Thrissur Pooram 2026 wrapped up: Next year's date decided

This year's Thrissur Pooram, which did away with fireworks and featured elaborate umbrella displays in the backdrop of the Mundathikkode fireworks storage unit blast, has officially drawn to a close. The Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady deities faced each other and exchanged the customary farewell greetings in the 'upacharam cholli piriyal' ritual. It took place at the western entrance of Vadakkunnathan Temple, where caparisoned elephants bearing the idols of the two bhagavathis stood face-to-face on the sacred platform. The elephants raised their trunks in mutual salutation, drawing loud cheers from thousands of pooram lovers who had gathered to witness the moment.

Next year's date
The next Thrissur Pooram is scheduled for April 17, 2027, as jointly decided by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms. Ever since its inception in 1796, the festival had its date decided in advance, so that the planning gets easier. The date is always the date of pooram in the Malayalam month of Medam. This year's was the 230th Thrissur pooram. In the years 1943, 1945, 1948, 1957, 1962 and 2020, the pooram festivities were scaled down considerably owing to multiple events that influenced its organising.