Thrissur Pooram - The Pride of Kerala

Every Medam month (April‑May), my heart beats to the rhythm of Thrissur Pooram. Born in 1796 by Maharaja Shakthan Thampuran, this festival united ten temples around Vadakkunnathan Temple after political exclusion at Arattupuzha Pooram.

Today, it draws over two million attendees yearly — a remarkable rise from a few thousand in the 18th century, reflecting its evolution into Kerala’s cultural powerhouse.

The Modern Festivities

What began as a humble gathering now is famed festival featuring:

Over 50 decorated elephants with Nettipattam (golden headdresses)

The explosive Ilanjithara Melam: ~250 traditional percussionists for 4 hours

A fiery fireworks duel between Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu

Each year, the extravagent celebration costs millions, with local hotels and terraces filled to capacity.

⭐ Not-to-Miss Highlights in the festival

Kudamattam: Rapid umbrella exchange atop caparisoned elephants – a rhythm of colour.

Ilanjithara Melam: The highlight of the festival - a crescendo of drums, trumpets, cymbals under the Vadakkunnathan Temple tree

Vedikkettu: Day and night fireworks that light the Kerala sky until dawn.

Upacharam Cholli Piriyal: Elephants raise trunks in farewell — deeply moving

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🗓️ All at a Glance

When	🏴 Kodiyettam - Last week in April 🎆 Main pooram & fireworks – First week of May
Where	📌 Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, near Vadakumnathan Temple
How to get there	✈️  By Air: Cochin (55 km); 🚊 By Train: Thrissur railway station  Buses connect regionally
Nearby attractions:	Vadakkumnathan Temple - Directions 🦁 Thrissur Zoo & Museums - Directions 🦌 Peechi‑Vazhani Sanctuary - Directions 🌊 Athirappilly Falls - Directions
Weather (Apr-May)	Expect hot, humid weather (~30 °C daytime) Brief showers Carry umbrellas and water
Clothing & where to buy	Light cotton (mundu/saree or kurtha), hat/scarf to protect from heat. Buy kasavu sari/dhoti at Vadakkunathan Market or Sree Vadakkan town bazaar (~₹500–2,000)
Festival foods to try	Pazham Pori – Delicious and crispy banana fritters with ripe nendran bananas Ada Pradhaman – Kerala’s traditional rich rice pudding made with ada (rice chunks), jaggery and coconut milk
Child-friendly	Yes – Thekkinkadu Maidan is open and spacious, but always keep children safe and with you given the crowd and elephants in the festival
Best transport	Auto-rickshaw on-foot inside city Taxi/buses from Cochin