Kerala is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. This state is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals.
Thrissur Pooram festival stands out as one of the most spectacular festivals in Kerala. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, experiencing the Thrissur Pooram, is a must-attend event should be at the top of your list. This Kerala festival is a mesmerizing blend of tradition, celebration, and devotion that draws thousands of visitors from around the world. Amazing fireworks and caparisoned elephant performances are known as the crown jewel of Kerala festivals.
What is the Thrissur Pooram Festival?
The Thrissur Pooram Festival in Kerala is an annual Hindu temple festival celebrated in the city of Thrissur, Kerala. People celebrate this festival around more than 200 years ago by the legendary ruler Sakthan Thampuran. During this festival, various smaller poorams come together (temple festivals) into one grand celebration centered around the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The Pooram festival brings together around 10 temples from across Thrissur, which makes it grand and stunning, representing unity, devotion, and grandeur. The Thrissur Pooram festival is also known as the “mother of all temple festivals” in Kerala.
When is Thrissur Pooram?
If you are wondering "when is Thrissur Pooram?", mark your calendars May 6, 2025, where the 229th Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated. The festival takes place on the Pooram Nakshatram (star) in the Malayalam month of Medam, which usually falls in April or May.
On April 30, 2025: Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting), festival officially begins with Kodiyettam, the ceremonial flag hoisting, marking the start of the Pooram celebrations.
On May 6, 2025: Celebration of Thrissur Pooram, which is the main day of the festival, featuring grand processions, cultural performances, and the famous Kudamattam and fireworks.
On April 30, 2025: Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting), festival officially begins with Kodiyettam, the ceremonial flag hoisting, marking the start of the Pooram celebrations.
On May 6, 2025: Celebration of Thrissur Pooram, which is the main day of the festival, featuring grand processions, cultural performances, and the famous Kudamattam and fireworks.
What is the History Behind the Thrissur Pooram?
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Raja Rama Varma (Sakthan Thampuran) started this festival, who was the king of Cochin. The reason behind the formation of the Thrissur Pooram festival is Arattupuzha Pooram. Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Cochin from 1790 to 1805 started Thrissur Pooram. The temple festival dates 200 years back and is known for its rich cultural portrayal. In the year 1796, due to heavy rains, a group of temples were banned from attending the Arattupuzha Pooram festivals. After hearing this, people got angry and he went to King Raja Rama Varma for justice. Then he gave a solution to the Thrissur and its surrounding villages people to celebrate their own Temple festival.
He ordered the 10 temples surrounding Thrissur to bring their deities to Vadakkunnathan Temple to celebrate a massive temple festival. From the day this Thrissur Pooram festival was started it became popular which is also known as Poorams of Kerala, even Arattupuzha.
He ordered the 10 temples surrounding Thrissur to bring their deities to Vadakkunnathan Temple to celebrate a massive temple festival. From the day this Thrissur Pooram festival was started it became popular which is also known as Poorams of Kerala, even Arattupuzha.
Which Ten Temples Participate in Thrissur Pooram?
The Name of the Ten Temples participating in the Thrissur Pooram:
- Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Nethilakkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Karamukku Bhagavathy Temple
- Ayyanthole Bhagavathy Temple
- Laloor Bhagavathy Temple
- Choorakkottukavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Chembukkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple
- Kanimangalam Sastha Temple.
Deities Worshipped in the Thrissur Pooram Festival
Thrissur Pooram is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: The main deity of Thrissur Pooram, Lord Shiva, is worshipped at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Plus, people take blessings from Goddess Parvati In Vadakkunnathan Temple who is consort of Lord Shiva.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: The main deity of Thrissur Pooram, Lord Shiva, is worshipped at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Plus, people take blessings from Goddess Parvati In Vadakkunnathan Temple who is consort of Lord Shiva.
Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple: The Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple represents Bhagavathy (Devi/Durga), but it is believed that Lord Krishna is also revered here.
This temple is one of the main participants in the Pooram festival.
Paramekkavu & Thiruvambadi Temple: Devotees worship Goddess Durga at Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, both playing key roles in the Pooram.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple: Lord Krishna worshipped at Thiruvambadi Temple during Thrissur Pooram festival.
On this amazing festival, devotees celebrate the worship of Lord Shiva at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Why not invite some divine blessings into your space with a beautiful Lord Shiva statue from Cottage9? It’s a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the occasion.
Paramekkavu & Thiruvambadi Temple: Devotees worship Goddess Durga at Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, both playing key roles in the Pooram.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple: Lord Krishna worshipped at Thiruvambadi Temple during Thrissur Pooram festival.
On this amazing festival, devotees celebrate the worship of Lord Shiva at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Why not invite some divine blessings into your space with a beautiful Lord Shiva statue from Cottage9? It’s a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the occasion.
What are the Main Attractions of Kerala Thrissur Pooram Festival?
The Majestic Elephant Procession
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of the Thrissur Pooram Hindu Festival is the grand procession of richly decorated elephants. Around 50 beautifully adorned elephants, with golden caparisons (nettipattam), peacock-feathered fans, and colorful umbrellas, line up for a breathtaking display of regal beauty.
