India is a country where language changes every few hundred kilometres but the spirit of its population remains one. RECITE YOU chooses to unfold the rich traditions of KERALA, a state which is nestled along the southwestern coast of India. This place has the aroma of coconut and tang of tamarind in almost every dish. Sadya (includes sambar, rice, thoran, avial, rasam, olen and payasam), served on a banana leaf is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds. Its golden beaches, serene backwaters, misty hills and green paddy fields, together paint an unreal, breathtaking landscape.
Reflection of deep rooted hospitality and love for nature can be reflected on its people. They are kind and harbor warmth in their hearts for visitors.
Kerala is a land, which is known as a God’s own country and Thrissur Pooram, is its heartbeat which reminds us that it’s not always about rituals but about community, creativity, and collective joy.
In an age where modern life moves at lighting speed and traditions are fading, Thrissur Pooram stands as a power of cultural heritage.
It’s an occasion where people forget their sorrows, divisions and celebrate togetherness.
History Behind The Celebration
The story dates back to 1798, when the visionary ruler Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, decided to create a new festival that would bring together temples and devotees in and around Thrissur.
Until then, the region’s biggest festival was Arattupuzha Pooram, in which some temples were denied participation. To correct this unequal treatment, Sakthan Thampuran unified ten temples around Thrissur to celebrate Thrissur Pooram at the vast grounds of the Vadakkunnathan Temple (also known as Thekkinkadu Maidanam).
The ancient Vadakkunnathan Shiv Temple, lies at the very heart of Thrissur. Surrounded by the Thekkinkadu Maidanam, a massive open ground shaded by towering trees, Vadakkunnathan is one of Kerala’s oldest temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From locals in traditional Kerala attire to international tourists with cameras, are all united in awe on the day of Pooram, at the grand celebration.
Celebrations & Rituals
Thrissur Pooram is a friendly rivalry between two major temples, Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple (representing Goddess Bhagavathi) and
Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple (representing Lord Krishna). Eight other small temples join them as supporting participants and together they form a devotion circle, all converging at Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Kodiyettam, the ceremonial flag hosted at participating temples, seven days before the main Pooram marks the official start of festivities. The main event i.e., the Pooram day includes Processions (in which both temples bring their deities with richly decorated elephants), Melam (in which particularly the Ilanjithara Melam, are performed by thousands of artists, playing instruments like kombu, chenda, maddalam), Kudamattam (involves the most iconic ritual of exchanging colourful parasols on the elephants, where both temples compete to outshine each other in terms of creativity and grandeur).
The Thrisurr Pooram, wraps up with a legendary firework display, which begins at midnight and continues until dawn. It showcases thunderous explosions, glittering patterns and various other sequences. It is considered one of the best firework shows in Asia.
The Gentle Giants Of Pooram
The parade of over 50 elephants, each decorated with exquisite bells, golden headgear and ornaments, is one of the most captivating sights of Thrissur Pooram festival.
Over the centuries, these elephants have been central to the Pooram’s identity. They carry deities and performers on their back, and stand in a row, moving slowly in a graceful manner, contrasting beautifully the energy of fireworks and drums, which creates an alluring blend of grace and grandeur.
A Festival Of Unity
Though Thrissur Pooram is rooted in Hindu traditions, it goes beyond religion. It stands as a Communal Harmony as according to historical accounts, Christian artisans have crafted ornaments and parasols, while Muslim communities have contributed to fireworks preparations.
Thrissur Pooram is a proof that culture and joy knows no boundaries of faith and it is a homage to humanity.
Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), Thrissur Pooram is a global attraction. Tourists from the Middle East, America and Europe gather in Thrissur, to witness the celebration. This festival is not only confined to its rituals, it is a cultural carnival.
Visitors are usually amazed by the overflowing streets lined with stalls selling toys, bangles, street foods and traditional clothes. Ornaments designed by goldsmiths, umbrella designs showcased by artisans are the main attraction of the market. The festival is a matter of pride and identity for the people of Thrissur as it is also an economic booster cultural-festival of the state.
In this fast-moving world of modernisation where traditions are fading, Thrissur Pooram paints and highlights the world the power of cultural heritage.
Read Also: The Heart Of Sikkim – Pang Lhabsol
Through Thrissur Pooram, not only Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage is preserved but also traditional percussion ensembles, handicrafts, elephant caparison-making receives international recognition and love. The beats of chenda, the brilliance of fireworks and the exchange of parasols are magic which can be felt and cherished and one cannot fully express it in words.
India’s uniqueness lies not just in its number of traditions, but in the way these traditions coexist and support each other. It preaches young generations that culture is not a thing of the past, it is where we belong too. And in India every state paints its own traditions and celebrations. Every community cherishes their own festivities while equally enjoying others’ celebrations.
