Thrissur pooram

Thrissur Pooram is the biggest and most colorful temple festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in Vadakkumnathan temple in the Thrissur district. Elephant procession (Kudamattom) is the major attraction of this festival, which witnesses the participation of elephants from various temples of Kerala. Apart from this splendid procession, other attractions of Thrissur Pooram festival include a spectacular display of colorful fireworks, parasol exchanges, an umbrella showing competition, display of pyro-techniques, and drum concerts. The festival makes no distinction between people on the basis of religion or caste. The Pooram commences with the ezhunellippu of the Kanimangalam Shasta in the morning followed by the ezhunnellippu of the other six minor temples on the Pooram Day. The ezhunnellippu is a custom that signifies the visit of Devi from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples to the Vadakkunnathan temple. Panchavadya, performances by Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka artists are other major programs of Thrissur Pooram festival. A special musical show, called as Pandemelam event, is performed by artistes belonging to the disciplines of trumpets, drum, pipe and cymbal. The festival ends with a farewell program for the deities of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams.Dubbed the 'festival of all festivals', the annual Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular event that attracts revellers from miles around. The event dates back to the reign of Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790) and was a means for the two main geographical regions of the town - Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi - to display their strength. To this day, the festival still includes two teams of richly-adorned elephants, live music, processions, lots of food and drink and huge fireworks display. Celebrated during the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May)

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