Thrissur Pooram sans accoutrements (chamayams) cannot even be imagined. The majestic parading of tuskers in all their regalia with caparisons and ornaments is an grand spectacle that inspires a mix of awe, energy, pride, elation et al.
To ensure the festival is complete in all aspects of grandeur and tradition, workshops ( chamayapura ), where the paraphernalia are put to shape and size, get busy for months before Pooram. Nettippattam , the gold mask that adorns the elephants’ forehead, is one of the major attractions. It adds to the majesty of the jumbos.
The minute details of nettipattam is known even to children who are crazy about elephants and pooram. There are three types of Nettippattam – Chooralpoli , Nagapadam and Vandodu . They vary with the designs added on them.
The elephant, which carry the idol will wear the Chooralpoli nettippattam . Those that stand on both sides of main elephant will carry the Nagapadam nettippattam . Other elephants will wear Vandodu nettippatam .
Decorated umbrellas are another unavoidable attraction of the pooram.
Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms will unfurl specially prepared colourful umbrellas for the pooram. Each devaswom keeps details of their special umbrellas a secret. Only the rest of the umbrellas will be displayed for the chamayam exhibition. They will be unfurled on the elephant top in a friendly competition between the devaswoms during Kudamattom (exchange of the decorated umbrellas). Umbrellas are made of silk and satin and laced with white metal and sequins.
Venchamaram , a hand fan used by mahouts during Kudamattom , and alavattom , an artifact made of peacock feathers, are other major accoutrements.
