Thrissur Pooram: Kerala’s Most Colourful Cultural Extravaganza
Thrissur (also spelt Trichur), is the cultural capital of Kerala. However, it’s for the annual Pooram held there that the city is famous for. Held during the Malayalam month of Medam which falls between April-May, Pooram it is a heady mixture of pomp and pageantry lasting nearly thirty six hours. It is one of the most colourful temple festivals of Kerala and attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from across the globe.
The word ‘Pooram’ literally means a gathering or a meeting, and it is believed that the gods and goddesses meet for a day of celebrations. The Thrissur Pooram festival has been celebrated since the late 18th Century and takes place in the premises of the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple. The event dates back to the reign of King Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790) and was a means for the two main geographical regions of the town, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi to display their strength.
The highlight of Pooram is a massive line-up of 30 or more caparisoned elephants, each mounted by three mahouts, one holding a colourful umbrella, another holding a pair of white fluffy bouquets called Venchamaram, and the third holding a pair of fan-like circular artefacts called Aalavattom.
An integral part of Pooram celebrations is Panchavadyam, which uses a combination of five types of percussion instruments to roll out a unique, intricate and pulsating rhythm that will set your feet tapping. The percussion section is accompanied by the blowing of conch shells and the screaming of semi-circular contraptions called Kombu. Another integral part of Pooram is Pandimelam in which about 200 artistes in the disciplines of drum, trumpets, pipe and cymbals participate.
Pooram celebrations begin in the early hours of the morning continue through the night and finish about midday the following day. In the wee hours of the day after the Pooram, there is a brilliant display of pyrotechnics.
Pooram is not simply a temple festival but a cultural highlight of Kerala in which people across religion and caste participate. It is an expression of the people’s love for music, colour and pompous pageantry. With every passing year, Thrissur Pooram attracts more and more spectators from around the world, making it a major tourism event.
Make Thrissur Pooram a part of your next Kerala Holiday. Call Kerala Travel Centre on Freephone 0808 178 9799 to create a tailor made itinerary that includes this unbelievably splendorous spectacle.
