Mamankam Festival

Full Date

Historic - last held 1743 or 1755 Varied – Historic Varied

Muhurat Timings in India

• Festival Inauguration

  Opening ceremony at Nava Mukunda Temple marking the festival's beginning.

  Historic Varied – Historic Varied

• Martial Arts and Cultural Contests

  Exhibitions and competitions in martial arts and cultural performances.

  Historic Varied – Historic Varied

• Coronation Ceremony

  Ceremony to elect and crown the new Perumal or ruler of Kerala.

  Historic Varied – Historic Varied

Introduction

Mamankam was a grand twelve-yearly festival celebrated on the banks of the Perar river near Tirunavaya, Kerala. It was an occasion of political and cultural significance, combining religious fairs, trade fairs, martial arts festivals, and intellectual contests.

Other Names

Mamangam, Mamankam Festival Kerala

Pooja Vidhi

• Start with offerings and prayers at Nava Mukunda Temple.
• Perform traditional rituals invoking prosperity and protection.
• Conduct martial arts displays as homage to valor and strength.
• Host cultural events promoting unity and heritage.
• Conclude with ceremonial crowning of the ruler.

Rituals

• Religious fairs with offerings and rituals at Nava Mukunda Temple in Tirunavaya.
• Martial arts performances including Kalaripayattu demonstrations.
• Cultural and intellectual contests attracting participants from across India and beyond.
• Coronation ceremony for the regional ruler lasting for 28 days.
• Trading fairs showcasing goods and crafts from far regions.

Regional Highlights

• Held primarily at Tirunavaya along the Bharathappuzha river.
• Attracted diverse participants including traders, artists, and pilgrims.
• Symbolized cultural unity and political power in medieval Kerala.

History

The festival dates back to medieval Kerala when the rulers of Valluvanad and later the Zamorin of Calicut presided over the Mamankam. It served as a coronation ceremony for the regional ruler and as a stage for martial valor and political rivalry. The festival was discontinued by the late 18th century.

Additional Information

• Mamankam lasted for 28 days and was a grand cultural and political event.
• It is remembered as an important medieval festival of Kerala’s historical heritage.
• The festival included science fairs, trade, and intellectual competitions.