Chettikulangara Bharani is a spectacular festival celebrated at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple near Mavelikara in Alappuzha district. Held during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March), the festival is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, and the entire town comes alive with vibrant celebrations that cover its landscape.

One of the primary attractions of the festival is the Kettukazhcha, a grand display of giant structures that are intricately decorated with cloth, flowers, and ornaments. These towering structures, which can reach heights of 90 to 100 feet, are an important symbol for the 13 'karas' or regions that comprise the area. Thousands of people work together to create these impressive figures, which are divided into three main categories: Theru (chariot), Kuthira (horse), and effigies of Bhima, Hanuman, and Panchali, popular characters from Indian epics. These figures are paraded to the temple via city roads, drawing in both locals and visitors who join in the festivities.

The festival is renowned for its vibrant cultural displays, including various art and folk performances that make the experience memorable each year. The Kumbhabharani festival is often described as one of the greatest events on earth, attracting lakhs of people from different parts of Kerala and abroad to witness and participate in this grand celebration.

A significant highlight of the Chettikulangara Bharani is the Kuthiyottam, performed as an important offering to the deity. This ritual dance, perfected over centuries, involves young boys aged between 8 to 14 years who are taught the dance in a house amidst a large social gathering. These boys, their bodies coiled with silver wires and holding an arecanut-tipped knife over their heads, are taken in a grand procession to the temple. Accompanied by the beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas, and richly caparisoned elephants, the boys are continually doused with tender coconut water along the way. Once they reach the temple, they perform a dance in front of the sanctum sanctorum, culminating in the removal of the coils, which draws a few drops of blood as part of the ritual.

During the festival, the locality also witnesses the procession of huge decorated effigies of Bhima, Panchali, and Hanuman, along with beautiful tall chariots on wheeled platforms. These effigies are taken to the temple and stationed in the paddy fields east of the temple. At night, the image of Devi is carried in procession to these effigies, creating a visually stunning display. The next day, these structures are taken back, and a big bazaar is held as part of the festival.

The Chettikulangara Bharani is not just a religious event but a cultural extravaganza that brings together people from all walks of life. The festival's vibrant processions, traditional performances, and the rich cultural heritage make it a unique and unforgettable experience. Celebrated with immense pomp and pageantry, Chettikulangara Bharani at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is a splendid spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.