Guruvayurappan Temple Houston (GTH) is a Hindu temple located in Houston, Texas, dedicated to the worship of Lord Guruvayurappan, also known as Lord Krishna. The temple is home to a vibrant community of devotees and hosts several festivals and celebrations throughout the year. One of the most significant celebrations at GTH is the annual ulsavom, which takes place in the month of April.

The ulsavom at GTH is a grand celebration that lasts for several days and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the United States. The festival is a celebration of the glory of Lord Guruvayurappan and is marked by various rituals and festivities.

The ulsavom begins with the hoisting of the temple flag or kodiyettam, which symbolizes the start of the festival. The kodiyettam is a highly auspicious event, and devotees consider it an honor to participate in it. The temple flag is raised on a tall pole, and devotees sing devotional songs and perform traditional dances around it.

The ulsavom also features several cultural programs that showcase the rich heritage of India. Devotees dress up in traditional attire and perform folk dances and music. The temple also hosts an exhibition of arts and crafts, where visitors can admire and purchase intricate paintings, sculptures, and other handicrafts.

Another highlight of the ulsavom is the temple procession or pradakshina, where the deity is taken out of the sanctum and paraded around the temple complex. The procession is accompanied by music and the chanting of mantras, and devotees shower flowers and rice on the deity as a mark of their devotion. The pradakshina is a highly spiritual experience, and many devotees consider it a blessing to participate in it.

The ulsavom also features several pujas and homas or fire rituals, which are performed to appease the deities and seek their blessings. These rituals are conducted by the temple priests and are attended by devotees who offer prayers and make offerings of fruits, flowers, and other items.

One of the most significant rituals of the ulsavom is the annadanam or the offering of food to the devotees. The temple provides free meals to all the devotees who visit the temple during the festival, and volunteers work tirelessly to prepare and distribute the food. The annadanam is a symbol of the temple's commitment to serving the community and promoting social harmony.

The ulsavom culminates with the arattu or the ceremonial bath of the deity. The deity is taken to a nearby lake or river, where it is bathed and adorned with new clothes and jewelry. The arattu is a grand spectacle, and devotees gather in large numbers to witness the event and seek the blessings of the deity.

The ulsavom at Guruvayurappan Temple Houston is a grand celebration of the glory of Lord Guruvayurappan and the rich cultural heritage of India. The festival is marked by various rituals and festivities and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the United States. The ulsavom is a symbol of the temple's commitment to serving the community and promoting social harmony, and it is a highly spiritual and transformative experience for all those who participate in it.