Thrissur Pooram Begins with Grandeur, Tradition and Devotion

By A Staff Reporter

Thrissur, Kerala – The cultural heartbeat of Kerala echoed through the city of Thrissur on Tuesday as the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival commenced with grandeur and reverence. Often hailed as the “mother of all temple festivals” in the state, the centuries-old celebration transformed the historic Vadakkunnathan Temple into a vibrant centre of devotion, tradition, and artistry.

The festivities officially began on Monday with the ceremonial ‘Pooram Vilambaram’, a traditional proclamation signalling the start of the grand spectacle. In keeping with time-honoured rituals, the majestic tusker Ernakulam Shivakumar bore the idol of Neythalakavu Bhagavathy and opened the southern entrance—known as the 'Thekke Nada'—to the temple. This marked the sacred beginning of what is considered one of the most elaborate and visually stunning temple festivals in South India.

Thrissur Pooram is celebrated by multiple temples in and around Thrissur, with the most prominent participants being the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples. The event is marked by rhythmic percussion performances, vibrant processions of caparisoned elephants, and a dazzling display of fireworks, all of which are deeply woven into Kerala’s cultural identity.

Thousands of devotees, tourists, and art enthusiasts from across India and abroad are expected to gather in the city during the festival days. Despite its scale, the event maintains a deeply spiritual undertone, honouring the deities and bringing communities together in a shared celebration of heritage.