Kerala Joins the Sacred Circle: First-Ever Kumbh Mela Set to Dazzle Malappuram in 2026

Updated: November 08, 2025 03:00

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Kerala will host its inaugural Kumbh Mela from January 18 to February 3, 2026, at the banks of the Bharathapuzha River near the Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple in Malappuram. Modeled after the traditional Kumbh Melas of northern India, this festival will blend Kerala’s unique cultural heritage with spiritual grandeur.

Kerala’s first-ever Kumbh Mela scheduled from January 18 to February 3, 2026

Event takes place on the banks of Bharathapuzha River, near Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple
Organized and overseen by Juna Akhara, India’s largest monastic order
Festival aligns with traditional Kumbh Melas held in Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj
Revival led by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, third Keralite to attain top religious rank
Festival expected to bring together seers, ashrams, and devotees statewide
Reception committee to be formed by November 23 for event coordination
Emphasis on blending spiritual rituals with Kerala’s rich cultural and traditional art forms

The event marks the beginning of a 12-year cycle with the next grand Maha Makham in 2028

Detailed Report

In a historic development for southern India, Kerala is set to host its own Kumbh Mela for the first time in recorded history. Scheduled between January 18 and February 3, 2026, the festival will take place on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River near the revered Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple in Malappuram district.

Inspired by the four traditional Kumbh Melas celebrated in the northern states of Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, Kerala’s Kumbh Mela seeks to revive ancient spiritual congregations with its distinctive regional elements. The Juna Akhara, the largest monastic order responsible for organizing the Kumbh Melas, will oversee this event under the guidance of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, a distinguished spiritual leader from Kerala.

The festival aims to unite saints, seers, and devotees from across Kerala, promoting spiritual harmony and cultural festivities. A reception committee will be formed later this month to ensure smooth coordination.

This inaugural Kumbh Mela is expected to rekindle Kerala’s ancient religious traditions, drawing millions of devotees and marking the advent of a new spiritual era in the region. Echoing the Maha Makham tradition, this event stands as a grand celebration of faith, culture, and community.

Sources: The New Indian Express, Manorama News, Indian Express, Malayala Manorama

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