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Guruvayur Ekadasi 2026, Saturday 21 November

Guruvayur 1–2 days

Guruvayur Ekadasi falls on the eleventh day of Vrischikam, and the Devaswom marks it with a dawn-to-dusk Udayasthamana pooja. In the days before, musicians sing at the Chembai music festival held in the singer's memory.

What happens

  1. The Devaswom conducts the Udayasthamana pooja, worship from dawn to dusk, on Ekadasi day.
  2. After the morning ritual procession, an elephant procession goes to the Parthasarathi temple. In the evening comes the Ekadasi vilakku with an elephant procession, the highlight of the day.
  3. Musicians perform at the Chembai Sangeetholsavam in memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, ending on Ekadasi.
  4. The temple elephants gather at the statue of Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan, the famed temple elephant, and the head elephant places a wreath.
  5. On Dwadasi, the next day, devotees make a token offering called Dwadasi panam at the Koothambalam.

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

Where families go

  • Guruvayur Temple

    Guruvayur Temple

    Guruvayur

    Guruvayur Ekadasi is the temple's own Ekadasi, observed in Vrischikam with the Udayasthamana pooja and the Ekadasi vilakku.

    Timings and guide

When to go

Ekadasi falls on the eleventh day of Vrischikam, in November or December. Preparations and lamp offerings begin about a month ahead.

DateWhatDetails
21 Nov 2026SatGuruvayur Ekadasi 2026Saturday 21 Nov 2026, with the Udayasthamana pooja through the day and the Ekadasi vilakku in the evening.

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

Before you go

  • Good to knowHours change on Ekadasi and Udayasthamana pooja days, and Kerala Tourism says the temple stays open until 9 am on Dwadasi. Check the temple page and the Devaswom before you plan darshan.
  • BookingChembai festival performer applications and all darshan or pooja bookings go through Guruvayur Devaswom's own portal only.
  • DressThe temple's dress code and phone rule apply on festival days too. See the Guruvayur temple page.

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: keralatourism.org, guruvayurdevaswom.in, keralatourism.org · checked 30 Oct 2026

Questions Families Ask

When is Guruvayur Ekadasi in 2026?

Kerala Tourism lists Saturday 21 November 2026. It says its festival dates are approximate, so confirm with the Devaswom.

What happens on Guruvayur Ekadasi?

The Devaswom conducts the dawn-to-dusk Udayasthamana pooja. Elephant processions go out in the morning, and the Ekadasi vilakku with an elephant procession follows in the evening.

When is the Chembai music festival?

It runs in the days before Ekadasi and ends on Ekadasi day. Kerala Tourism says eleven days; the Devaswom's page says about two weeks.

Is the temple open late after Ekadasi?

Kerala Tourism says the temple stays open until 9 am on Dwadasi, the day after. Hours change on these days, so check with the Devaswom.

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