Thrissur keeps Pooram splendour intact

Prime novelty was the LED umbrellas used for Kudamattom, one of the major attractions of the jamboree

day’s delight:Against the backdrop of the High Court order on fireworks and elephant processions, stringent security measures were taken for the Pooram.- Photo: K.K. Najeeb

hrissur Pooram, the renowned festival of sound and light, painted the city in vibrant hues on Sunday.

Challenging the scorching sun, lakhs of Pooram lovers poured into the city for the 36-hour-long festival, which is the meeting of deities of ten participating temples. There was something for everyone – processions, elephants, fireworks and percussion ensembles.

The celebrations started on Sunday morning with Ezhunnellippu of Kanimangalam Sastha. It was followed by other processions (Cheru Poorams) from Karamukku Bhagavathy, Neythilakkavu Bhagavathy, Panamukkamballi Sastha, Choorakkottukavu Devi, Ayyanthole Karthyayani and Chembukkavu Karthyayani temples.

The sight of tuskers emerging in their regalia through the milling crowds to the accompaniment of percussion ensemble was awe-inspiring. Paramekkavu and Thiruvamabdy temples are the major participants of the Pooram and major events such as Kudamattom and fireworks are arranged by them. There is a friendly competition between the Devaswoms.

For Kudamattom, fifteen elephants each of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu contingents, stood facing each other in front of the Thekke Gopura Nada of the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple by 5.30 p.m. Kudamattom, arguably the most attractive part of the festival, was started in 1803 by Sakthan Thampuran.

The caparisoned elephants sported rich golden Nettippatam, ornamental fans and colourful parasol. Umbrellas of different shapes and sizes were unfurled in a friendly competition atop of the elephants. LED umbrellas were the highlight of this year. When Paramekkavu unfurled LED umbrella in the shape of flowers, Thiruvambadi gave a fitting reply with a pattern of Anantha Sayanam.

Against the backdrop of the High Court order on fireworks and elephant processions, stringent security measures were taken for the Pooram. A 3,000-strong police force was deployed in the city. CCTV cameras were set up, and a Shadow Police team was in place.

Turing the night sky into a riot of colours, the fireworks will start around 3 a.m. on Monday. Pooram festivities will end with ‘Upacharam Chollal’ on Monday afternoon.