Thrissur Pooram

Name: Thrissur Pooram
Start: 2025-05-05
Location: Thrissur

Kerala’s Grandest Festival of Elephants, Drums, and Umbrellas

2026/04/30

Every spring, the city of Thrissur in Kerala is swept up in a whirlwind of color, rhythm, and devotion during Thrissur Pooram. Known as the “Mother of all Poorams,” this festival transforms the grounds of Vadakkunnathan Temple for one day in April or May into a living stage of lavishly decorated elephant processions, thunderous drums, and the cheers of a massive crowd. Locals, pilgrims, and travelers from around the world are captivated by the overwhelming sense of unity and energy.

Thrissur Pooram is held every April or May (Malayalam month of Medam) at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala. It is one of Kerala’s largest festivals, drawing people from across India and abroad who wish to experience the harmony of tradition, artistry, and community.

Main Attractions

Elephant Parade and Kudamattom (Umbrella Exchange)

The centerpiece of the festival is a grand procession of up to 50 elephants, each lavishly adorned with golden ornaments (nettipattam), bells, and silk umbrellas. The highlight is “Kudamattom,” a dramatic contest where teams atop the elephants rapidly exchange vibrantly colored umbrellas, drawing huge cheers from the crowd. The sight of the elephants lined up in front of the temple is truly breathtaking.

Ilanjithara Melam and Traditional Music

Kerala’s largest traditional orchestra, the Ilanjithara Melam, features more than 250 percussionists. Chenda drums, elathalam cymbals, kombu horns, and kurumkuzhal pipes all play in unison, filling the air with hypnotic rhythms. The crowd moves and dances to the waves of sound, and the scent of incense and fresh flowers completes the ecstatic, sacred atmosphere.

Fireworks and Nighttime Spectacle

At night, the festival reaches its peak with the legendary “Vedikkettu” fireworks. Roaring explosions and showers of sparks light up the sky, reflecting off the ancient temple walls and creating a magical scene. The feel of flower petals underfoot and the cool night breeze further stimulate the senses.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants and spectators dress in traditional Kerala attire: crisp white mundus, colorful saris, and jasmine garlands. Elephants are adorned with gold, silver, and silk, while the temple and streets are decorated with banners, flowers, and lights. The feel of smooth silk, the weight of garlands, and the gleam of polished metal all contribute to the festival’s tactile beauty.

Traditional Food and Drink

Food stalls offer Kerala specialties: steaming appam (rice pancakes), spicy kadala curry, banana chips, and sweet payasam. The aroma of coconut, cardamom, and fried snacks mingles in the air, and sipping cool coconut water or chai while watching the festivities is a simple pleasure for many.

Cultural and Historical Background

Thrissur Pooram began in 1796, when Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, united ten temples after they were denied entry to the Arattupuzha Pooram due to rain. He envisioned a festival that would foster community unity and showcase temple arts on a grand scale. Today, Thrissur Pooram stands as a symbol of inclusivity, artistry, and devotion, attracting people of all backgrounds. The festival honors Lord Shiva, the main deity of Vadakkunnathan Temple, and is a living testament to Kerala’s rich culture.

Participant Voices

"I came from Mumbai for the first time and was overwhelmed by the scale and unity of the festival. I joined a local family for the Ilanjithara Melam, danced together, and was moved by the warmth of strangers." — Rohan, visitor

Fun Facts

Up to 50 elephants, each weighing over 4 tons, appear at Thrissur Pooram adorned in gold ornaments.
During Kudamattom, more than 30 different umbrella designs may be exchanged in a single session.
Over 100,000 people gather in a single day, making it one of India’s largest temple festivals.