Trichur Pooram

In the hot months of April/May, attention shifts to Thrissur for the Thrissur Pooram, where caparisoned elephants , glittering umbrellas, fire works and the rising sounds of the traditional percussion ensemble combine combine in front of the vadakkunathan temple, offering a treat for the senses. The festival is one of the most colourful temple festival of Kerala. Thrissur Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and outside.

During the festival huge procession of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples march to the Vadakunnatha temple, Thrissur. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram festival is also well-known for the dazzling display of fireworks. It is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India. The commissioning of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.

Although this grand festival is known as Thrissur Pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight day Utsavam of nine temples.