Ignoring the overcast sky and the threat of thunder storm, hundreds of persons reached the Asramam maidan here on Wednesday evening to witness the Kollam Pooram, the grand finale organised in connection with the 10-day annual festival of the Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy temple.
The sprawling pooram ground was packed by 3 p.m.
The pooram festivities began at the temple at 11.30 a.m. with the ritual of feeding the elephants. Hundreds of devotees and a good number of foreigners were present to witness the ritual. Thirty-nine tuskers took part in the ritual.
The caparisoned elephants were then taken to the Asramam Maidan by 5.15 p.m.
The pooram was formally inaugurated by Mata Amritanandamayi. In her address, she said that festivals should be occasions which helped us to overcome tension and lead us to true bliss. They should be occasions to share happiness and good memories, she said.
The ‘kudamattom’ in which 30 tuskers participated was held to the beats of traditional ‘melam.’ The pooram was followed by a spectacular show of fireworks.
