Thrissur Pooram: Kudamattam ceremony in full swing

Amid lingering memories of 15 souls who lost their lives at the Mundathikode fireworks unit tragedy on April 21, Thrissur Pooram is underway, wrapped in pain. There will be no fireworks, while the Kudamattam (display of decorative umbrellas) will last just 15 minutes instead of a whole hour, and rituals that generally have an electrified ambience will be symbolic this year.

That said, for the lovers of the fiesta, attending the festival in itself is something that heals them of the pain caused by the tragedy. Know more about the programme schedule and how the festival progresses, here:

Thrissur Pooram progamme schedule
7 am - Pooram Purappadu ceremony (deity leaving the temple) under the Thiruvambadi Devaswom temple
11.30 am to 2.30 pm - Madhathil Varavu Panchavadyam percussion performance
2.45 pm - 'Pandimelam' percussion ensemble
6 pm - 'Kudamattam' ceremony
11.30 pm - Night procession
12.30 pm (April 27) - Upacharam cholli piriyal

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Safety arrangements
As many as 350 CCTV cameras are installed at key locations as part of security arrangements. Women police personnel, along with senior officers, are deployed to ensure safety and effective crowd management. The Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments have been entrusted with ensuring compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules. Precautionary measures are taken during the deployment of elephants and in the overall arrangements for the ceremonial processions.

Heatwave precautions
Given the possibility of a heatwave in the district, the Collector has urged those attending the Pooram to take appropriate precautions. The public has been advised to carry drinking water, hats, and umbrellas. Registration is also mandatory for drinking water distribution. Individuals and voluntary organisations distributing drinking water and food items at the festival venue must obtain mandatory food safety registration. The public has also been advised to carry sufficient drinking water in view of the prevailing high temperatures.

Three special health squads are deployed to ensure the provision of hygienic food and safe drinking water for the large crowds at the festival. The Corporation squads are also maintaining round-the-clock surveillance throughout the festival period.