Thrissur, May 6
Thrissur BJP MP and Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Tuesday termed Thrissur Pooram, which is underway in Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple here, a "visual extravaganza".
"This is a visual extravaganza--the first and only one of its kind," Gopi, the Lok Sabha MP from Thrissur told ANI as he visited the Pooram venue. "It is a universal celebration. Celebration of colours, celebration of the might of the people of Thrissur, which they present to the world," he said.
Meanwhile Union Minister Amit Shah today extended his to the people of Kerala on the occasion. " Greetings to our sisters and brothers of Kerala on the occasion of Thrissur Pooram. The festival once initiated by the great Sakthan Thampuran displays the symphony of colours and rituals of our culture, and the ancient spirit of our unity marks the magnificence of our heritage."
The Pooram, known as the mother of all 'Poorams', officially kicked off on the night of May 5 with the diety Neythalakavilamma making her majestic entry, escorted with devotion and ceremony to open theThekke Gopura Nada of the Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian told ANI that around 18 to 20 lakh people are expected to participate in the Pooram, adding that additional security arrangements are put in place in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have made all the arrangements for this. We are expecting around 18 to 20 lakh people to visit and witness Pooram. More than 4,000 police personnel are deployed. And in light of the Pahalgam incident, we have deployed urban commandos and the anti-drone system," he said.
The acclaimed 36-hour-long annual Thrissur Pooram festival kicked off with fast beats from percussion instruments, conches blowing, and devotees thronging the temple's Thekkinkadu Maidan.
Processions of elephants carrying deities of two principal temples -- Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple and Thiruvambady Sree Krishna temple -- and eight other smaller temples located within a few kilometres of the main Thrissur town. They converge at the Sree Vadukkumnathan Temple to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.
Each deity participating in Thrissur Pooram has a distinct role and responsibility. Neythalakavilamma's duty is to prepare the way for Kanimangalam Shasta's early morning arrival on Pooram day, symbolically opening the South Gopuram for his entry.
The festival, which is celebrated on the day of 'Pooram' as per the Malayalam calendar month of Medam, is popularly known for its parading of elephants, Panchavadyam (percussion ensemble), and mega display of fireworks.
The festival attracts huge crowds from across Kerala and other states.
On the Pooram day, the festivities begin with the ceremonial entrance of 'Kanimangalam Sastha through the southern gopuram, and it is followed by the arrival of Panamukkampilly Sathavu, Chembookavu Karthiayani Devi, Karamukku Karthiyani Devi, Choorakkottukavu Durga Devi, Ayyanthole Karthiayani Devi, and Naithalakavu Bhagavathi.
Fireworks conducted as part of the celebration is one of the many attractions of the festivity. Though the Pooram happens in the summer month, people brave the scorching heat to be part of the celebration.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Thrissur Pooram is truly a spectacle every Indian should witness at least once! The synchronized percussion, decorated elephants, and fireworks create magic. Glad security is being taken seriously after recent incidents. Kerala's cultural heritage shines bright 🌟
While I appreciate the ministers' greetings, I wish they'd talk more about preserving traditional art forms like Panchavadyam rather than just calling it a "visual extravaganza". These musical traditions need institutional support to survive modern times.
Attended Pooram last year - the energy is unbelievable! The way different temple processions coordinate is a lesson in unity. Though I hope they find alternatives to fireworks considering pollution and animal welfare (those elephants looked stressed).
As someone from North India visiting Kerala for first time, Pooram was an eye-opener! The rituals have such deep meaning - each deity's role, the timing, everything. Our country's diversity in festivals is amazing. More Indians should explore beyond their state festivals.
Good to see central ministers appreciating Kerala's culture. But wish they'd also address the infrastructure challenges - 20 lakh people in that heat with limited facilities is tough. Maybe central funds could help improve visitor experience?
The anti-drone system is a smart move! Security shouldn't compromise tradition. Pooram shows how Kerala balances modernity with ancient customs. The "mother of all Poorams" title is well deserved - planning to take my kids next year! 😊
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