Thrissur Pooram (30th April to 6th May 2025) : Kerala’s Festival of Colour, Culture, and Elephants

Vadakkunnathan (Shiva) Temple in Thrissur

Thousands gather, anticipation buzzing through the air, capturing the moment poised to unfold. Phones are raised high, not to capture the moment but to become part of a story centuries in the making. Suddenly, the gates swing open, heralding the arrival of the star : A majestic elephant adorned with vibrant flowers and gleaming gold. A trumpet of joy, its trunk lifted high, greets the roaring cheers of the crowd. This grand entrance is just the beginning. Accompanied by a chorus of 15 elephants on each side, the spectacle is a vision of unity and splendour, each elephant proudly bearing a Deity and an ornate parasol atop its head. The air vibrates with the rich melodies of traditional music, setting the stage for the iconic Thrissur Pooram – the mother of all festivals, a symphony of culture, tradition, and communal joy that captures India.

The greatest gatherings in Asia

Kerala embodies beauty in many forms – from its serene backwaters and lush coconut groves to the rich scents of its cuisine. It’s also home to Asia’s most magnificent gathering, Thrissur Pooram. The festival is held in honour of Lord Shiva, the presiding Deity of the Vadakkunnathan Temple located in Thrissur city. The term ‘Thrissur Pooram’ is a combination of two words : ‘Thrissur’, which is the name of the city in Kerala where the festival is held, and ‘Pooram’, which is a Malayalam word that refers to a group or a meeting. So, in essence, Thrissur Pooram means the meeting or gathering of Thrissur, which is an appropriate name for this festival as it brings together people from different communities, religions, and walks of life to celebrate and rejoice together.

Thrissur Pooram history

Before Thrissur Pooram became the spectacle it is today, the Aarattupuzha Pooram held the title of Kerala’s largest temple festival. Temples from across the District would join in a grand procession, showcasing thidambu or kolam (decorated images or replicas of Deities). However, one year, due to unforeseen weather delays, many temples were barred from participating, sparking discontent among their authorities. In response, they turned to Rama Varma Kunjipilla Thampuran, known affectionately as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaj of Cochin, to voice their grievances.

Sakthan Thampuran saw an opportunity in this dispute to create a new tradition. He organized a festival that would include about ten temples located near the Vadakkumnathan temple. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is the center of all the temples, and hence, the celebrations take place here. His vision was for these temples to honour Lord Shiva, the presiding Deity of Vadakkumnathan, marking the start of what would be a ceremonial event lasting to this day. The festival brought together temples like Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, and Neythilakavu. This gathering has now been celebrated as Thrissur Pooram for over 200 years, marking a significant evolution in the festival’s history.

The pillars of Thrissur Pooram – Key participants and their roles

In the heart of Thrissur Pooram’s festivities, Sakthan Thampuran’s vision divided the participating temples into two primary groups : The Eastern Group, led by Paramekkavu Temple, and the Western Group, headed by Thiruvambady Temple. These temples stand as the festival’s chief participants, around which the entire event revolves. Accompanying them are the ‘cherupooram’ – eight neighbouring temples that enrich the festival with their unique contributions, further amplifying the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram.

Eastern Group

Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple : The forefront of the Eastern Group, this temple’s vibrant participation sets the tone for the group’s festivities.

Chembukkavu Bhagavathy Temple : Known for its historical significance and spiritual aura, it adds depth to the Eastern Group’s processions.

Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple : Brings a blend of martial art traditions and spiritual practices to the celebrations.

Choorakkottukavu Bhagavathy Temple : Its participation is marked by unique rituals and offerings, contributing to the diversity of the Pooram.

Pookattikkara – Karamukku Bhagavathy Temple : Renowned for its cultural contributions, it enriches the festival’s tapestry with traditional arts and performances.

Western Group

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple : The anchor for the Western Group, this temple’s participation symbolizes unity and devotion, setting a devotional tone for the group’s activities.

Kanimangalam Sastha Temple : Brings to the festival a blend of tradition and mythology, celebrated through its distinct ceremonies.

