Thrissur Pooram festival guide

Month

Medam (April–May)

Venue

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur

Main temples taking part

Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu

Founded by

Sakthan Thampuran

History

The festival is credited to Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of the old Kochi state in the late eighteenth century, who brought together the temples around Thrissur for a single grand celebration at Vadakkunnathan. Since then it has become a fixture of the Kerala calendar, with each year's decorations and fireworks planned in secret months ahead.

When it happens

Pooram falls in the Malayalam month of Medam, which corresponds to April or May. The exact date depends on the star calendar, so confirm it before you book travel.

How it is celebrated

The main participants are the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples, each fielding at least fifteen caparisoned elephants. The processions start early in the morning and continue through the day. Chenda and other drums, cymbals and wind instruments play almost without a break; the Panchavadyam ensemble, built on five kinds of instruments, is one of the high points.

In the evening the two sides face each other and rapidly swap the colourful silk parasols held aloft on the elephants, a contest known as Kudamattam. A large fireworks display runs through the night, and the festivities wind down the following morning.

• Elephant processions with golden nettipattam
• Panchavadyam percussion
• Kudamattam parasol exchange
• Night fireworks

Where to see it

Everything centres on the Thekkinkadu Maidan around Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur town. The crowds are dense, so arrive early for a good spot, keep valuables to a minimum and stay hydrated in the April heat. Earplugs help during the fireworks. Rooms in Thrissur sell out, so book months ahead or stay in a nearby town.

Thrissur is well connected by rail and road, and Kochi's airport is the closest. We can combine Pooram with a Kerala backwater and temple tour.

Where to experience it