Celebrations & Sacred Events
From Makar Sankranti to Mandala Pooja — the festival calendar of Shree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur, brings the community together in devotion, colour, and joy throughout the year.
✦ Grand Annual Festival
The most grand three-day celebration of the year — Thiru-Utsavam runs from 12th to 14th January, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. Special poojas, Archana, Homam, and Kalasham are performed with the presence and guidance of Temple Acharyan Brahmashree Akkiraman Kalidasa Bhattathirippad. All three days conclude with Annaprasadam — a feast for all devotees.
Annual Calendar
Ramayana Masa Arambham marks the sacred beginning of the month dedicated to the recitation and reflection of the Ramayana. Devotees begin daily readings, prayers, and spiritual observances during this period, seeking blessings of Lord Rama for righteousness, peace, and devotion.
Ganesh Festival
Lord Ganesha's birthday — celebrated with Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam and special poojas at the Ganesha shrine. As the remover of obstacles, Ganesha's blessings are sought for all new beginnings and important endeavours.
Festival of Lights
The festival of lamps on Karthika Nakshatra day — thousands of oil lamps illuminate the entire temple complex. One of the most visually magnificent evenings of the year, drawing devotees from across Jaipur to witness the sea of light.
26 August, 2026
Harvest Festival
Kerala's beloved harvest festival — celebrated at the temple with Pookalam (flower carpet), traditional Sadya (feast on banana leaf), and Thiruvathira dances. The Thiruvonam day holds special significance as the founding day of the temple's Bhajana unit.
Devi Festival
Nine nights of devotion to Devi Bhadrakali — one of the temple's sub-deities. Special poojas, bhajanas, and cultural programmes are held each evening. Vijayadashami marks the triumphant conclusion of the festival.
Janmashtami celebrates the divine birth of Lord Krishna, observed with fasting, prayers, devotional songs, and midnight celebrations. Devotees seek blessings for love, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Sep 14
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. Devotees worship with prayers, offerings, and festive rituals, seeking success and new beginnings.
November 17, 2026 to December 27, 2026
Pilgrimage Season
The 41-day Mandala Kalam season — the most spiritually intense period of the Ayyappa calendar. Bhajana and Annaprasadam are performed throughout. Culminates in the grand Makaravilakku celebration on Makar Sankranti (January 14).
Annual
Cultural Performance
A spectacular Kathakali or traditional Kerala dance performance depicting the slaying of Duryodhana — the triumphant moment from the Mahabharata. A vibrant celebration of Kerala's classical arts tradition at our temple in Jaipur.
Jan 14
Grand Utsavam
The temple's founding day — the Prana Pratishta of Lord Ayyappa was performed on Makar Sankranti 1986. Three days of celebrations (12–14 January) with special poojas, cultural events, and Annaprasadam. Past years: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020.
Shiva Festival
The great night of Lord Shiva — celebrated with all-night vigil, Abhishekam, and special poojas at the Shiva shrine within our temple complex. Devotees fast throughout the day and maintain night-long wakefulness in prayer.
Apr 15
New Year
The Malayalam New Year — celebrated with Vishukkani (auspicious first sight), special puja, and community feast. One of the most joyous occasions at the temple, bringing the entire Kerala community of Jaipur together.
Regular Programmes
To. conduct Bhajana: contact Shri A. R. Sasi +91 94603 26886 or Shri Arun Nair +91 99343 26898
Continuous divine name chanting — a powerful 24-hour prayer held on the second Sunday of every month for the supreme blessings and protection of all devotees and their families.
The ladies’ devotional programme — Mahila Mandal Puja is held on the first Sunday of each month, organised by the women’s wing of the temple, celebrating devotion and community.
Continuous divine name chanting — a powerful 24-hour prayer held on the second Sunday of every month for the supreme blessings and protection of all devotees and their families.
Festival Archives
Relive the joy and devotion of past festivals through our photo galleries. Each year's celebrations are a testament to the vibrant community that makes Shree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur so special.
All are welcome at Shree Ayyappa Temple — come celebrate, pray, and receive the Lord's blessings.
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