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KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Thrissur Pooram Celebrated with Pomp and Splendour

Thekkinkadu maidan came alive with a heady mix of rhythm, fireworks and burst of colours as this year`s edition of Thrissur pooram was celebrated in the traditional manner. Pandimelam helmed by Cheranallur Sankarankutty Marar, Elanjitharamelam, the famed ensemble of traditional percussion instruments, led by Kizhakoot Aniyan Marar, the brilliant display of colours and craft during the Kudamattam ceremony, and the majestic presence of caparisoned elephants drove scores of spectators into a frenzy at the pooram venue. Fondly called “the Mother of all Poorams,” Thrissur pooram, as usual, was a class apart in procession, people participation and the fervour it generated.

Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May), Thrissur pooram is a grand gathering of Gods and Goddesses in and around Thrissur who pay their visit to the Vadakkumnathan temple premises on caparisoned elephants accompanied by chenda melam and pancha vadyam.  Thiruvambady Bhagavathi and Paramekkavu Bhagavathi, Nethilakkavu Bhagavathi, Karamukku Bhagavathi, Ayyanthole Bhagavathi, Laloor Bhagavathi, Choorakkattukavu Bhagavathi, Chembukkavu Bhagavathi, Panamukkumpally Sastha, Kanimangalam Sastha took part in the rituals. The pooram rituals got underway with the arrival of Kanimangalam Sastha in the morning. As the enthusiasm reached the peak, there was a greater surprise in store for the festival buffs when the Thiruvambady unfolded umbrellas featuring Messi holding the World Cup at the Kudamattam. While the elephant lovers missed the prominent presence of seven elephants who had been an integral part of pooram in the past, the new line of elephants wowed the audience with their stature and imposing presence.