Holiday Alert: April 23 off for these areas in; applicable to all educational institutions and government institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A local holiday has been declared for April 23, 2026, in connection with the Kaliyoot Mahotsavam at the Major Vellayani Devi Temple. The District Collector announced the holiday for the gram panchayats of Nemom, Kalliyoor, Pallichal, Balaramapuram, and Venganur, as well as the Thiruvallam ward within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

The holiday applies to all government offices and educational institutions in these areas. However, the order specifies that institutions and staff involved in general election duties are exempt and must remain functional. Additionally, the holiday will not affect any pre-scheduled public examinations.

The Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam is a rare and historic event, celebrated only once every three years, and is renowned as one of the longest non-pilgrimage festivals in South India, spanning over 60 days. The April 23 holiday coincides with the festival's grand finale, featuring the Aarattu (holy bath) in the Vellayani Lake and the Nilathilporu, a dramatic ritual enactment of the battle between Goddess Bhadrakali and the demon Darika. Other unique traditions of this festival include the Paranettu—a sky-high battle performed on a 100-foot-tall stage—and the Kalamkaval, where the chief priest carries the massive four-foot-wide golden idol (Thirumudi) in a trance-like dance.