Curtains go up for Kerala's iconic festival 'Thrissur Pooram'

The traditional flag post that was raised on Thursday morning signalled the official beginning of the colourful festival Thrissur Pooram -- billed as the 'mother of all festivals' in Kerala.

Thrissur Pooram is a popular temple festival of Kerala held at Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur town every year on Pooram Day of the Malayalam calendar month of 'Medam' (April).

The history of Pooram dates to the late eighteenth century when it was started by Sakthan Thampuran, the maharaja of the erstwhile Kochi state.

Sakthan Thampuran unified the 10 temples situated around Vadakunnathan temple and organised the celebration of Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival.

The participating temples are Vadakkunnathan temple, where the Pooram is held, while the other two temples are Sri Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi temple at Paramekkavu.

Incidentally,even though the festival begins on Thursday, the most awaited event would be held coming Wednesday when a parade of more than 50 caparisoned elephants takes place. It is referred to as 'Kudamattam' (a colourful display of umbrellas which are changed in rapid succession atop the elephants). Besides, fireworks display is a major highlight that begins on Wednesday night and continues until the early hours of Thursday.

Another feature of the Thrissur Pooram is its secular nature that involves active participation of Muslim and Christian communities. Meanwhile, strict guidelines regarding proper care of elephants during the festival have also been announced.