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Erumeli Petta Thullal: the Sabarimala Pilgrims' Dance

Erumeli and 1 more place 2–3 days

Through the month of Dhanu, Sabarimala pilgrims dance the Petta Thullal at Erumeli, smeared with sandal powder and ash and holding arrows, to recall Ayyappa's victory over the demoness Mahishi. The biggest day is 27 Dhanu, a few days before Makaravilakku.

What happens

Dancers smear sandal powder and ash on their bodies, wear leaves and a leaf crown, hold arrows and carry a bundle of vegetables on a stick across the shoulders.
The procession starts at the Petta Sastha temple beside the Vavar mosque. Mosque committee members welcome the pilgrims, who circle the mosque and dance on about 0.5 km to the Valiyambalam.
On 27 Dhanu the Ambalappuzha group dances in the morning and the Alangad group in the afternoon. By custom the Ambalappuzha group enters the Vavar mosque and the Alangad group does not.
At the end, pilgrims leave their arrows and maces on the temple roof, bathe in the Peeruthodu stream and light camphor before the journey to Sabarimala.

Sources: keralatourism.org, en.wikipedia.org · checked 30 Oct 2026

Where families go

Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Erumeli
The dance runs between Erumeli's two Sastha temples, from the Petta Sastha temple or Kochambalam to the Valiyambalam.
Timings and guide
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
Sabarimala
After the dance, pilgrims set out from Erumeli for Sabarimala, on foot by the forest route or by road.
Timings and guide

When to go

Pilgrim groups dance from the first to the last day of Dhanu, mid-December to mid-January. The main day is 27 Dhanu, when the two traditional groups dance.

Date	What	Details
12 Jan 2027Tue	Petta Thullal main day, 27 Dhanu	Expected on Tuesday 12 January 2027, with the Ambalappuzha group in the morning and Alangad in the afternoon. Confirm locally.

Sources: keralatourism.org, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Before you go

BookingPilgrims going on to Sabarimala need a Virtual-Q booking. The Travancore Devaswom Board says it is mandatory for every pilgrim.
SafetyOn the forest route from Erumeli, pilgrims need a Forest Department pass beyond Irumboonikkara and may not cross the Azhutha river after sundown.
Good to knowKerala Tourism describes the forest walk from Erumeli as about 50 km over two days, barefoot over stones and thorns, with the steep Karimala climb.

Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.

Sources: travancoredevaswomboard.org, keralatourism.org · checked 30 Oct 2026

Questions Families Ask

When is the Erumeli Petta Thullal in 2027?

The main day is 27 Dhanu, which by the Malayalam calendar falls on 12 January 2027. No official date was published on 30 Oct 2026, so confirm locally. Groups dance throughout Dhanu.

Why do pilgrims visit the Vavar mosque at Erumeli?

The dance starts beside the Vavar mosque, where committee members welcome the pilgrims. The Ambalappuzha group enters it by custom, and devotees believe Vavar goes with the dancers to Sabarimala.

Which groups dance on the main day?

The Ambalappuzha group dances in the morning of 27 Dhanu and the Alangad group in the afternoon.

What do the dancers wear and carry?

Sandal powder and ash on the body, leaves and a leaf crown, arrows, and a bundle of vegetables on a stick across the shoulders.

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