The celebrated Thrissur Pooram, a central annual Hindu festival in Kerala, is anticipated to be held this year within the confines of temple grounds, featuring significantly fewer participants due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures. This marks the first time since the festival’s inception that such changes have been implemented.
Understanding the Origins and Significance of Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is celebrated each year in sync with the star sign “Pooram”, which aligns with the Malayalam calendar month of “Medam,” corresponding to April-May in the Gregorian calendar. The original concept of the festival can be traced back to Raja Rama Varma – or Sakthan Thampuran – the Maharaja of Cochin (1790–1805).
Thrissur Pooram stands out as a unique congregation of multiple temples. Ten temples from Thrissur and its vicinity participate in the festival as a united front. The festival is regarded as an occasion where the deities from these temples convene to pay their respects to Lord Shiva at the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The latter is conveniently situated in the heart of Thrissur, making it the focal point of the festival.
The Rituals and Customs of Thrissur Pooram
The Pooram officially commences with the Kodiyettam, a flag hoisting ceremony, which sees the attendance of all participating temples in a grand show of unity and devotion. They engage in a series of rituals and customs that span over several days, providing a vibrant spectacle of traditional Kerala culture.
Among the various traditional customs observed during the festival, the percussion ensemble is considered one of the most iconic. It features traditional musical instruments like the chenda, maddalam, edakka, thimila, and kombu, emphasizing the region’s rich musical heritage.
The final day of the festival, known as “Pakal Pooram,” marks the culmination of the week-long festivities. Despite its roots in Hindu customs, Thrissur Pooram has evolved to include participants from all religious and cultural backgrounds in Kerala.
Thrissur Pooram: A Symbol of Unity and Secularism
One of the most appealing aspects of Thrissur Pooram is its celebration of secularism. Even though it started as a Hindu festival, it has grown beyond religious boundaries and is now characterized by the participation of both Muslims and Christians. They contribute to and participate in the festival in various ways, taking part in different events, thus showcasing the secular spirit of Kerala.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024