Thrissur Pooram is a grand festival celebrated in the city of Trichūr in Kerala, India. It is one of the most popular and spectacular festivals in the state, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. The festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) and lasts for seven days.
The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of decorated elephants, which is held on the fourth day. The procession starts from the Vadakkunnathan Temple and ends at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam, where the main event takes place. The elephants are adorned with colorful silk umbrellas, gold ornaments, and bells, and are accompanied by traditional percussion instruments like chenda, thimila, and maddalam.
The main event of the festival is the display of fireworks, which takes place in the evening. The fireworks are set off from the top of the Vadakkunnathan Temple and can be seen from miles away. The display of fireworks is a competition between two groups representing the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples, and each group tries to outdo the other with their pyrotechnic skills.
Apart from the procession and fireworks, there are several other events that take place during the festival. These include the Ilanjithara Melam, a percussion ensemble featuring traditional instruments like chenda, ilathalam, and kuzhal; the Kudamattam, a ritualistic display of colorful umbrellas; and the Panchavadyam, a musical performance featuring five different instruments.
The festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and is a must-see for anyone visiting the state. The grandeur and spectacle of the festival are truly awe-inspiring and leave a lasting impression on all those who witness it.
