Experienced in May 2022
I moved to Thrissur (aka the Cultural Capital of Kerala) from Dubai (well, from now on as a proud resident of Thrissur) in the month of May 2022. Coincidentally, and to my greatest happiness, it was the best time for someone to land here and experience the vibe and soul of this place! In another ten days, it was Thrissur Pooram!!!
I don't think I have to elaborate about Thrissur Pooram - Its also known as 'Poorangalude Pooram', which truly signifies its grandeur, importance, relevance and above all the sentiments each and every resident of Thrissur and the whole lot of Keralites feel for it.
I can never claim that I have witnessed enough to write about Thrissur Pooram, but, this is a humble record of my very first experience. Being a 'Thrissurkkari' from now on, I cannot stop myself from penning this down here. I think there are many like me, who despite being a Keralite, haven't experienced this magical extravaganza that treats all our senses, live from this divine land f Vadakkumnathan. Instead, must have watched the live telecast on TV from wherever they live. Every year, when I watch the TV live telecast, I craved to witness this from Thrissur, and finally it happened to be this year! After an unavoidable gap of 2 years due to pandemic, there was unprecedently high energy and enthusiasm amongst the locals to celebrate and be part of Pooram in its entire glory this year. It is a lot of treat to all our sense organs and is definitely a must watch at least once in our lifetime.
As the participating temples of Paramekkavu, Thiruvambady and other temples hoists the holy flags (Kodiyettam) and get ready for the pooram, the entire city lights up in festive mood. Every street, every house, every human being enjoys the Pooram Vibe all around. From then onwards, I was surprised with the number of times I got to have an elephant encounter on the streets I walk around!
This is how the majestic elephants are warmly welcomed to the pooram festival.
Thrissur Pooram is the grand festival where the Bhagavathy of Paramekkavu, Thiruvambady, Neythilakkavu, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, Laloor, Choorakottukavu, Pookattikara Karamukku and Shastas of Kanimangalam and Panamukkumpally proceed to Vadakkumnathan (Lord Shiva), the presiding deity, with their grand processions to pay their obeisance.
The Aanachamayam of Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu are treat for eyes and we can walk to the auditoriums where they are displayed for public viewing. These are the various accessories that will be used to adorn the elephants for the pooram.
The southern entrance of Vadakkumnathan temple is generally closed, but Pooram Vilambaram is a custom where a fully adorned elephant with the holy idol of Neythilakkavil Amma pushes open this gate.
Vadakkumnathan Temple and its serene premise is the heart of Thrissur. It seems to me that everything here revolves around this place. Thekkinkadu Maithanam which sprawls across a vast area surrounding the temple is the venue of all the festivities. We get tons of fresh air, tranquility, peace and happiness just by sitting under one of the many banyan trees surrounding this ancient marvel.
During Pooram, the temple is beautifully adorned with lights that adds to its divinity!
On the day of Pooram, fully adorned elephants with the holy idol of Kanimangalam Shastha arrive at Vadakkumnathan early in the day through the south entrance, with a great procession of admirers and accompanied percussion. The percussion that later stages at Vadakkumnathan is a must watch and listen. The orchestral symphony of percussions with the beautifully adorned elephants add great amount of beauty to the Pooram.
I had to rush back home to join work soon after this morning melam. I sadly missed all the remaining events of the day, and had to pacify myself watching it on and off on the live TV show :(
Each one of the participating temple deities arrives to Vadakkumnathan Temple with grand procession of percussions and with upto 11 or 13 elephants accompanied with a huge cheering crowd. Admirers of Pooram are not only from from all over Kerala and other states of India but also from many parts of the world who come to Thrissur to witness this glorious celebration.
Following this, we can witness the famous 'Madhathil Varavu' by Thiruvambady Temple and Ilanjithara Melam organised by Paramekkavu Temple. Words indeed fall short to describe the impact of the heavenly rhythmic symphony orchestrated by great masteros in the field of percussion.
By evening, it is time for the famous Kudamattam, where the processions with elephants of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady align face to face opposite to each other on the ground of the maidan in the south entrance of Vadakkumnathan temple and changes the umbrellas on the elephants one after the other. This is complemented with rhythmic percussions. As soon as my office hours got over, I jumped out with my cousins and friends to see Kudamattam. It was unbelievably crowded!! We still made it to find a bit of space to watch the amazing show.
The culmination is with fireworks 'Vedikkettu' from both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples.
Our happy moments witnessing the Pooram:
The next day, after fine sessions of melam, the Bhagavathy of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady arrive at Vadakkumnathan Temple to bid farewell (Upacharam Cholli Piriyal) and promise to meet the following year.
Whatever less I have seen this year, I truly find myself lucky to be part of this world famous event. I have made my mind to take 2 days off next year if Pooram falls on working days, so that I can dedicate my heart and soul to enjoy the event. Everyone stands unitedly to make the events of Pooram a grand success. The celebrations are beyond the boundaries of caste, religion, region or language.
To those women who retract visiting Pooram fearing safety aspects, I would like to say that I didn't face any such issues being amidst extremely crowded spaces while watching various events. People were generally very friendly and respectful to women and several squads of police are deployed to handle the situation well. So, make your mind, pack your bags and set off to Thrissur next year to be part of Thrissur Pooram!
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