Ceremonial ‘Ezhunnallathu’ of Neithilakkavilamma on the top of legendary elephant Thechikkottukavu Ramachandra through Thekkegopura Nada on Thursday marked the beginning of mega spectacle of Thrissur Pooram which will be held on Friday.
Hundreds of Pooram lovers welcomed the ‘Ezhunnallathu’ accompanied by percussion ensembles by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.
Door of the Thekke Gopura Nada opens only twice a year, for Pooram and Sivarathri. The scorching sun or restrictions by authorities as part of safety measures failed to dampen the spirit of the festival lovers.
The meticulously planned 30-hour-long festivities will begin on Friday with the ‘Ezhunnallathu’ of Kanimangalam Sastha in the morning. It will be followed by processions of Cheru poorams.
Karumukku Bhagavathy, Neithilakkavu Bhagavathy, Lalur Bhagavathy, Panamukkampalli Sastha, Choorakkottukavu Durga, Ayyanthole Devi and Chembukkavu Devi are the participating deities (cheru pooram) of the Thrissur pooram. All deities will be taken to Sree Vadakunnathan temple on caparisoned tuskers.
Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi are the main participants in the Pooram, who will conduct the main events. The ‘Ezhunnallathu’ of these deities will be accompanied by some of the best percussion ensembles in the State.
The city has assumed the spirit of a carnival with percussions, elephants, chamayam exhibitions and street vendors everywhere. One cannot walk without hitting an elephant on the streets.
Pooram celebrates beauty and majesty of elephants. In all, 101 elephants have participated in the fitness test ahead of the Pooram, on Wednesday and Thursday. While the Paramekkavu Devaswom has arranged for 47 elephants, Thiruvambadi has brought 54 elephants.
People throng venue
Elephant parade will be held by adhering to all statutory guidelines, according to the authorities. A special squad to take care of any emergency situation has already been set up.
Thousands are visiting the chamayam exhibitions of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms.
