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Onmanorama Staff
Published: May 05 , 2025 10:41 AM IST Updated: May 06, 2025 10:59 AM IST
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‘Pooram of all poorams,’ Thrissur Pooram, acclaimed as Kerala’s grandest festival, is unfolding at the historic Vadakkunnathan Temple grounds today. As always, lakhs of spectators from across the state and beyond are adding colour to the 200-plus-year-old festival.
The festivities began with the ceremonial entrance of ‘Kanimangalam Sastha through the southern gopuram and it is being followed by the arrival of Panamukkampilly Sathavu, Chembookavu Karthiayani Devi, Karamukku Karthiyani Devi, Choorakkottukavu Durga Devi, Ayyanthole Karthiayani Devi,and Naithalakavu Bhagavathi. The pooram crowd was delighted during the arrival of the popular tusker Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, holding the idol of Chembookavu Bhagavathi.
Percussionist Kongad Madhu will lead the Madhathil Varavu panchavadyam ensemble at 11.30 am. Kizhakkoottu Aniyan Marar will lead the ilanjitharamelam at 2.00 pm. Traffic restrictions will be in place around the Thrissur round until the conclusion of Pooram. Private vehicles will be allowed only up to the outer ring. Residents of the area must carry identity cards for entry.
Here are the timings of key upcoming events of this year’s Thrissur Pooram.
May 6, Pooram Day (Tuesday)
11.30 am – Madhathil Varavu panchavadyam percussion performance
2.30 pm – Ilanjithara melam percussion
5.30 pm – Kudamaattam
May 7, Final ceremonies (Wednesday)
3 am – Fireworks
10 am – Pakalpooram
12 – Upacharam chollipiriyal
Star jumbos to watch out for
1) Ernakulam Sivakumar – He is taking the ‘thidambu’ of Naithalakkavilamma for ‘poora vilambaram’ ceremony.
2) Thechikottukavu Ramachandran – The elephant will carry the idol of Chembookavu Karthyayani Bhagavathy.
3) Guruvayur Nandhan – Will carry the idol of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy for Elanjithara Melam and Kudamattom
4) Thiruvambady Chandrasekahran – Will carry the idol of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy for Kudamattom and Madhathil Varavu.
5) Paramekkavu Kasinathan – Will carry Bhagavathy’s idol for Arattu.
Pambady Rajan, Puthupally Arjunan, Pallat Brahmadathan, Kuttankulangara Arjunan, Bastin Vianayasundar, Thiruvazhapilly Mahadevan, Thadathavila Rajasekharan and Koodalmanickyam Megharjunan are a few of the other prominent elephants lined up for the event. The fitness test of the elephants will be held today evening.
Foreigners’ gallery at the pooram
Foreign tourists in Kerala can enjoy the pooram for free from a ‘Foreigners’ gallery’ set up for them at the event. All they have to do is book seats via DTPC. They will have to produce the required documents. Entry is from 12 noon on pooram day. Find more information here.
Safety and health facilities
1) Wrist band for kids with their names and parents’ phone number
2) A medical team lead by DMO
3) 61 ambulances approved by DMO
4) Security checks via drones
5) E-toilets at various points
Know more about the facilities here
Thrissur Pooram expo
The ‘Aana Chamayam’ exhibition, featuring the ornaments of elephants taking part in the festival, began on May 3, Saturday. It will be on till the end of the month. It has over 180 stalls with more than 70 pavilions, including from government institutions like the Kerala Police, ISRO, BSNL, Excise Department, Farm Information Bureau and the NCC. Robotics animal display, Super Reality 5D Dome Theatre, cultural programmes and more are lined up. The entry fee will be ₹40 on regular days and ₹50 on the pooram day and the days before and after it. Find more informations here.
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