Aranmula: The annual Aranmula Vallasadya, one of Kerala's most distinctive cultural and culinary traditions associated with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, will conclude on Wednesday, September 16, bringing this year's season to a close.

A total of 37 Vallasadya events are scheduled during the final four days of the season. According to the organisers, 12 Vallasadya events are scheduled for September 13, 10 on September 14, eight on September 15 and seven on September 16.

So far, 520 Vallasadya events have been conducted this year. A total of 577 Vallasadya events were booked, including 20 that have been postponed to next year for various reasons.

1.5 Lakh People Attend Vallasadya

The traditional feast has attracted considerable public participation this year, with around 1.5 lakh people having attended Vallasadya events so far.

The season has been conducted over 55 days. However, four days of Vallasadya celebrations had to be cancelled because of heavy rain and flooding during the season.

On some days, the temple premises and surrounding areas have hosted a particularly large number of Vallasadya events, with up to 17 events taking place on a single day.

Fifteen Vallasadya Events Held on Saturday

As many as 15 Vallasadya events were held on the previous day, with participants from different karas (traditional village communities) taking part.

The participating communities included Malakkara, Thaymaravumkara, Muthavazhi, Cherukol, Nellikkal, Venpala, Mallappuzhassery, Thekkemuri East, Othara, Mangalam, Mundankavu, Chennithala, Edasserimala, Koyipram and Thekkemuri.

Vallasadya is closely connected with the Palliyodams, the traditional snake boats associated with the villages along the Pampa River. Members of the participating communities arrive in these decorated boats and take part in the rituals and traditional feast at Aranmula.

Prominent Personalities Attend

Several prominent personalities also participated in the Vallasadya events held on the previous day.

Those who attended included Kerala High Court Judge Justice P. K. Kunhikrishnan, State Protocol Officer G. Harikumar, noted music director and lyricist Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma, and ADGP Vijayan, who is in charge of law and order.

Their participation added further attention to the traditional celebrations, which continue to attract visitors from across Kerala and beyond.

Closing Ceremony on September 16

The concluding-day celebrations on September 16 will be formally inaugurated by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunath, according to the organisers.

The final day will mark the end of this year's extended Vallasadya season, which has brought together numerous karas, Palliyodams and devotees as part of one of Kerala's best-known temple-associated cultural traditions.

Palliyodams Begin Returning to Vallappura

With the season approaching its conclusion, several Palliyodams have already started returning to their respective Vallappuras, the traditional boat sheds where the snake boats are stored.

The end of the Vallasadya season also marks the conclusion of a major annual cultural period in Aranmula. The KSRTC's Panchapandava Temple Darshan programme, which has been operating alongside the festival season, will also conclude on September 16.

The next Vallasadya season is expected to begin around mid-July 2027, continuing the annual tradition associated with Aranmula and the Pampa River.