The Umbrella Exchange Ceremony
The most exciting visual spectacle of the Thrissur Pooram Festival is the Kudamattam. It is a friendly competition between the two major participating temples – Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple. The teams display a mesmerizing series of vibrant, silk-crafted umbrellas atop the elephants, changing them in quick succession, delighting the spectators.
The Musical Extravaganza
A highlight of Thrissur Pooram is the soul-stirring traditional percussion ensemble, featuring instruments like chenda, maddalam, kombu, elathalam, and edakka. The rhythmic beats of Panchavadyam and Melam create a trance-like atmosphere, leaving the audience enthralled.
Grand Fireworks Show
Thrissur Pooram is synonymous with stunning fireworks displays that light up the night sky. The festival features a massive pyrotechnic show, where competing temple groups launch spectacular fireworks in a friendly contest. This tradition, spanning centuries, attracts thousands of spectators from across the world.
The Vibrant Procession of Deities
The Thrissur Pooram Festival in Kerala is incomplete without the ceremonial procession of the deities from the participating temples. Each idol is carried on a caparisoned elephant, accompanied by traditional music, creating a divine and electrifying atmosphere.
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of the Thrissur Pooram Hindu Festival is the grand procession of richly decorated elephants. Around 50 beautifully adorned elephants, with golden caparisons (nettipattam), peacock-feathered fans, and colorful umbrellas, line up for a breathtaking display of regal beauty.
The Umbrella Exchange Ceremony
The most exciting visual spectacle of the Thrissur Pooram Festival is the Kudamattam. It is a friendly competition between the two major participating temples – Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple. The teams display a mesmerizing series of vibrant, silk-crafted umbrellas atop the elephants, changing them in quick succession, delighting the spectators.
The Musical Extravaganza
A highlight of Thrissur Pooram is the soul-stirring traditional percussion ensemble, featuring instruments like chenda, maddalam, kombu, elathalam, and edakka. The rhythmic beats of Panchavadyam and Melam create a trance-like atmosphere, leaving the audience enthralled.
Grand Fireworks Show
Thrissur Pooram is synonymous with stunning fireworks displays that light up the night sky. The festival features a massive pyrotechnic show, where competing temple groups launch spectacular fireworks in a friendly contest. This tradition, spanning centuries, attracts thousands of spectators from across the world.
The Vibrant Procession of Deities
The Thrissur Pooram Festival in Kerala is incomplete without the ceremonial procession of the deities from the participating temples. Each idol is carried on a caparisoned elephant, accompanied by traditional music, creating a divine and electrifying atmosphere.
Why is Thrissur Pooram is Special?
Every year, the Thrissur Pooram Festival gets more amazing, it's set to be the biggest and most spectacular festival in Kerala. After a few years of changes and restrictions because of the pandemic, people are ready for a fantastic celebration filled with excitement.
How to Arrive at the Thrissur Festival in Kerala?
To get the best experience, arrive in Thrissur at least a day before. The main events unfold from morning to midnight, so it’s best to secure your spot early in the day.
By Air:
Take a flight for Cochin International Airport which is located approximately 55 km from Thrissur. After landing, you can hire a cab or take a public bus to Thrissur from the airport.
By Train:
You can book a train to Thrissur railway Station which is a major railhead in Kerala and well-connected to other parts of India. From Station, You can take a cab or auto-rickshaw as per your convenience to the venue.
By Road:
There is no doubt Thrissur is well-connected by road or you can hire a cab from any part of Kerala. Buses and cabs are also available from major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum to Thrissur.
By Air:
Take a flight for Cochin International Airport which is located approximately 55 km from Thrissur. After landing, you can hire a cab or take a public bus to Thrissur from the airport.
By Train:
You can book a train to Thrissur railway Station which is a major railhead in Kerala and well-connected to other parts of India. From Station, You can take a cab or auto-rickshaw as per your convenience to the venue.
By Road:
There is no doubt Thrissur is well-connected by road or you can hire a cab from any part of Kerala. Buses and cabs are also available from major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum to Thrissur.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Thrissur Pooram?
- Experience Kerala’s Most Vibrant Festival – If you want to witness the heart of Kerala’s culture, Thrissur Pooram 2025 is the best opportunity.
- Witness of Huge Fireworks Display – The scale and grandeur of the Pooram fireworks are unmatched in India.
- Traditional Music and Dance Performances – The electrifying beats of Panchavadyam and Melam create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- A Visual Treat of Decorated Elephants – The massive procession of elephants adorned in golden attire is an unforgettable spectacle.
- Witness the Ultimate Show of Devotion and Celebration – The festival blends spirituality, competition, and celebration into one thrilling event.
Wrapping Up
Thrissur Pooram is not just a festival, it promises to be a magnificent celebration of faith, culture, and community. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a photography enthusiast, or a culture lover, the Thrissur Pooram Festival offers an unforgettable experience.
If you want to witness the grandeur of Kerala's biggest festival, it is the perfect year to do so. Cottage9 answers all your queries through this blog. Immerse yourself in the spectacular celebrations and celebrate Thrissur Pooram with your family and friends to experience its rich culture and heritage.
If you want to witness the grandeur of Kerala's biggest festival, it is the perfect year to do so. Cottage9 answers all your queries through this blog. Immerse yourself in the spectacular celebrations and celebrate Thrissur Pooram with your family and friends to experience its rich culture and heritage.
