month of Vrischikam (November-December), commemorating the day when Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared at Vaikom. The festival is significant in Kerala's religious and cultural landscape and draws thousands of devotees.The festival will truly give a rich cultural fare for visitors of all age groups.

This is a significant annual festival that spans twelve days, culminating with the grand Ashtami day celebration. The festival includes various cultural performances such as Kathakali, music concerts, dance recitals, and religious pageantry. On the final day, a grand procession features the deity’s replica (thidambu) carried on elephant back, with other temple processions joining.

This festival honors Lord Shiva,  who is worshipped as Vaikkathappan, and is revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The temple, believed to be from the Treta Yuga, holds a continuous tradition of worship​.

Vaikom Mahadeva temple, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake at Vaikom (Vaikkom), with its fascinating Kerala style temple architecture is a spectacle in itself. The temple is known as Dakshinakasi of the south.