In the realm of God’s Own Country, the illustrious Thrissur Pooram stands as a pinnacle of grandeur and adventure, beckoning individuals from every corner of the earth to behold its magnificence. This culturally vibrant affair boasts over 100 celebrity elephants parading amidst their devoted fans, accompanied by throngs of locals from Thrissur and onlookers from across the globe.
Awaiting this annual spectacle, they immerse themselves in the resounding beats of Pandi melam, basking in the pride of their heritage, a flame that burns bright until the arrival of the next Pooram.
Continue reading this Wego article to familiarize yourself with all the necessary information prior to your journey to Thrissur, where you’ll witness the majestic spectacle of Thrissur Pooram.
Table of Contents
What is Thrissur Pooram?
Thrissur Pooram is an annual extravaganza held in the cultural heartland of Kerala, Thrissur. This is an event comprising many small events organized by local temples featuring elephants and various beats of music.
This iconic event owes its inception to the visionary leadership of the Majesty of Cochin, Sakthan Thampuran. Before the emergence of Thrissur Pooram, the premier Pooram celebration in Kerala was held at Arattupuzha. However, a significant incident during one rainy season changed the course of history.
Amidst the annual downpour, temples from Thrissur en route to Arattupuzha got delayed and were subsequently denied participation, facing humiliation upon arrival. Outraged by this injustice, the aggrieved temples sought redressal from Sakthan Thampuran. In a bold move, he swiftly conceptualized and launched Thrissur’s own rendition of Pooram, vowing to orchestrate it with unparalleled grandeur.
Centuries have passed since that decisive moment, yet both Poorams endure. Nevertheless, Thrissur Pooram has transcended local boundaries to attain global recognition, while the once-prominent Arattupuzha Pooram now lives on solely through the tales spun by the magnificence of Thrissur Pooram.
Book cheap flights to Kerala
Thrissur Pooram elephants
The elephants participating in Thrissur Pooram are esteemed as local celebrities, boasting dedicated fan clubs and groups. Some of these elephants attain remarkable popularity, often rivaling that of cinema celebrities, particularly during events like Pooram. Despite their high demand, these elephants receive meticulous care and luxurious treatment before their grand appearance at the festival.
Throughout Pooram, the elephants are closely monitored for any signs of discomfort or irregular behavior. Despite the participation of over 100 elephants in the event, incidents of trouble for festival visitors are rare. This is largely attributed to the sincere care and affection bestowed upon them by their mahouts, coupled with the meticulous planning that exerts no strain on the elephants. They are showcased to the public for only brief intervals during events, with different elephants of the same group taking turns.
In the unlikely event of accidents or instances where an elephant becomes agitated, specialized squads stand ready to swiftly intervene and regain control within seconds. This proactive approach ensures the safety of both the elephants and the spectators, preserving the harmony and celebratory atmosphere of the festival.
Please note: The dates listed in below sections are estimated dates for the event in 2025 according to the Malayalam calendar.
Thrissur Pooram 2025 date
Thrissur Pooram is a festival celebrated over the course of an entire week, with roads and streets adorned with lights in anticipation of the majestic elephant processions. Below are some of the significant dates for Thrissur Pooram 2025:
- 01 May: Kodiyettam
- 05 May: Chamayam and Sample fireworks
- 06 May: Pooram Vilambaram
- 07 May: Thrissur Pooram
- 08 May: Morning fireworks and noon farewell
Thrissur Pooram 2025 schedule
Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin from 1790 to 1805 and the mastermind behind this entire festival, orchestrated a series of elaborate yet interconnected events, each bearing significant importance.
This carefully structured sequence in its entirety is what we recognize as the Thrissur Pooram.
Kodiyettam
In Malayalam, “Kodi” refers to a pole, and “Ettam” means to raise; together, “Kodiyettam” signifies the raising of the pole, symbolizing the commencement of Pooram festivities. This ritual occurs at all temples involved in the Pooram, particularly at the two main temples participating, namely, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu.
For the year 2025, you can witness the poles being raised and flags waving at both these temples on 01 May, heralding the excitement of the upcoming week-long celebrations.
Chamayam
Every year for Thrissur Pooram, the ornaments and decorations adorning the elephants are crafted from scratch specifically for this grand event. This process begins over six months prior to the Pooram. Before being adorned onto the elephants, these intricate decorations are displayed to the public one day before the Pooram. For the year 2025, Chamayam falls on 05 May.
The two main temples participating in the event showcase their creations at two different venues. To witness the Paramekkavu Chamayam, head over to Parmekkavu Agrashala, and for Thiruvambady Chamayam, head over to Kousthubam.
Expect large crowds and queues as people from across the town gather outside these venues to admire the craftsmanship of the artisans and eagerly anticipate the grandeur of the following day’s Pooram festivities.
Sample fireworks
On the evening of 05 May 2025, make your way to Swaraj Round in Thrissur for a breathtaking fireworks exhibition. Be ready for the resounding bursts of crackers filling the sky with an immersive blend of light and sound.
However, if you find this display awe-inspiring, brace yourself for even more astonishment, as it’s just a glimpse of what’s to come. The grand fireworks spectacle takes place on the concluding day of Pooram, in the early hours of the morning.
Pooram Vilambaram
Just a day before Thrissur Pooram, from the quaint town of Kuttur, an elephant from Neithilakkavu Temple embarks on a majestic journey towards the heart of the festivities, Vadakkumnathan Temple. Here, it performs a sacred ritual, opening the southern door of the temple known as the “Thekke Gopura Nadavaathil,” a door opened only twice a year – once for Pooram and the other for Shivarathri.
