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Thrissur Pooram - 19 April 2024

A resplendent festival celebrated with a grand display of caparisoned elephants, dazzling parasols, and percussion music, the Thrissur Pooram is a magnificent spectacle merging the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), the pooram is held at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur. 

Considered to be the mother of all poorams, this yearly temple festival was the brain child of Shakthan Thampuran, (Maharaja of Kochi) who organised the festival with the participation of 10 temples (Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, Neythilakavu).

The festival showcases beautifully decorated elephants and features a special ceremony called kudamattom. During kudamattom, teams quickly swap colorful umbrellas on the elephants to lively music. It's a major highlight of the festival and draws a lot of attention from spectators.

Another exciting part of the festival is the "Ilanjithara melam," where traditional instruments are played, creating a captivating atmosphere. About 250 artists play instruments like chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu, and elathalam, leading the crowd to feel joyful and uplifted. Spectators join in by waving their hands to the rhythm. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks display.