Thrissur Pooram

Also referred to as the festival of festivals, Thrissur Pooram is a grand celebration of Kerala’s cultural and spiritual essence. The festival is held in the months of April - May in the Thekkinadu ground adjoining the Vaddakumnathan Temple in the town of Thrissur. Thrissur Pooram has a history dating back to 200 years. It was started by Shakthan Thampuran, Maharaja of Kochi and includes the participation of 10 different temples from Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu and Neythilakavu. These temples participate with their richly-caparisoned elephants and traditional orchestra music. This retinue is referred to as the pooram. The festival begins with the arrival of poorams from the ten temples. Dazzling display of elephants and percussion music accompany every pooram. One of the key highlights of the festival is the quick and rhythmic changing of colourful parasols in a ceremony called the Kudamattom ceremony. Another spectacular ceremony at the festival is a local performance called Ilanjithara Melam where hundreds of artists perform an orchestra accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The spirit of the ceremony is further mirrored by thousands of spectators who wave and sway to the music and create an absolutely magical moment. The festival of Thrissur Pooram ends with a grand fireworks show.