Thrissur Pooram, a two-centuries-old festival, takes place at the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur every year in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). It is held in a competitive spirit between two temples: the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple.
The festival is known for its iconic elephant pageantry, percussion ensembles, firework displays and various events from the morning. If you want an idea of what to see in Thrissur on the pooram day and how to enjoy the fest, here's what you should know.
The pooram begins with this ceremony, where the subsidiary processions arrive at 'Sreemoolasthanam' aka the main sanctum sanctorum around 6 am.
A traditional percussion ensemble performance, it is the procession of the goddess from the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple to the Vadakkumnathan Temple during the Pooram festivities. It is often held in front of Naduvil Madhom near Thekkemadom (one of the satellite shrines of Vadakkumnathan Temple) around 11 am.
A percussion ensemble that happens at Ilanjithara inside the Vadakkumnathan Temple, it draws big crowds that gather to enjoy the traditional rhythms. This year, it is at 2 pm.
It is a distinctive style of melam (percussion ensemble) characterized by its use of chenda drums and its rhythmic complexity.
The term "Kudamattam" translates to "exchange of umbrellas" in Malayalam, the local language of Kerala. This ceremonial exchange involves the display of colourful and intricately decorated umbrellas known as "Kuda" or "Chattam. It is held in the evening around 6 pm.
Vedikettu aka a beautiful display of fireworks is held around 3 am on the day after pooram. This year, it will be on April 20.