Kerala Thrissur Pooram 2024
Thrissur, located in the heart of Kerala state, India, boasts a population of approximately 520,000. Renowned as the “cultural capital” of Kerala, Thrissur is a significant cultural hub in the region. The Thrissur Pooram is popularly known as the Mother of all Poorams, stands out as a cultural model that exceeds all other festivals in grandeur and significance. It is a spectacular display of colors, music, and traditional art forms, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from across the state and beyond. The festival is a celebration of culture, tradition, and spirituality, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Kerala.
Also Read: Top 10 Must Try Foods on Your Next Kerala Trip
Thrissur Pooram History
- Origin and Concept
- Thrissur Pooram was first celebrated in 1798 by Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin.
- The festival was conceived as a unifying event to bring together the two rival temples of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi, located on the western side of the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.
- Sakthan Thampuran’s Influence
- Sakthan Thampuran initiated several reforms and innovations in the festival to enhance its grandeur and cultural significance.
- He introduced the concept of competitive fireworks between the two temples, leading to the development of the elaborate pyrotechnics display that is a hallmark of Thrissur Pooram.
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- Evolution of Thrissur Pooram
- Over the years, Thrissur Pooram has evolved into one of the largest and most famous temple festivals in Kerala, attracting thousands of spectators and participants from around the world.
- The festival has become a symbol of communal harmony, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate and participate in the festivities.
- Rituals and Traditions
- Thrissur Pooram is marked by various rituals and traditions, including the ceremonial processions of caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion music performances, and the grand finale of fireworks.
- The festival also features a display of traditional art forms, such as Kathakali, Theyyam, and Thiruvathira Kali, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
- Impact and Legacy
- Thrissur Pooram has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Kerala, influencing the way temple festivals are celebrated across the state.
- The festival has also become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who come to witness its grandeur and experience Kerala’s rich cultural traditions.
Thrissur Pooram 2024 Date
Thrissur Pooram 2024 is scheduled to be held on 19th April, Friday. This date marks the culmination of the week-long festival, which is filled with various cultural and religious events.
Thrissur Pooram Timings
The festivities of Thrissur Pooram 2024 usually begin in the early hours of the morning and continue late into the night. The main highlight of the festival is the grand procession of elephants, which starts in the afternoon and lasts for several hours. It is popularly called as 36 hour long temple festival in Kerala.
Thrissur Pooram 2024 Schedule
Here is a detailed list of the Thrissur Pooram 2024 Festival schedule
- 13 April – Kodiyettam
- 17 April – Sample Vedikettu, 7.00 PM onwards
- 18 April – Poora Vilambharam, 10.00AM
- 19 April – Minor Poorams, 6.00 AM
- 19 April – “Madathil Varavu’ with Panchavadyam, 11 AM
- 19 April – Paramekkavu Pooram, 12:00 PM
- 19 April – Llanjithara Melam (Pandi Melam) by Paramekkavu devaswom, 02:30 PM
- 19 April Divine Durbar Face to Face – ‘Kudamattam’, 05:00 PM
- 20 April – Main Fireworks, 3.00 AM-6.00 AM
- 20 April – Farewell 12:00 PM
- 20 April – Fire Works and End of Pooram, 01:00 PM
Thrissur Pooram Festival Celebrations & Rituals
- Madathil Varavu: The festival begins with the ceremonial processions of elephants, known as Madathil Varavu, from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples to the Vadakkunnathan Temple. This ritual is accompanied by traditional percussion music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Kudamattam: One of the main highlights of Thrissur Pooram 2024 is the Kudamattam, where beautifully decorated parasols (kuda) are exchanged between the two groups of elephants representing the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples. This event takes place in front of the Vadakkunnathan Temple and is a spectacular sight to behold.
- Ilanjithara Melam: Another important ritual of Thrissur Pooram 2024 is the Ilanjithara Melam, a traditional percussion ensemble featuring drums, trumpets, and cymbals. The melam is performed by renowned artists and is an integral part of the festival, adding to its cultural charm.
- Fireworks Display: Thrissur Pooram 2024 is also famous for its grand fireworks display, which marks the culmination of the festival. The fireworks are set off in the evening, lighting up the sky and creating a mesmerizing spectacle for the spectators.
- Elephant Procession: The festival features a grand procession of elephants adorned with decorative golden caparisons, carrying idols of deities from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples. The procession winds its way through the streets of Thrissur, accompanied by traditional music and enthusiastic crowds.