As the door swings open, a throng of spectators gathers, witnessing the rare spectacle. “Vilambaram” in Malayalam means announcement, and this procession, along with the elephant’s opening of the door, serves as a message for the town, proclaiming the imminent arrival of Thrissur Pooram. This moment marks the true commencement of the festival’s fervor.
To experience the pulse of the celebration, join the crowds near the temple on 06 May 2025.
Thrissur Pooram
The main day of Pooram commences with 8 “Ghataka Poorams” or “Cheru Poorams” (Small Poorams). These involve elephants from distant temples converging at Vadakkumnathan Temple, each with its own separate set of instrumentalists and a lineup of elephants.
On 07 May 2025, step into Vadakkumnathan Temple to witness this extraordinary event. The 8 individual Ghataka Poorams, in order, feature the following deities from their respective temples:
- Kanimangalam Shasthavu
- Panamukkambilli Shasthavu
- Chembukkavu Karthyayani
- Pookkattikkara Kaaramukku Bhagavathy
- Choorakkottukavu Bhagavathy
- Laloor Bhagavathy
- Ayyanthol Karthyayani
- Neithilakkavu Bhagavathy
Madathil Varavu and Panchavadhyam
While the Ghataka Poorams unfold within the Vadakkumnathan Temple, there are equally significant events outside the temple grounds, such as the Madathil Varavu and Panchavadyam organized by the Thiruvambady Temple.
It’s fascinating to observe that Panchavadyam, a deeply respected art form of South India, traces its origins back to Thrissur Pooram itself. At the same time, the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple presents a smaller Melam as a precursor to their magnificent event, the Ilanjithara Melam.
Ilanjithara Melam and Pandi Melam
After the conclusion of all the Ghataka Poorams, the elephants from the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple, having enjoyed the Melam, proceed to enter the Vadakkumnathan Temple for the renowned Ilanjithara Melam. The name “Ilanji” refers to the Bullet Wood tree, “thara” denotes base, and “melam” signifies orchestrated beats, collectively representing beats under the Bullet Wood tree.
This grand spectacle showcases over 250 instrumentalists, creating a captivating ambiance for the Pooram, which lasts an impressive four hours and features the resonating beats of Chendas accompanied by musical instruments such as Elathalam, Kombu, and Kurunkuzhal. Meanwhile, outside the Vadakkumnathan Temple, elephants accompanied by Panchavadyam from Madathil Varavu gather for the Pandi Melam, a ritual of equal significance and importance as Ilanjithara Melam.
Kudamattam
After the continuous drumming and energizing of the entire crowd with the Ilanjithara and Pandi melam, the elephants from Paramekkavu exit Vadakkumnathan Temple through the Southern exit while awaiting the entrance of the Thiruvambady elephants. Once the Pandi melam concludes and the Thiruvambady elephants exit through the same Southern exit, the two sets of elephants face each other, setting the stage for the epic battle and rivalry in a competition-like event called the Kudamattam.
In Malayalam, “Kuda” translates to umbrella, and “maatam” to change. Hence, “Kudamaatam” signifies the ceremonial changing of umbrellas. This occasion serves as a platform to exhibit the finest umbrellas crafted by competing temples for the Pooram festival.
The umbrellas are showcased and unfurled above the elephants amidst an enthusiastic crowd of spectators and locals. Regarded as one of the most exhilarating events of Thrissur Pooram, it garners a massive following and audience.
Following the Kudamaatam, the main thidambu carrying elephants from both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu return to their respective huts. Subsequently, the Night Poorams commence, which are repetitions of the morning Ghataka Poorams but held during the night.
Morning fireworks
Following the Night Poorams, around 2:30 AM the next day, the deafening explosions of crackers at Swaraj Round jolt the entire town of Thrissur awake. The sheer magnitude and intensity of the fireworks are such that the glass windows of buildings surrounding Swaraj Round are specially insulated to protect against vibrations during the display.
If you’re sensitive to loud sounds, it’s advisable to steer clear of this event. However, if you’re eager to witness this spectacular event alongside the people of Thrissur, prepare to be amazed by this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
Upacharam Cholli Piriyal (Farewell)
Image © The Hindu
On the final day of Pooram, the main tuskers from Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady emerge from their tents and walk towards the Vadakkumnathan Temple, taking their positions opposite each other. The spectators, a sea of eager faces, lean forward in excitement, their eyes fixed on the monumental moment unfolding before them.
With a sense of solemnity, the elephants lift their trunks high into the air, a gesture of respect and camaraderie. Their silent exchange speaks volumes as they bid farewell, promising to return for another year of revelry, ensuring that the spirit of Pooram lives on.
As the two tuskers exchange gestures and bid farewell to the temple, a modest fireworks display announces the end of the magnificent Pooram celebrations. The cheers of the crowd blend with the crackling of fireworks, reverberating through the atmosphere, signifying the official close of the grand event.
Departing from the venue, onlookers carry memories imprinted in their minds, their spirits still reverberating with the rhythms of Ilanjithara, casting a nostalgic glance back at the Vadakkumnathan Temple filled with hopes for the swift return of the next Pooram.
Thrissur Pooram 2025 location
Nearly every event of Thrissur Pooram either commences or concludes at the Vadakkumnathan Temple located at Swaraj Round in Thrissur. Throughout the festivities, the temple remains a hub of activity, offering something of interest at all times.
Please refer to the corresponding section above for detailed information about each event and its specific location. From there, you can effortlessly find your way to your desired event venue.
