Historic 'Thrissur Pooram' extravaganza in Kerala: Explained

The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, is all set to celebrate the historic temple festival 'Thrissur Pooram' at the Vadakkumnathan Temple. The festival will be held on Wednesday, April 29.

The two devaswoms, Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu are the main participants of the seven-day traditional festival. [Pamela Anderson asks Kerala CM not to use elephants for Thrissur pooram festival]

Know all about Thrissur Pooram festival

• The flag hoisting ceremony marking the festival was held on Thursday, April 23.
• Display of fireworks is one of the major speciality of the festival. The sample vedikettu (fireworks) was held on Monday, prior to the main event.
• The processions of idols from the neighbouring temples to Vadakkunnathan Temple are one of the major events of Thrissur Pooram.
• The world famous pyrotechnic show will be displayed on Thursday morning, April 30.

'Thrissur Pooram' in History

• 'Thrissur Pooram', which is a mix of religious conservatism and carnival spirit was introduced by Maharaja of Cochin Raja Rama Varma, also known as Sakthan Thampuran.
• It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May).
• According to historical facts, Arattupuzha Pooram was the largest temple festival in the "God's own country". 'Thrissur Pooram' was a brain child of Sakthan Thampuran.
• The historians say that the king Sakthan Thapuran had unnified 10 temples around Vadakkunnathan Temple when the temples in Thrissur were denied permission to attend the procession in Arattupuzha.
• The cultural capital had been celebrating the 'Thrissur Pooram' since AD 1798.

Classified as two groups

• The Maharaja has classified the temples into two groups: Western and Eastern.
• The Western group consists of four major temples such as Kanimangalam, Laloor, Ayyanthole and Neythilakkavu. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is the group leader of the West.
• While the Eastern group is led by Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple. It includes major temples such as Karamukku, Chembukkavu, Choorakottukavu and Panamukkamppilly.
• A tough fight between these two groups by displaying fireworks and caparisoned elephants will be the highlight of 'Thrissur Pooram'. The friendly battle between West and East will enthral the crowd.

Display of fireworks

There will be a tug of war between West and East by displaying fireworks. Thousands for fireworks fans will surround the city for watching the dazzling pyrotechnic show.

Elephants, the star attraction

• Almost 15 elephants will be decorated on each side during the 36-hour-long pooram.
• The spectacular show called 'Kudamattom' will be another speciality. The parasols of myriad numbers in numerous designs and colours will be exchanged by people atop the elephants.
• The Percussion maestros are another attraction on the Pooram day. One will get to enjoy choicest rhythms of Pandi Melam and Panchavadyam at the 'Thrissur Pooram'.