Introduction
What happens when an entire city comes to a standstill for one day, reverberating with the beats of Chenda (Kerala drums), bathing in the glowing hues of KudaMaattal (huge, colourfully decorated umbrellas), and standing tall with the largest temple elephants? As dusk sets in, the city echoes with the thunder of fireworks, the beats of Chenda double up, and the crowd hails aloud, marking the end of a day of jubilation, light and festivities.
For the unversed, I am talking about Kerala’s very own Thrissur Pooram, the one-day festival when the city of Thrissur comes alive, attracting crowds from not only Kerala, but across the country, and these days, around the world.
It is celebrated every year on the Pooram nakshatra (star) in the Malayalam month of Medam, usually in April or early May.
Thrissur Pooram
History of Pooram
The story of Thrissur Pooram began in 1798, during the reign of Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi. Until then, the grandest temple festival in the region was the Arattupuzha Pooram. One of those years, heavy rains delayed the temple processions from Thrissur, and the temple representatives of Thrissur were denied entry. Disappointed, the temple authorities turned to Sakthan Thampuran. Rather than allow such a tradition to fade, the strong-willed ruler created a festival of his own in the heart of Thrissur. He brought together ten temples around the Vadakkunnathan Temple and turned their individual celebrations into one magnificent Pooram. Thus began a festival that was not merely a religious gathering, but a coming together of people, music, elephants, colours and devotion. More than two centuries later, the spirit of that vision still lives on, as Thrissur springs alive each year to the thunder of Chenda, the splendour of decorated elephants and the dazzling burst of fireworks.
Sakthan Tampuran
Vadakkunnathan Temple and Thekkinkadu Maidan
The Day of Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is centred around the grand ceremonial rivalry between Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple.
The day of Thrissur Pooram begins early, long before the crowds gather and the sky turns bright with colour. The first procession, the Kanimangalam Sastha Ezhunnellippu, makes its way towards the Vadakkunnathan Temple, followed by the smaller Poorams from the neighbouring temples. The deities, carried on beautifully decorated elephants, are accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Chenda and Panchavadyam (the traditional drums and tunes of Kerala)
Vadakkunnathan Temple is significant because it is surrounded by the Thekkinkadu Maidan, the huge space, that hosts Thrissur Pooram every year.
By late morning, the festival gathers momentum. The Thiruvambadi procession stops at Brahmaswom Madom, a tradition known as Madathil Varavu. The deities rest here for a while before proceeding towards Vadakkunnathan. Around noon, Paramekkavu arrives at the temple, heralding the magnificent Ilanjithara Melam. Hundreds of percussionists turn the temple courtyard into a sea of rhythm, their music gradually building into an exhilarating crescendo.
As afternoon slips into evening, the grandest spectacle begins. Fifteen elephants from Thiruvambadi stand facing fifteen from Paramekkavu, each adorned with golden Nettipattam, colourful umbrellas, peacock fans and Venchamaram. Then comes Kudamattom, the dramatic exchange of colourful umbrellas, as the two sides compete to outdo each other.
As dusk falls, the anticipation builds for the spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky.
Chenda and Panchavadyam
Temple tuskers with Nettipattam on the forehead,
Deity on top, mahouts with Venchamaram and Colourful Umbrellas
Temple elephants arriving with the Deity and the Umbrella
The Heart of Pooram, The Cheering Crowd
The crowds are perhaps the heartbeat of Thrissur Pooram. From early morning, people begin filling the streets, some arriving hours before the processions just to secure a good view. By afternoon, the city is a sea of people, cheering as the decorated elephants appear, their Nettipattam glistening in the sun and the Chenda rising above the voices of the crowd. On the main Pooram day, the gathering can swell to around six to seven lakh people, turning every street and open space around Vadakkunnathan Temple into a celebration.
Thanks to the advent of social media and greater awareness, the crowd these days includes people from all over Kerala, India and some foreigners as well.
Thrissur Pooram Crowd in recent times
The Other Side of Pooram
Yet, the very enthusiasm that makes Pooram unforgettable can also become its greatest challenge. As the crowds grow denser, movement becomes difficult and even a small disturbance can trigger panic.
The excitement is infectious, but at times the packed spaces leave little room to move. Among the greatest concerns is the presence of elephants amidst such enormous crowds. The Kerala summer heat, noise, fireworks and prolonged hours of standing can cause stress to the animals, and there have been occasions when elephants have run amok. In 2025, an incident involving the elephants Uttoly Raman and Vattamankavu Manikandan triggered panic just before the fireworks, with around 65 people reported injured in the resulting rush.
Elephants and My own concern
I have always been fascinated by the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram, but I cannot watch the elephants without wondering what the spectacle must feel like for them. Standing for hours in the heat, carrying the weight of elaborate decorations, surrounded by thousands of cheering people and the relentless rhythm of Chenda, must surely take a toll on these magnificent animals. I often find myself wondering whether the beauty of a tradition has to come at the cost of the comfort of the animals that make it so majestic. Perhaps there is a way to preserve the grandeur and spirit of Pooram while giving the elephants shorter hours, more space, adequate rest and protection from the heat and noise. After all, if Pooram is a celebration of our heritage, should it not also reflect our compassion?
Conclusion
I am a Thrissur Kari (from Thrissur) and for me, Thrissur Pooram is far more than a festival, it is an emotion, a tradition and a celebration that belongs to the people of Thrissur. The drums, the elephants, the dazzling umbrellas and the fireworks come together to create a spectacle unlike any other. I hope that as Pooram grows and draws larger crowds each year, we also find thoughtful ways to make it safer and kinder for the elephants who are such an integral part of its grandeur. If we can preserve its magnificence while caring for those who make it possible, Pooram can continue to enchant generations to come.
By Preethi Warrier
Preethi Warrier has completed her Masters in Electronics Engineering and is an Assistant Professor. She is one among the winners of the TOI Write India Campaign Season-1, for the famous author Anita Nair. She can be contacted at : warrier.preethi@yahoo.com
