Machattu Mamangam: when the parched fields come alive with motif horses, drums and uncontainable human spirit

By noon on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), the dry, post-harvest paddy fields around Thiruvanikkavu Bhagavathy Temple near Wadakkanchery in Thrissur, Kerala, seemed to catch fire with an explosive surge of festival energy. From distant villages, groups of men emerged across the sun-dried fields, their shoulders bearing towering, vibrantly adorned poikuthiras — the iconic motif horses of Machattu Mamangam.

One of the most breathtaking sights of the day unfolded as villagers marched towards the temple with massive horses made of bamboo and paddy straw balanced on their shoulders. Their arrival was thunderous. Loud cheers, rhythmic claps, and spirited cries echoed across the open fields as each desam announced its presence with pride and passion.

Procession of motif horses during the Machattu Mamangam, the annual festival of Thiruvanikkavu Bhagavathy Temple near Wadakkanchery, on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
K.K. Najeeb

Soon, the horses lined up on the northern paddy fields of the temple premises. By around 2 p.m., the grand procession moved forward to the powerful rhythms of Panchavadyam. The air vibrated with percussion, each beat heightening the anticipation of the crowd that had thronged Thiruvanikkavu in thousands.

The festival then surged into a crescendo with melam, followed by dazzling fireworks with thunderous sound and ignited even more excitement among the spectators.

Collective devotion

But the soul of Machattu Mamangam revealed itself in the much-awaited Kuthirakkali — a breathtaking outburst of collective energy and devotion. Villagers, drenched in sweat and smeared with red mud from the parched fields, lifted the gigantic horses high into the air, tossed them, caught them, and danced around the temple in ecstatic rhythm. With each leap and roar, the crowd’s energy soared. Every group tried to outshine the other, not in rivalry, but in sheer festive spirit and pride in their tradition.

The jingling bells tied to the horses’ necks blended with drumbeats and cheers, creating a soundscape that was both chaotic and magical. The raw strength, synchronised movements, and unfiltered joy of the participants transformed the temple grounds into a theatre of living folklore.

Traditional performances such as Poothan, Thira and other ritual art forms followed, deepening the cultural richness of the celebration. As evening approaches, the festival mood is set to intensify further with a mega musical night led by playback singer Vijay Yesudas, along with Thayambaka by Sadanam Ramakrishnan, followed by Keli, Payattu, Panchavadyam, Melam, and Thalappoli.

Absence of elephants

Unlike many temple festivals in Central Kerala, Machattu Mamangam stands apart for its striking absence of elephants. Instead, it celebrates human energy, craftsmanship, and community spirit through the magnificent procession of motif horses — a tradition rooted in legend and preserved through generations. The Thekkumkara division is leading this year’s mamangam.

Drawing massive crowds, including visitors from far and wide, the festival is more than a ritual observance; it is a powerful expression of identity, unity, and inherited cultural pride. As night falls, the sky will erupt in a deafening fireworks display, bringing the 2026 edition of Machattu Mamangam to a spectacular close — leaving behind echoes of drums, dust, devotion, and the unforgettable rhythm of a people who celebrate with their whole body and soul.