- Traditional Arts Performances: Thrissur Pooram 2024 also showcases various traditional art forms of Kerala, such as Kathakali, Theyyam, and Thiruvathira Kali. These performances add to the cultural richness of the festival and provide a glimpse into Kerala’s vibrant artistic heritage.
- Cultural Competitions: As part of the festival, various cultural competitions and events are organized, including traditional dance and music performances, to promote and preserve Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
- Community Participation: Thrissur Pooram 2024 is a festival that brings together people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. It is a symbol of communal harmony and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by the people of Kerala.
Thrissur Pooram 2024 Date and Time
The city is preparing for this year’s Pooram on April 19 with arrangements underway for a safe and vibrant festival. The ‘sample vedikkettu’ (fireworks) is scheduled for April 17 night. The ‘aana chamayam’ exhibition (display of elephant caparisons) by the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Dewaswoms will also commence on April 17.
Thiruvambadi’s Display:
- Dates: April 17 and 18
- Venue: Kausthubam Hall
- Timing: 10 am to 12 pm
Paramekkavu’s Display:
- Venue: Agrashala Hall in Round East
- Inauguration: April 17 at 10 am
- Display Timings:
- April 17: Until 10 pm
- April 18: 8 am to 12 am
- Events: Distribution of awards and honors
Thrissur Pooram Exhibition 2024
The All India Agricultural, Industrial, Educational, and Cultural Exhibition, popularly known as the Thrissur Pooram Exhibition, is a collaborative effort by the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple Devaswom and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple Devaswom. Held in Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur city, this exhibition before the Thrissur Pooram 2024 festival and typically lasts for 40 to 50 days. It is renowned as the largest exhibition in Kerala, both in terms of attendance and floor space.
Thrissur Pooram Exhibition 2024 starting date: 13/04/2024
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Open Daily)
Entrance Fee: 35 Rupees
Duration: 55 Days
Thrissur Pooram Temple
The Thrissur Pooram festival is associated with two main temples in Thrissur, Kerala and you can also check the Thrissur Pooram official website for details on Temples.
Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Location: Situated on the southern side of Vadakkunnathan Temple.
- Role in Thrissur Pooram: Plays a significant role as one of the main participants in the festival.
- Elephant Procession: Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple’s elephants are part of the grand procession during the Pooram festival.
- Aana Chamayam: The temple’s elephants are adorned with beautiful and elaborate caparisons as part of the festival rituals.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
- Location: Located on the northern side of Vadakkunnathan Temple.
- Participation in the Pooram: Another key participant in the festival, along with Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple.
- Elephant Procession: Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple’s elephants also take part in the procession, adding to the grandeur of the event.
- Aana Chamayam: Like Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple also dresses up its elephants in stunning caparisons for the festival.
In conclusion, Thrissur Pooram 2024 is not just a festival; it is a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. It is a spectacle that should not be missed by anyone visiting Kerala during the festival season.
How to Reach Thrissur
By Air:
- The nearest airport to Thrissur is the Cochin International Airport, located about 55 kilometers away.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thrissur. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Train:
- Thrissur has a major railway station, well-connected to various cities across India.
- You can take a train to Thrissur Railway Station and then take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach your destination within the city.
By Bus:
- Thrissur is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. You can easily book bus tickets to Thrissur on AbhiBus to reach Thrissur for Thrissur Pooram 2024.
- You can take a state-run or private bus to reach Thrissur. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates regular bus services to and from Thrissur.
By Car:
- If you are traveling by car, you can drive to Thrissur via National Highway 544 or other state highways, depending on your starting point.
- The city is well-connected by a network of roads, and you can easily reach Thrissur from nearby cities and towns. Here are some of the frequently booked bus routes by people to reach Thrissur
What is Thrissur Pooram?
Thrissur Pooram is a famous annual Hindu temple festival held in Kerala, India. It is known for its grandeur, rich traditions, and vibrant festivities. The festival is a celebration of culture, art, and religion, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from around the world.
When is Thrissur Pooram 2024?
Thrissur Pooram 2024 is scheduled to be held on April 19th.
How many elephants are in Thrissur Pooram?
Thrissur Pooram 2024 is famous for its procession of elephants. Traditionally, the festival features a display of around 50 to 100 decorated elephants from various temples in and around Thrissur. These elephants are adorned with colorful and intricate caparisons, and they participate in the grand procession, adding to the splendor of the event.
