Alpashi Arattu

The arattu festival of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a special celebration for the people Thiruvananthapuram. As part of this, processions are held twice a year (Alpashi and Painkuni Festivals) from the temple to Shankhumukham Beach for the holy bath (arattu) in the sea. The procession is led by the Travancore royal family. The ritualistic practice is followed by many cultural events in the temple premises.