Thrissur Pooram is known as Pooram of all poorams is one of the most eye striking festival in the world. The famed Vadakkunnathan temple has itself come under one of the world's heritage site last year. The festival is marked on May 5th in 2017. The celebration commences as the Pooram star awakes in the night sky.
Deities from 8 temples constitutes the Cherapuram, namely Kanimangalam, Karamukku, Choorakkattukara, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithilakkavu Chembukkavu and Panamukkampilly are invited to the cultural city to pay tribute to the presiding god - Vadakkunnathan or lord Shiva during the month of Medam according to Malayalam calendar.
Thousands of people reach the premises on account of this festival from all over the world to witness its magnificence. The Pooram is conducted by two group of temples - Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu. The celebration among the two teams are conducted in a competitive manner, however there is no prize for the winner.
Events during the Occasion
One of the change that can be seen in 2017 Pooram is the launch of fibre panthal at Naduvilal. There are lot of events held during the day of Pooram, some of them includes Madathil Varavu, Elanjithara Melam, Kudamattam and at last the Vedikettu. Let us explore each one by one.
Madathil Varavu:
Madathil Varavu or the entry of Thiruvambadi team to the Vadakkunnathan temple, along with their 15 elephants decorated in golden head pad. The main jumbo in the group will carry an idol of lord Sri Krishna accompanied by a paapan (a person who controls and care a domesticated elephant) and other members.
Elanjithara Melam:
A procession held by Paramekkavu team of members, where they would be carrying the statue of the Bhagavati from the temple and heading towards the Elanji tree inside the premises of Vadakkunnathan temple. The group will be having a set of instruments with which they create a sweet resonance for the viewers to enjoy.
Kudamaatam:
Temple representatives usually take part in this event. Umbrella crafter with bright colours are exchanged and kept for display sitting on the top of the elephant. This is a spectacular view for the people during the late evening when the heat of the sun has settled down. Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi team will be participating in the competition.
Vedikettu:
Vedikettu or the fireworks is the most highlighting item in Thrissur pooram. Eventhough it is risky, temple authorities take utmost care in organising the event by getting approval from the concerned authorities. You may also view the sample vedikettu on May 3rd 2017, late in the evening. However the real explosive displays starts early in the morning around 3 am and lasts for almost 3 hours.
Watching the fireworks by the two teams is a view no one can forget. So a perfect spot will be booked well in advance by the people. The whole city will be crowded with population. Haritha Homes is residential apartment in Trichur with ready positioned flats to get the best snaps of Vedikettu from all angles.
A Guide for Tourists:
People worldwide visits the city during this festive season to grab one of the most breathtaking event which they would never see anywhere. A short guide for these spectators will reduce their complications in reaching the city. All modes of transportation are available to Thrissur from various parts of Kerala namely:
1. By Air:
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is the nearest one where both domestic and international terminals are open for the public. Nedumbassery is the exact spot name which is 60 kms north of Thrissur. Next closest is the Calicut International Airport located at Karipur in Malappuram district, about 100 kms from the cultural capital.
2. By Rail:
Thrissur is one of the most busiest railway station in the southern railways. Numerous of the population will depend on railways for travel as it is cheaper and easier. The terminal is situated at about 1.5 kms from Vadakkunnathan temple. Frequent trains connect to all the major cities in Kerala like Ernakulam, Trivandrum and Calicut.
3. By Road:
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) hub is situated at about 100 metres from railway station and 1 km from Vadakkumnathan temple. Here too, continuous bus services are available along NH47 (Salem - Ernakulam). Main private bus station is Sakthan stand located to the south west of Thrissur city. It connects to major cities like Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Chennai.
