Stage set for Kerala's Thrissur Pooram festival

The stage is set for Kerala's Thrissur Pooram festival with the traditional flagposts raised on Saturday.

The flagpost was first raised at the Thiruvambadi temple and then at the Paramekkavu temple.

The history of Thrissur Pooram dates to the late 18th century and was started by Sakthan Thampuran, the maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin (now Kochi) state.

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

The participating temples include the Vadakunnathan temple, where the Pooram is held. The other two temples which take part are the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi temple at Paramekkavu.

Though the festival started Saturday, the most keenly watched event was held Friday when more than 50 elephants were the paraded and cracker displays form the highlight of the nearly 36-hour festival.

Muslim and Christian communities also participate in celebrating the festival.