Thrissur Pooram

Experience the splendor of the Thrissur Pooram, a magnificent festival that seamlessly weaves together the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala. Held annually in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) at Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur, this festival stands as the epitome of grandeur and was conceptualized by Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi. Ten temples, including Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi Kanimangalam, and Laloor, unite in this mother of all poorams.

The festival unfolds with a breathtaking display of caparisoned elephants, dazzling parasols, and the rhythmic beats of percussion music. The Kudamattom ceremony steals the spotlight, featuring the swift and rhythmic changing of brightly colored and sequined parasols—an event watched with keen interest.

Adding to the allure is the Ilanjithara Melam, a mesmerizing performance of traditional instruments that elevates spectators to a state of euphoria. Led by chenda artists, around 250 performers engage in this enchanting orchestra, with the crowd mirroring the spirit by swaying to the rhythm of chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu, and elathalam. The festival crescendos with a grand fireworks display, leaving a lasting impression on the thousands who gather to witness this spectacle of cultural richness and divine celebration.