 One
of the largest and most spectacular temple festivals of the world, the
Thrissur Pooram unfolds against the backdrop of the
famed Vadakumnathan Temple in Trichur, the sanctum of Lord Shiva, the
presiding deity of the city. Drawing huge masses of people and involving
meticulous planning, this festival has been described as the ‘mother
of all poorams’. It is essentially an assemblage of the ten deities
from nearby temples paying homage to their lord and benefactor, Vadakumnathan.
Principle participants are the two temples of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi;
their friendly and much feted rivalry enlivens the proceedings. The
pooram culminates in a parade of thirty elephants from adjoining temples
and some stunning fireworks at 2.30, next morning.
 Dating
back to two centuries, Thrissur Pooram was initiated
by Sakthan Thampuran, a powerful maharajah of the bygone Cochin state.
People from all walks of life,
irrespective of caste, creed and religion participate wholeheartedly
in the festivities, making the pooram a living expression of the communal
amity prevailing in the city. A ‘motley of colour’ and sound,
the pooram in the 21st century has come of age and is evocative of spirited
percurssion performances, caparisoned elephant, processions, stupendous
fireworks display and above all the goodness of the people of Trichur.
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