Malappuram, Kerala: Swami Anandavanam Bharathi Maharaj on Friday described the Mahamagha Mahotsavam at Thirunavaya as a spiritual congregation comparable to the Kumbh Mela of South India, tracing its origins to the reign of Cheraman Perumal.

“It is a spiritual congregation comparable to the Kumbh Mela of South India. The festival is believed to have begun during the reign of Cheraman Perumal and later continued under the leadership of the Valluvakonathiri. Around 250 years ago, during the British colonial period, the festival was discontinued,” the Maharaj said.

Also read: Faith vs Kerala Govt explodes: Stop memo on Bharathapuzha triggers massive row over Kumbh Mela

The Mahamagha Mahotsavam commenced on Friday on the banks of the Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya with special poojas.

Under the guidance of Swami Abhinava Balananda Bhairava, devotees from various Hindu sects performed deity worship and ancestral rites in accordance with their respective traditions. A Veera Sadhana ceremony was conducted from 6 am under the guidance of Ayinipulli Vaishakh.

On Saturday morning, Cherumukku priest Vallabhan Akkithiripad will officiate the Vedic Shraddha Karma as Acharya, formally marking the inauguration of the Mahamagha Mahotsavam at Thirunavaya.

The festival will officially be inaugurated by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar on the Navamukunda temple premises at 11 am on February 19. The event will continue until March 3.

Why controversy

Even as preparations continue, the festival has faced regulatory hurdles. Revenue authorities in Malappuram earlier issued a stop memo on January 8 halting preparatory work in the Bharathapuzha River at Thirunavaya, citing violations of the Kerala River Protection Act (2001).

Officials said a temporary bridge was being constructed by encroaching into the river and that heavy machinery was being used to level the riverbed — activities deemed offences under the Act and liable for penalties.

Although the stop memo issued by the Thirunavaya village officer has not been formally withdrawn, the district administration has granted special permission to conduct the festival.