Festivals · 5 min read

Kaliyattam 2027: the festivals we know of, and what a Perumkaliyattam is

By Sankeerth · Updated 19 Oct 2026

A Kaliyattam is the yearly festival of a shrine in North Malabar, when Theyyams appear over several nights. A Perumkaliyattam is a far larger festival, held at long intervals. This page explains both and lists the Kaliyattams we have come across for 2027, with their locations. We update it as we find more.

What a Kaliyattam is

A Theyyam is a ritual, held for a deity who is believed to be present. A Kaliyattam is the festival that holds it: the yearly celebration of a shrine, grove or family house in North Malabar. It usually runs for one to several nights, with Theyyams appearing one after another, often through the night and into the morning.

You will also hear the word used for Theyyam itself. In most places it means the festival, and that is how we use it here. The season for these festivals runs from late October to May; see Theyyam season.

What a Perumkaliyattam is

A Perumkaliyattam (“great Kaliyattam”) is a very large festival, held at long intervals, in which many Theyyams are held over several days. Sources give different intervals; Kerala Tourism says twelve years or more. Because they come so rarely, they draw enormous gatherings.

We have not come across a Perumkaliyattam in our 2027 research so far.

Kaliyattams we know of in 2027

These are the Kaliyattam festivals that have come up in our research for 2027. The list is not complete, and dates are set by each shrine, so please confirm them locally.

• Muvandu Kaliyattam Mahotsavam
  • Where: Puliyannur Sree Puthiyarayakkal Bhagavathi Kshetram, Puliyannur, Kasaragod district. Open the location in Google Maps.
  • When: 26 to 30 January 2027.
  • Note: taken from a published video caption, so please check the dates.
• Anchattuvalam Veerarkavu, Theru, Nileshwar
  • Where: Anchattuvalam Veerarkavu, Theru, Nileshwar, Kasaragod district. Open the location in Google Maps.
  • When: consecration ceremonies from 15 to 18 February 2027, with the Kaliyattam to follow in February 2027. It is reported to be the first in two years. The dates of the Kaliyattam itself are not confirmed.

Many families and shrines also hold single-day Theyyams across the season. We have left those out, because a single day is not a festival.

What to expect

A Kaliyattam is a community occasion, not a visitor event. Expect:

• Very large crowds, especially at night and on the main days. Roads and parking fill early.
• Late nights. The main rituals often run into the small hours.
• Local customs. Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and follow the instructions of the shrine committee and the families. See Theyyam etiquette.
• Photography rules that vary by shrine. Ask before you take out a camera. See Cameras and ritual.

Why we mostly do not run trips to Kaliyattams

Kaliyattams are the busiest nights of the Theyyam year. With such crowds, it is hard to give guests the care they deserve, to stand where the families are comfortable, or to understand what is happening. For a first Theyyam we usually suggest a smaller family ritual, where there is room to be present and to ask questions.

Quick answers

What is a Kaliyattam?

The yearly festival of a shrine, grove or family house in North Malabar, held over one to several nights, in which Theyyams appear one after another. The word is also used loosely for Theyyam itself. See Theyyam words explained.

What is a Perumkaliyattam?

A much larger festival, held at long intervals, in which many Theyyams are held. Sources differ on the interval. Kerala Tourism says twelve years or more.

Is there a Perumkaliyattam in 2027?

We have not come across one in our 2027 research so far. If we find one, we will add it to this page.

Are these dates certain?

No. Festival dates are set locally by each shrine and can change. Treat the list as a guide and confirm with the shrine before you travel.

Do you take guests to Kaliyattams?

Mostly not. Kaliyattams draw very large crowds, which makes them hard to attend with care. For a first Theyyam we usually suggest a smaller family ritual.