Ambalapuzha Arattu is the main festival of
Sri Krishna Swami Temple at
Ambalapuzha,
Alappuzha District.
The annual festivities last for ten days. It commences with the flag hoisting ceremony on the Atham day in
Meenam (March-April). The Arattu take place on the 10th day, Thiruvonam day in Meenam. A folk art form named '
Velakali', also known as Ambalapuzha vela, is conducted on all days except on the first day. This is an important feature of this festival. There are processions of caparisoned elephants on every evening from the seventh day. Another important event of this festival is the Natakasala (dance hall) Sadhya or feast held on the ninth day. It is held in honor of the Marars, the traditional artists who play the percussion instruments and to commemorate the legend of Lord Krishna serving food to the temple drummers. Devotees throng the temple in large numbers, during the festive seasons.
A celebration called Vijayabali is conducted in this temple. This comes once in 144 years. Pallipana is another festival conducted once in twelve years.
