The sample fireworks display of the Thrissur Pooram is over. The southern entrance of the Vadakkunnathan temple, has been opened for the Pooram festivities. And now, the stage is set for the annual Thrissur Pooram, which is on Wednesday, April 25.
What makes it special
It is a display of grandeur and elegance. A competition between two of the most powerful devaswoms of the region, who go all out to outshine the other, every single time. It is all about devotion and for the 'Pooram fanatics' an event they wait for every year without fail. It is a show of elephants, decorations, parasols, 'melams' and fireworks. And for everyone in Thrissur, it is not just a festival, but a way of life. But there are some voices of dissent that come up time and again about the use of elephants for the festival.
In the beginning...
In the olden days, that is way back in the 1790s, the biggest of the poorams was held in Arattupuzha. One year, the group from Thrissur were denied entry for the pooram because they were late. And the group approached king Shaktan Thampuran, of kingdom of Cochin, and told him their woes. Shaktan Thampuran, the visionary that he was, saw an opportunity in this sad incident. He brought two of the oldest temples of the region, the Thiruvambadi and Paramelkavu, together and told them to host their own version of the pooram on the grounds of the famous Vadakkunnathan temple. This, he knew would allow the growth of trade and commerce and a look at the town will tell you that his plan worked.
Watch out for
Ceremonies begin early, with the procession from the Kanimangalam Sastha temple entering the Vadakkunnathan temple premises through the entrance at the South. But the main show begins with the 'Purappadu' from Paramekkavu Bagavathi temple group and 'Madathil Varavu' by the Thiruvambady group, respectively.
Ilanjithara Melam: If you love music and the beat of the chenda you will love the Ilanjithara Melam. At times, this lasts for four hours and you can feel the notes resonate from every bit of you and the things and people around you.
The Kudamattam: Fifteen elephants will line up for Paramekkavu Bagavathi temple group and fifteen will line up for the Thiruvambady temple group. And then the display of colourful parasols, the 'alavattams' and the 'venchamarams' will take the centre-stage. This is an event that should not be missed.
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Night Pooram: The pooram continues at night after the pujas. And that is when the colourful and florescent parasols come out. Since it is after sun-down, it gets a bit cooler.
Fireworks display: By 3am, the procession moves to see the fireworks. And then the skies open up in colour. This event is very spectacular to say the least.
Parting ways: Normally, people return after the firework display. Stay back, for you can see a couple of small poorams and the famous 'Upacharam cholli piriyal', which is the ritual of the deity of Thiruvambadi temple saying farewell to the other gods who have assembled for the pooram.
Travel tips
If you are planning to go to the festival, you have to be very careful. It is a large gathering of people and pickpockets are common even though there will be a lot of policemen. Take care of your personal belongings.
Read Also: These are the best spots to watch Thrissur pooram like a local
If you are a foreign national, it is ideal to get in touch with the temple authorities. There are special platforms that gives you a good view of the events from close quarters.
Make sure you don't become separated from your group in the crowds.
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