Azhvanchery Thamprakkal announces Keralam’s Mamankam festival dates

Azhvanchery Thamprakkal announces the dates of Mamankam festival in a traditional manner at Azhvanchery Mana at Athavanad near Tirunavaya in Malappuram on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN Azhvanchery Thamprakkal, the traditional head of the historic Azhvanchery Mana, on Tuesday announced that the 33rd Mamankam memorial festival would be held at Tirunavaya from January 22 to 24, 2027.The festival is organised by Re-Echo, a cultural organisation, with Azhvanchery Thamprakkal as its chief patron. The event is being celebrated since 1994 to introduce the history of Mamankam to the younger generation and promote Tirunavaya’s cultural heritage.Re-Echo has also led efforts to protect Mamankam monuments and secure their takeover by the State government.The three-day festival will feature a historical re-enactment, Angavaal procession, memorial journey, history seminars, communal harmony meetings, lighting of the Mamankam memorial lamp, Kalaripayattu demonstrations, and book releases.The festival was announced by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal in the traditional manner at a function held at Azhvanchery Mana at Athavanad. Re-Echo president Poovathingal Rasheed presided over the function.Guruswamy K.V. Unnikurup handed over the festival calendar. Organising committee chairman Ullattil Ravindran delivered the keynote address. Convenor M.K. Satheesh Babu explained the programmes.Ambujan Tavanur, K.K. Abdur Razaji, Athavanad Mohammed Kutty, Satheeshan Kalichath, artist Premji, Ayyappan Kurumbathur, K.V. Moideenkutty, M.S. Unnikrishnan, Mulakkal Mohammedali, K.P. Alavi, and Chirakkal Umar spoke.Azhvanchery Mana, located at Athavanad near Tirunavaya, has a place in Keralam’s religious and cultural history. The senior member of the Namboodiri household traditionally held the title of Azhvanchery Thamprakkal and was regarded as a leading authority among Keralam’s Namboodiris on religious customs and rituals.The Thamprakkal also had a role in the Mamankam festival, which was held every 12 years at Tirunavaya. Historical accounts associate the Thamprakkal with the Mamankam Nilapaduthara, where he is said to have shared the presiding position with the Zamorin.According to tradition, Azhvanchery was among the families associated with Vedic learning and ritual practices in Keralam. The name Azhvanchery is believed to have originated from Azhvan, meaning to rule or control.“The festival seeks to keep the memory of Mamankam alive through history, cultural programmes, and public participation,” said Re-Echo officials. Published - September 23, 2026 06:00 am IST