Fixing the date
There is no fixed date. The Kaliyattam is held on the Saturday and Sunday after Thulam 21.
No specific date has been fixed for the Theyyam at Meenakkottil. By custom, the Kaliyattam may be held once Thulam 21 has passed. That is the day the Kaliyattam is held at Alanthatta Madavathukkal, where Sree Madayil Chamundi first gave darshan to Vannadil Pothuval.
So that members of the tharavadu can take an active part, the Kaliyattam has for many years been held on the Saturday and Sunday that follow Thulam 21. Records show that in earlier times it was even held around Vrischika Sankramam.
However, once the purification rites begin for the Payyanur Perumal festival, a fowl offering (Kozhiyaravu) within the Urbali circuit is considered unsuitable. For this reason the Kaliyattam is not held after the purification begins following the re-consecration (Punahpratishtha) ceremonies.