LOKANARKAVU FESTIVAL

Celebrated In : Kozhikode, Kerala Centre of Activity : Lokanarkavu Bhagwathy Temple, Vadakara. Duration : 41 days Main Ritual : Thacholikali

Mandala Utsavam is the forty-one day annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple near Vadakara in Kozhikode.

This is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Thacholikali is presented. The dance, performed during the festival resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu and is presented by a sect of people known as Theeyampadi Kurup. The temple, believed to be 3000 years old, finds frequent mention in the Northern Ballads as the presiding deity goddess Bhadrakali is the patron of warriors and war and is worshipped with martial art performances.