A sea of humanity was witnessed at the Kudamattam festival in Thrissur Pooram on Sunday. , photo credit: Najeeb KK
People thronged the streets on Sunday to soak in the festive spirit of Thrissur Pooram, where religious fervor and festivity mingled.
The festival lived up to its promise of being picture perfect. It was religiously conservative and yet predominantly carnivalesque. Over 100 majestic jumbos in the parade, thrilling rhythms of percussion instruments, religious ceremonies and breathtaking fireworks were presented to the Pooram lovers.
As expected, a large number of people thronged Thekinkadu ground since morning to enjoy the glory of the festival. It was fun with a roaring crowd, hypnotic drummers and flute players, and plenty of food and drink.
The rain clouds dropped from the sky of Thrissur as if the deities were pleased with the prayers of the Pooram lovers. Despite the red alert, the weather remained pleasant throughout the day. It rained heavily in Thrissur till Friday midnight.
Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April–May), Thrissur Pooram marks a symbolic meeting of 10 temples. The festival is confined to the temples of the Goddess and Sasthas. Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswoms are the main participants of the Pooram.
The procession carrying the idols of the participating temples – Kanimangalam Sastha, Naithalakkavu Bhagavathi, Lalur Bhagavathi, Ayyantole Bhagavathi, Panamukampalli Sastha, Chorakottukavu Bhagavathi, Chembukkavu Karthiyani and Karumukku Bhagavathi – left for Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple in the morning.
The arrival of the Kanimangalam institution marked the beginning of the pooram rituals in the morning, followed by processions from other participating temples. The presence of popular elephants Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran and Pambadi Rajan added to the grandeur of Cheru Pooram this time.
Traditional percussion provides appropriate accompaniment for the concert. Thiruvambadi’s Madathil Varavu Melam, perhaps the best panchavadyam in the world, enthralled percussion lovers. The Illanjithara Melam, better known as the Great Symphony, was another highlight.
A sea of humanity gathered at Thekke Gopuranada to watch the Kudamattam, with innumerable umbrellas displayed over decorated elephants. A fancy umbrella by Thiruvambadi Devaswom with a picture of football icon Lionel Messi was the main attraction of the Koodamattam. Around 40 sets of umbrellas in myriad colors were displayed.
If rain doesn’t play spoilsport, the firework show in the early hours of Monday will be a visual treat for fireworks lovers.