Guruvayur Ekadasi, celebrated at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur district, is one of the most significant festivals for devotees of Lord Krishna. This event falls on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight, known as Ekadasi. Of the 24 Ekadasis observed each year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November/December) holds special importance.

The preparations for the Ekadasi festival begin a month in advance with the ritual of Ekadasi Vilakku (lighted lamps) offered by devotees. This leads up to the main day of Ekadasi, marked by the udayasthamana pooja (dawn-to-dusk pooja), a continuous worship ceremony that reflects deep devotion. A memorial service is also held for Gajarajan Kesavan, the famed temple elephant, and the temple hosts the eleven-day Carnatic music festival in memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, a legendary musician.

On the Ekadasi day, the temple opens early at 3 a.m. for Nirmalya Darshan, allowing devotees to witness the deity. The temple remains open until 9 a.m. on Dwadasi (the 12th day), during which devotees make offerings known as Dwadasi Panam. The highlight of the Ekadasi celebrations is the evening pooja, followed by the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with an elephant procession, creating a mesmerizing and grand spectacle.

Several special poojas are performed during Guruvayur Ekadasi, including the Guruvayur Ekadasi Pooja Co-offering, which encompasses Enna Adal, Vakacharthu, Chandanam Charthal, Chuttuvilakku, and Niramala. Thrikala Pooja, a three-time daily pooja, and the offering of Thulasi Mala (sacred basil garlands) are also significant rituals. Additionally, on Thrikkarthika, a few days before Ekadasi, special poojas like Poomoodal and Chuttuvilakku / Niramala are conducted for Bhagavathy.

A notable aspect of the festival is the memorial service for Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan. The head of the elephant family places a wreath at Kesavan's statue in front of the Sreevalsam guest house, while other elephants stand in reverence. The Devaswom (temple board) conducts the Udayasthamana Pooja (dawn-to-dusk pooja) on this day.

After the morning seeveli (ritual procession), an elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple takes place, symbolizing Geethopadesam Day, the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The night pooja on Ekadasi concludes with the famous Vilakku Ekadasi, featuring an illuminated procession of elephants, providing a spectacular finale to the festival.