The Uthralikkavu Pooram is one of the most important festivals of central Kerala. This eight-day long festival, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is celebrated at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Vadakkancherry in the district of Thrissur, usually sometime in February.

The colourful elephant processions during the day and night, accompanied by the resounding Panchavadyam and the Pandimelam - two types of drum orchestration thrill the devotees. The evenings are eventful with ritual and folk art performances, in the glow of the traditional temple torches, that continue until dawn. On the concluding day is the spectacular all-night pooram pageant, the highlight of the festival.