Thrissur Pooram, adjudged by UNESCO as the most spectacular festival event on the planet, is held yearly at Thrissur. Previously known as Trichur, this town is in the central part of Kerala. Thrissur is the gateway to the famous Guruvayur Krishna temple.

Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the Malayalam local calendar month of Medam, which usually comes in the Mid of April to May. Pooram is hosted by Vadakkumnathan temple, Thrissur. It is conducted at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam, which, when translated, means the ground of teak forests.

Little Poorams from nearby eight temple starts the beginning of the Pooram, which lasts for 36 hours.

Panchavadyam, a cultural display of instrumental music using five percussion and wind instruments, creates a magical effect for the audience.

An array of up to 15 elephants are lined up by each group, decorated with colorful golden Nettipattam (or Elephant Caparison in English) with Colorful umbrellas, complete with Alavattam and Venchamaram, typical decorative costumes used in Kerala festivals.  If you are wondering what all these mean, in plain English, this means each elephant will have an umbrella, and fans made out of peacock feathers, and a bunch of yak tails, which are held in hand by those seated on top of the elephant. These are swayed rhythmically to the tune of the music played.

The main Pooram is between the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple and Thiruvambadi Bhagavathy temple; each of these two temples has the Hindu deity Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva (the deity at Vadakumnathan Temple).

Thrissur Pooram is also very famous worldwide for its magnificent display of fireworks lasting all through the night.

It is to be seen to believe the magnificence of marvelous events. Will you book your tickets to attend this year’s Thrissur Pooramm? Take your mobile and call your travel agent. Hotel rooms are fast getting exhausted!

Update

In 2022, the Thrissur Pooram was held on the 10th of May, 2022. In 2023, it was on the 1st of May.

How do I Go to Thrissur Pooram?

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, and Thrissur is the railway station. Thrissur is well connected by road also. Thrissur is around 300 kilometers from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.