Thrissur Pooram 2025

Introduction to Thrissur Pooram:

Thrissur Pooram(festival) is celebrated annually in the Malayalam month of Medam, which corresponds to the month of April- May in the Gregorian calendar. It is conducted at the Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur (Kerala), dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that every year the Gods and Goddess residing at temples in the neighboring regions come together for a day of celebration.

Significance of Thrissur Pooram:

In ancient times, Thrissur was also known as Vrishachala (Vrisha means Nandikeswara) and Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva in the South. Vadakkunnathan temple was founded by Lord Parashuram. The sprawling temple grounds measure nine acres and are surrounded by teak wood forests called Thekkinadu. The five important elements of this temple festival are:

1. Nightlong fireworks
2. Kudamattom (exchange of different types of parasols)
3. Elanjithara Melam (music procession)
4. Elephant Procession

The Legend of Thrissur Pooram:

According to temple legend, once, due to heavy rains, devotees couldn’t make it to the Arattapuzha festival. As they arrived late, they weren’t allowed into the temple premises. The temple officials informed Raja Rama Varma, also known as Sakthan Thampuran, about the incident. Thampuran then planned another festival, which was more extravagant and more rewarding than the previous one. It was marked as the beginning of the Thrissur Pooram festival.

Another legend states that the parents of Adi Shankaracharya came to Thrissur and observed penance for 41 days. As a result, Vadakkunnathan was born, later known as Adi Shankaracharya. After his earthly mission, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have shed his mortal body here.

Rituals of Thrissur Poornam:

The start of the festival is the procession of Devi from the Paramekkavu temple and Thiruvambadi temples. Apart from these two temples, eight minor temples also participate in the Pooram. Vadukunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, remains a spectator during the festival. No offering is received by the temple in connection with the Pooram celebration. No special puja is offered on this day. The festival includes a pageant of 30 highly decorated elephants brought from various temples of Kerala.

A competition is held which displays the changing of brightly colored Kudamattom(parasols) by the two sides engage in a competitive display of colorful umbrellas. The procession of the caparisoned elephants is commonly known as Aana Chamayal Pradarsana.

The spectacular fireworks last for three to four hours. In the afternoon, locals assemble in large numbers at the Thekkinkadu ground to witness the procession of the Devi of Paramekkavu to the Vadakkunnathan temple. The classic performance of musical instruments called Elanjithara Melam begins when the procession reaches the Elanji tree inside the temple premises. The entire process lasts 36 hours and is one of the biggest temple festivals in Kerala.