A subdued Thrissur Pooram this year: Paramekkavu Chamayam expo begins

This year's Thrissur Pooram will avoid fireworks following the death of 14 people in the firecracker unit tragedy on Tuesday. The whole mood of the festival is subdued this year, with rituals getting prominence over celebrations. That said, the Paramekkavu faction’s ‘chamayam’ (ornament) exhibition has begun at Agrashala. The two-day event, inaugurated by temple chief priest KV Vasudevan Namboothiri, showcases the visual grandeur that defines Thrissur Pooram.

The items on display include the deity’s thidambu (idol), glittering nettipattams (caparisons), venchamarams (decorative fans), and an array of vibrant parasols. Decorative umbrellas are the biggest attraction of the fest every year. Crafted from fabrics sourced from Surat and Chennai, along with select imported materials, they are the stars of the pooram segment called 'kudamattam.' Decorative bells and elephant ornaments are also part of the expo. 

Thiruvambady Expo
Due to mourning observed by the Thiruvambady Devaswom for the workers at Mundathikkode tragedy who were preparing the temple's fireworks, their chamayam exhibition will begin only on Saturday. It will be a one-day affair this time. The Pooram proclamation (poora vilambaram) ceremony is also scheduled for the same day. While the duration of ‘kudamattam’ will be reduced to 1 hour to 15 minutes, all other rituals are expected to proceed in accordance with tradition.