The “Alpashi Utsavam” is a significant festival celebrated at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. This temple is one of the most renowned temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Its magnificent Aarattu ceremony, the holy bath in the sea for the deities, is the primary attraction. A large procession starts from the temple and proceeds to the Shanghumugham Beach, with the head of the Travancore Royal Family leading the procession, sword in hand. One gets to see caparisoned elephants, mounted police and columns of armed police as thousands of faithful devotees flock the streets to view this unique and historic sight.
During the Alpashi Utsavam, the deity Lord Padmanabha is adorned with special ornaments and given a ceremonial bath. Elaborate rituals and pujas are performed throughout the festival, and the temple comes alive with various cultural events and processions. Devotees from all over Kerala and beyond visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabha.