Blog Details

Thrissur Pooram - 26th April 2026

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

Considered the mother of all Poorams, this yearly temple festival was the brainchild of Shakthan Thampuran (Maharaja of Kochi), who organized the festival with the participation of ten temples: Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, and Neythilakavu.

The festival showcases beautifully decorated elephants and includes a special ceremony called Kudamattom. During Kudamattom, teams rapidly swap colorful umbrellas atop the elephants to the rhythm of lively music. This major highlight captivates spectators.

Another thrilling aspect of the festival is the "Ilanjithara Melam," a grand percussion ensemble that creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. Around 250 artists play traditional instruments such as the chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu, and elathalam, invigorating the crowd with rhythmic beats. Spectators enthusiastically join in, waving their hands to the rhythm.

The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.