Kochi: Braving scorching heat, people enjoyed every bit of Thrissur Pooram, described as the king of festivals in Kerala today.
Started by princely state ruler Shakthan Thampuran in the 18th century, the festival adds glory to it each passing year.
The festival is an act of paying obeisance to the presiding deity of Vadakkunnathan Temple by ten temples in Thrissur. The ten temples are divided into two groups under the Paramekkavu side (East group) and Thiruvambady side (West group) to win the title of being the best side.
These groups exhibit their strength in different categories like procession of elephants, percussion performances, fireworks and display of colourful umbrellas on elephants.
The festival began on Friday morning with the arrival of Kanimangalam Shashta in the Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Processions from subsidiary temples called ‘khadaga poorangal’ converged near the temple. The traditional percussion ensemble item of
‘Madathil Varavu’ was held at 11 am. This was followed by ‘Ilanjithara Melam’ in which percussionists performed in the courtyard of Temple at 2 pm. The 150 minute Pandi melam performance was held after this. Unlike here, pandi melam is performed outside temple precincts.
The ‘Kudamattam’ ceremony started at 6 pm.
The most important event of fireworks will take place later and the festival will culminate on Saturday morning.
