Come be a part of the vibrant and colorful spirit of the Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala. This annual Hindu temple festival is a tradition in the region and attracts visitors from all around the world to celebrate with live music, dance performances, and elaborate processions of decorated elephants.
Held at the Vadakkunnathan (Shiva) Temple in Thrissur, the festival takes place every year on the Pooram day, when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam. It’s a magical and unforgettable experience that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India. Don’t miss your chance to witness the Pooram festival in 2024.
History & Origin of Thrissur Pooram Festival
The Thrissur Pooram festival was initiated in 1798 by Raja Rama Varma, the maharaja of Cochin. Before the festival’s inception, the Arattupuzha Pooram Temple hosted a one-day event that was rained out one year, resulting in the exclusion of participants who arrived late.
Raja Rama Varma, upon hearing of the issue, organized the ten temples surrounding Vadakkunnathan Temple into a unified festival, ensuring that a similar exclusion would not occur. The Vadakkunnathan Temple served as the epicenter of the newly formed two sects—the eastern group and western group. Today, Thrissur Pooram is a renowned cultural event, with international tourists adding it to their yearly itinerary.
Significance of Thrissur Pooram Festival
Every year, Kerala celebrates the vibrant and enthralling festival of Thrissur Pooram at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. After two years of Covid restrictions, it was back in its original grandeur with grand processions of caparisoned elephants and colorful parasols, symphonically accompanied by traditional percussion music that showcases the actual cultural spirit of Kerala.
On the day of Pooram when the moon ascends with the star, numerous temples congregate in Thrissur and honor Lord Vadakkunnathan. The most significant part is the elephant parade which captivates everyone’s eyes with its more than 50 elephants lavishly adorned with gilded ornaments.
Main Events and Activities During the Festival
This festival is a colorful extravaganza that promises to delight your senses. With vibrantly-caparisoned elephants, traditional music and a dazzling display of parasols, you’ll be transported into a magical world of wonder. In the Kudamattom ceremony, parasols are quickly and rhythmically changed, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Ilanjithara Melam will leave you stunned with its traditional orchestra and the euphoric participation of thousands of spectators. Finally, the grand fireworks show will bring the festival to an end with a stunning display of lights and colors for almost four hours.
Date and Duration of The Thrissur Pooram Festival: The festival will take place on April 19th in Thrissur, Kerala.
The bottom line,
The awesome festivities of the Thrissur Pooram festival are a testament to India’s vibrant and rich culture that has been around for centuries. It is an amazing event where thousands of people from all walks of life come together to express their culture and heritage.
Whether it’s the spectacular brilliantly illuminated elephant parades, or the deafening sound of drums during firework displays, or even just the breathtaking beauty of this historic city, one will certainly be mesmerized by it. Seeing the beautiful display will surely leave you with lasting memories and enrich your spiritual experience in Thrissur at large. The magical thrills created by Thrissur Pooram Festival waits ahead of you to add a sprinkle of mirthful joy in your lives.
FAQs:
In Thrissur, Kerala, many temples around the city are invited to pay homage to Lord Vadakkunnathan with their deities on the day of Pooram. To celebrate this, Thrissur Pooram festival gets organized.
The Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated with beautifully adorned elephants, decked-up chariots, colorful umbrellas, dazzling parasols and music. It is filled with the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala.
In the main parade organized during Thrissur Pooram festival, two teams of fifteen beautifully adorned elephants go head to head across the temple ground.