Laloor Bhagavathy Temple : Known for its ancient roots, it adds a layer of historical richness to the festivities.

Sree Karthyayani Temple at Ayyanthole : Its involvement highlights the festival’s inclusivity and diversity in worship practices.

Nethilakkavu Baghavathy Temple : Closes the circle with its strong community ties, showcasing the local faith and traditions that are central to Thrissur Pooram.

Celebration unveiled – Grandeur of Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram, often hailed as Kerala’s most anticipated annual festival, lights up the skies every Medam month, according to the Malayalam Calendar. This period typically aligns with April or May in the Gregorian calendar, with the festival’s climax occurring on the Medam full moon day.

The historic Vadakkunnathan (Shiva) Temple in Thrissur plays host to this grand event, alongside a multitude of Hindu temples across Kerala, which don radiant decorations to join in the celebration.

This week-long festival commences with the vibrant sounds of Melam, leading into the Kodiyettam ceremony where flags hoists high, signalling the start of the festivities. Highlights include traditional folk dances, a mesmerizing elephant parade, the awe-inspiring fireworks display, and the soul-stirring rhythms of panchavadyam.

Elephants hold a place of honor in the festivities, adorned in Nettipattam (elaborate golden headgear), jingling decorative bells, and an array of ornaments, capturing the essence of the celebration. A unique ritual, Poora Vilambaram, sees one of these majestic creatures ceremoniously place the Idol of ‘Neithilakkavilamma’ atop its back and gently push open the south gate of the temple with its legs, embodying the spiritual heart of Thrissur Pooram.

Celebrating Thrissur Pooram

Initiation of Festivities – Flag hoisting (Kodiyettam)

Thrissur Pooram unfolds over seven days, commencing with the Kodiyettam ceremony, where flags are hoisted to officially mark the beginning of the celebrations. Unique to Thrissur Pooram, the flag is raised on a specially crafted post made from the Arecanut tree, prepared by a carpenter who observes a week-long vow and performs a ground blessing ceremony.

 Thrissur Pooram exhibition

Positioned near the Vadakunnathan Temple at Thekkinkadu Ground, the Thrissur Pooram Exhibition is a grand trade fair that attracts visitors from across South India.

The grand pandals of Pooram

The festival sees the construction of three massive pandals around the Swaraj Ground, with two orchestrated by Thiruvambady Temple and one by Paramekkavu Temple. These pandals, located at strategic points across the city, serve as the epicenters for the Pooram’s numerous events.

Sample Vedikettu – The prelude to fireworks

A highlight of the festival, the Sample Vedikettu on the fourth day is a spectacle of fireworks that preludes the main pyrotechnic display. Commencing at 7:30 p.m., this hour-long show features a friendly rivalry between Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples, each striving to outdo the other with fireworks at Swaraj Ground.

Chamayakazcha – The elephant accoutrements exhibition

For 36 hours, Chamayakazcha showcases the elaborate decorations and ornaments that adorn the elephants during the festival. This exhibition, featuring items like the golden elephant caparison (Nettipattam), ceremonial umbrellas, and fans made of peacock feathers, is prepared separately by Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devawsoms, offering a glimpse into the intricate preparations behind the Pooram’s grandeur.

Main Pooram celebrations

The festival peaks on the sixth day with processions from all ten temples converging at Vadakunnathan Temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The temple, though a mere spectator, facilitates the grand assembly, allowing the vibrant processions and traditional music to fill its grounds.

Farewell ceremony – Koodikazcha

On the final day, a poignant farewell ceremony takes place, where Deities from the participating temples, escorted by their respective elephants and musicians, gather for a formal goodbye. This moment of mutual respect and promise of reunion encapsulates the spirit of Thrissur Pooram, leaving attendees and participants with memories to cherish until the next year’s festivities.

(Courtesy : Article by Shabari Shankar, posted on savaari.com, March 28, 2024)

Thrissur Pooram – the mother of all festivals, a symphony of culture, tradition, and communal joy that captures India !