Pooram festival, Thrissur in Kerala
|| Kerala Festival || Aaranmula Boat Race || Attukal Pongala || Christmas in Kerala || Deepavali in Kerala || Easter in Kerala || Maha Shivaratri in Kerala || Muslim Festivals in Kerala || Nehru Trophy Boat Race || Onam Festival || Arattu at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple || Pooram festival || Sabarimala Pilgrimage || Thiruvathira in Kerala || Various Kerala Festivals || Vishu Festival ||
Thrissur, the culture capital of Kerala acquires a place in the tourism map of India for its spectacular temple festival called Pooram festival. The literal meaning of Pooram is group or meeting, it is believed that the dynastic gods and goddesses of the nearby states meet together for a celebration. As it is the top of all temple festivals, the Devaswams--Thiruvampadi and Paramekkavu prepare collectively to make this festival a great event.
Thrissur temple town wears a new look in this festival celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Colorfully decorated elephants take part in the grand cultural procession and the other main features of the festival are parasol exchange, drum concerts, fire display and temple performances.
The rituals performed in this festival have religious significance. Panchavadyam is a major event of the festival in which about 200 artistes belong to the disciplines of Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka participate to create a fusion of music. There is also a music extravaganza performed in this festival by a group of artistes.
Pooram, a festival of color, music and fire works ends with a function held at the western gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple to bid farewell the temple deities. The colorful exhibition of the elephants is a main feature of the festival. At the concluding part, fireworks are displayed. Many innovative fireworks are designed by the organizers.
Pooram festival holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Kerala as it is secular in nature; people of all religion take part in this great cultural festival. The pandals are designed by the skilled craftsmen.
